Department of Public Works Preparing for Winter Operations

City's First Priority is Ensuring a Safe Roadway System for Motorists

With winter approaching, the City's Department of Public Works is preparing to provide residents with safe, efficient and reliable winter operations. The City's first priority during any winter weather event is to ensure a safe roadway system for the City's motorists regardless of winter weather conditions or time of day.

During winter operations this year, residents can get regular updates about street plowing via an interactive map available at www.naperville.il.us/snowremoval.aspx. This map will show the progress of snow removal efforts throughout a winter storm. When snow events occur, the City's Snow Command Center will also provide information to residents and businesses via Winter Operations Updates when possible at www.naperville.il.us/winteropsupdate.aspx.

Department of Public Works (DPW) employees begin plowing whenever two inches of snow have accumulated on paved surfaces and snow is still falling. The City's goal is to clear all streets within 12 to 14 hours after snowfall has ceased. Please note that heavy, wet snows may take longer to clear. The City has established a priority plowing system so that main traffic routes and thoroughfares are plowed first followed by residential side streets and cul-de-sacs. DPW staff will also monitor the downtown and the train stations with City contractors providing de-icing and plowing services on all sidewalks in that area, parking decks and parking lots.

Residents are asked to please assist DPW crews in their efforts by doing the following:

• Residents should not park on the street during a winter snow event. Parked cars are an obstacle to the snow plows. In addition, plowing around parked cars leaves large areas of snow and ice on the roadway.

• Property owners are responsible for plowing commercial parking lots, driveways and public sidewalks adjoining their homes and businesses. Not keeping sidewalks clear is a City code violation.

• Shovel snow from driveways into the parkway and not into the street. This will help to avoid creating dangerously slippery conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. Shoveling snow into the street is a City code violation.

• Shovel out fire hydrants that are in or around your property and around meters to aid utility meter readers.

• Clear sidewalks of snow for the safety of pedestrians and children walking to school.

• Uncover your mailbox for postal delivery and be sure your mailbox is installed properly. The front edge of the mailbox or sub-frame must measure eight inches behind the back of the curb.

• Help your neighbors. For many residents, age or medical conditions make it difficult to shovel snow without risking health.

Each residence and business received or will receive a winter operations brochure either digitally or by mail with their utility bill in November. This document contains detailed information about the City's snow and ice control procedures. A link, along with more information, is available at www.naperville.il.us/snowremoval.aspx.

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.