Westport's Snow Removal Policy Explained

WESTPORT, CT - From the Westport Public Works Department: Public Works Director Stephen Edwards summarized the Westport snow plowing policy:

“There are 123 miles of streets in the Town of Westport maintained by the Department of Public Works
(DPW),” said Edwards. “Snow removal can cost up to $2500 per hour. Therefore, it is important for the Town to use its resources wisely with cooperation from the residents to provide the appropriate response while minimizing the cost.”

PLOW ROUTES – The streets are plowed and sanded in order of priority. Main (collector) roads are addressed first with special attention to steep hills and difficult intersections. Side streets are done next, then dead end streets. A single pass will be made on side streets to keep them open, but primary emphasis will be placed on main roads until the storm has stopped. This may not seem fair to the residents of side streets or dead end streets, but main roads must remain open.

BLOCKED DRIVEWAYS - All snow plows angle the same way – to the driver’s right. When going by they can not avoid pushing the snow in front of a driveway. The homeowner is responsible for access to his
driveway. The only way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait until DPW crews have completed their final clean up on the street.

SIDEWALKS – Per town ordinance, property owners located within the business district are responsible for
keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.

MAILBOX DAMAGE – The town repairs or replaces only mailboxes and/or posts that are actually struck
by a plow blade. Usually a paint mark or tire tracks supply evidence of a mailbox strike. Westport does not
repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that fall from the force of plowed snow. Mailboxes and supporting
posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow pushed from the
street onto the roadside.

TOWN RIGHT OF WAY - Belgium block, landscaping, dog fences, sprinklers, lights, etc. within the town
right-of- way are subject to damage during winter operations. The town does not repair or replace any such
items installed within the town right-of- way.

PRIVATE PLOWING – The Town of Westport prohibits plow contractors from pushing snow from
driveways or parking lots onto town streets. This practice is dangerous and impedes the town’s snow
removal efforts. If there is no other alternative to pushing snow into the street, the plow driver must plow off
the windrow left across the street by re-plowing until the road is safe. This may not necessarily mean bare
pavement, but certainly it should be no worse than when the driver began work.

Residents who have a question or complaint should call Public Works at (203) 341-1120.

Photo by Saeed Mhmdi via Unsplash