Town Of Arlington: Snow Removal Operations Continue, Don't Push Snow Into Roadways

Press release from Town of Arlington:

02/02/2022 3:30 PM

Feb. 2 Snow Removal Operations Update 

DPW Crews Work Night and Day to Clean Up After Historic snowfall
DPW crews continue snow operations from this historic snow event that left close to two feet of snow in Arlington. DPW has been working both day and night to clear Mass. Ave., major intersections, and around routes to schools. Tonight they will continue with their 3rd overnight snow removal operation.  

DPW thanks residents for their patience and remind everyone to keep catch basins clear, doing so helps to reduce flooding.  

Jan. 30 Update 

The Town-wide Parking Ban in Arlington Lifts Jan. 30, 10AM

Snow Removal Operations Update
Public Works crews worked over 30 hours to clear roadways and need to rest. Crews will return to snow removal operations in full force on Monday to clear sidewalks along Town owned properties, crosswalks on Mass. Ave. and prioritize intersections, and around routes to schools. These operations may take several days to complete.

Post Storm Clean Up
Residents and businesses are reminded to clear public sidewalks and not move snow into the roadways in accordance with Town bylaws.

If you live on a corner, clear a path from the sidewalk to the street. If not precisely on the corner, as close to the corner as you can get.

Other Safety Tips to Consider
- Adopt a fire hydrant and clear snow 3 feet or more away from it.
- Adopt a catch basin and keep it clear. With mild weather predicted after the storm keeping catch basins clear will greatly help to reduce flooding. 
- Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never run an automobile until exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.
- Those with flat roofs, should check them, especially with forecasted rain later in the week.
- Please check in with your neighbors who may need extra assistance

Arlington Alert Subscribers Set Your Caller ID for Future Calls
To more easily identify future Arlington Alert phone calls, please add 781-574-8288 to your contacts as “Arlington Alerts.” If not in your phone contacts, caller ID should display “Arlington, MA.”

If you are not subscribed to receive Arlington Alerts, please go to the member portal by visiting arlingtonma.gov/arlingtonalerts.

January 29, 5:45PM Update

Jan. 29 Snow Removal Operations Update
Parking ban still in effect.
Public Works continues snow removal operations across Arlington. The snow emergency/parking ban is still in effect. Town Officials will continue to monitor conditions and reassess the parking ban Sunday morning. If you do not have to travel, please stay off the roadway. Similarly, if walking around, please exercise caution. Walking in the street impedes snow removal operations, and at night can create dangerous conditions. Public Safety and Public Works personnel want everyone to be safe, so please be mindful.

Storm Clean Up
The Town would also like to remind residents as they clear public sidewalks and driveways not to move snow into the roadways in accordance with Town bylaws. If you live on a corner, clear a path from the sidewalk to the street. If not precisely on the corner, as close to the corner as you can get. Other ways to help with clean-up efforts include shoveling out fire hydrants by your property or that of a neighbor and clearing any catch basins near your property. With warmer weather predicted, pay close attention to catch basins and keep them clear to help reduce flooding.  

** end update **

Snow Emergency/Parking Ban Jan 29, 1:00AM until Further Notice 

The Town has declared a snow emergency/parking ban, effective Saturday, January 29th at 1AM until further notice.

Arlington Libraries will be closed Saturday and Sunday

During a ban, parking is NOT allowed on streets and permitted spots. Vehicles parked are subject to ticketing and towing. Parking WILL BE allowed in municipal lots at all times, rates apply after ban.

After a storm it is equally important for all residents and businesses to keep public walkways, fire hydrants, and catch basins clear. With mild weather predicted after the storm extra care to keep catch basins clear will greatly assist in reducing flooding. 

Bluebikes System Shuts Down at Midnight
With heavy snow in the forecast, the Bluebikes system will be shut down tonight at midnight. We expect to re-open the system by Monday morning. Check for updates on their Twitter feed.

Arlington Alert Subscribers Set Your Caller ID for Future Calls 
To more easily identify future Arlington Alert phone calls, please add 781-574-8288 to your contacts as “Arlington Alerts.” If not in your phone contacts, caller ID should display “Arlington, MA.” 

If you are not subscribed to receive Arlington Alerts, please go to the member portal at by visiting arlingtonma.gov/arlingtonalerts. 
 

General Snow & Ice Reminders 

Exercise Caution if You Need to Travel
During a snow event please exercise caution when traveling and park off-street to help facilitate snow removal operations. After a storm, residents and businesses are reminded to keep public walkways clear in accordance with Town bylaws. Now is a good time to adopt a fire hydrant to keep it clear of snow in the event of an emergency. Catch basins should be cleared year-round to reduce neighborhood flooding.

Important Phone Numbers
Residents are reminded of the following important phone numbers and recommend you print them, or otherwise make them available offline, should you lose power:

- Report downed electrical wires: call 911 and Eversource at 1-800-592-2000.
- Report a power outage to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or at eversource.com.
- Report a downed street tree or limb to DPW dispatch at 781-316-3301. 

Town Bylaws Regarding Snow & Ice Removal
The bylaws require residents and businesses to remove snow and ice from any sidewalks abutting their property following a storm. Residents should remove snow and ice from abutting paved sidewalks within eight hours between sunrise and sunset after a storm, businesses and owners of any residential property utilized for apartment house or multi-unit condominium use that abuts a paved sidewalk have three hours. Please don’t forget to cut a path to the street if you live on a corner. It is also prohibited to move snow into the roadway. Failure to comply with these bylaws can result in a fine of $25 to $50 per day.

Secure Trash & Recycling at Curb
Trash, recycling, and yard waste containers should be on the curb and secured in a manner to prevent them from going into the roadway and impeding snow removal operations. Bylaws require that waste be placed for collection at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the evening before scheduled collection. Items buried in snow will not be collected and if left out on the curb after your collection day may be subject to a fine. Storm conditions may require some extra planning on when to bring out your items. Please plan accordingly.

Be Alerted of Snow Emergencies/Parking Bans
When a snow emergency/parking ban it put into place, the Town will send a notification via Arlington Alerts (phone, text, and email), Town Notices (regular email list), and on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). If you are not subscribed to these methods you may do so at arlingtonma.gov/connect. This information will also be posted on arlingtonma.gov.

To read more information about the Town’s snow operations and what you can do to make Arlington a safe place for all this winter please visit arlingtonma.gov/snow.

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.