Woonsocket Announces Street Sweeping Schedule

WOONSOCKET, RI—Though nothing will compare to the virtual beach that ended up on some city streets at the end of last winter, there still is plenty of sand for city crews to begin sweeping up this spring.

The mayor's office has released the street sweeping schedule for 2016 with crews out in the North End District begining the week of April 18.

Work should be finished by July 1 with the East Woonsocket District greeting the street sweepers last on the list, starting the week of June 13.

Dates are subject to change and "areas are selected in a clockwise fashion starting with the next district each calendar year," according to a city news release.

"I am hopeful residents have seen a dramatic improvement in timeliness and results of this program," Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt said.

Here's the schedule:

• North End District: 04/18
• Fairmount District: 05/02
• Globe District: 05/16
• Bernon District: 05/31
• East Woonsocket District: 06/13

The Department of Public Works encourages residents to sweep their sidewalks and other surfaces into the curb before crews arrive.

Crews have already started sweeping primary street with its sweeper and walk-behind rotary brooms, said Public Works Director Steven D'Agostino.

“We have greatly improved the efficiency of this program," the director said.

Last year, the city began with the East Woonsocket District. The city also got to use its new sidewalk sweepers last year.

Based on the current rotation, the Fairmount District will be first on the list next year, followed by the Globe District. The North End District will be at the bottom.

Not only does the removal of sand and other debris on the side of the road make for a prettier city, it improves safety. Sand is slippery for pedestrians, motorcyclists and can even cause issues for cars, especially when sand is built up at an intersection or high-traffic area where traction is important.

Sand also contains contaminants that eventually end up into the water system.