Lombard Public Works crews are ready for snow

Depending on the type of snowfall, the village of Lombard is prepared to complete snow plowing within 10 hours after the snow stops falling for a snowfall under eight inches.

“For example, if we get eight inches of snow in two hours, it will take about 12 hours after the storm passes to complete plowing,” said Surges. “It's important for residents to understand this process and be patient with us during snowstorms.” Residents are asked to please bear in mind that heavier snows take longer to clear and often times a storm event begins at rush hour which causes delays for both the snow removal and traffic.

The following are some commonly asked questions regarding snowfall:

Why does the Village spread salt on the streets?

Salt application begins when precipitation (either snow or ice) starts to accumulate and cause unsafe travel conditions. To completely salt the village streets takes approximately five hours. Public Works uses rock salt as the initial response for winter precipitation. When temperatures drop below 29 degrees, liquid calcium chloride is used as a pre-wetting agent to accelerate the effectiveness of the rock salt. It is the most efficient and cost-effective method of snow and ice control for smaller amounts of winter precipitation. The amount of salt used is determined by total accumulation, temperature and traffic conditions. Vehicle traffic aids the melting action and helps minimize the amount of salt needed. The village uses an average of 2,950 tons of rock salt and 12,600 gallons of liquid calcium chloride per season.

Which streets are cleared first?

The village has an established priority plowing system with specific goals in mind for clearing the 133 miles of street in the village. These priorities are as follows:

1. Maintain accessibility to all streets in the village for emergency vehicles.

2. Maintain major street drivability for the general public.

3. Maintain minor street drivability for residents.

4. Provide normal driving conditions for all major streets.

5. Provide commuter parking facilities and public building accessibility.

6. Provide clear corners within a two block radius of all schools.

7. Provide normal driving conditions for all minor streets.

8. Remove snow in areas plowed to middle of road.

9. Push back corners in plow zones (minor street areas).

10. Provide vehicle access to private garages located off alleys.

Why is my street always last?

It is unfortunate, but many people don't realize when they buy a house on a nice quiet cul-de-sac or dead end that this situation does exist. As outlined in the village's priority list, one of the village's main goals is to maintain major street drivability for the general public and it trickles down from there. Due to the extremely low traffic volume that exists on cul-de-sacs and dead end streets, they are low on the priority list. However, do keep in mind, that if you were to have an emergency, the Public Works Department will respond immediately at the request of the police or fire department to provide access for emergency vehicles.

Who clears downtown?

The village is responsible for clearing the commuter parking lots around the Metra Station as well as the public sidewalks leading to the Metra Station, around commuter parking lots and under the viaduct. Metra is responsible for clearing the platform and each business owner is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of their business. Certain major streets in the downtown area are not conducive to regular snow plowing. For these streets, the village crews will windrow the snow, meaning plow it to the middle of the road, load it with a vehicle mounted snow blower and haul it to off-site locations.

Are there any parking restrictions?

By Village Traffic Code, on-street parking is prohibited for eight hours after the snow stops falling if the snow is one inch deep or more. The only exception is for loading/unloading of passengers or property. Public Works will post on the Village's website as well as use other media to inform the public when the snow on the streets exceeds one inch in depth. Village ordinances prohibit residents from depositing snow on the parkway adjacent to the street or blowing/plowing snow into the street.

The village would like to remind residents to not place garbage and/or recycling

cans into the roadway, especially during snowy weather.