Winter is Here

After several weeks of unseasonably warm weather, the appearance of snow in Winchester is a clear sign that winter is here. The sounds and images of the holiday season are all around and remind us of the onset of New England weather.

Winter for the Town means gearing up to keep the streets safe for travel. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for this activity. The DPW has become prepared by outfitting its trucks with plows and sanders and filling its storage shed with salt and sand. Typically, snowplowing operations begin with scraping, then treating main roadway surfaces with salt. After accumulation of three inches of snow, the DPW begins a full-scale operation consisting of 27 plow routes. During more intensive storms, the DPW will use contractors to assist with the effort.

The initial effort of the DPW is to clear a main passageway for travel. Throughout the storm, trucks will continue to plow snow to the sides of the road. This can be frustrating for residents who have cleared snow from their driveways and sidewalks, but is necessary to accommodate parking and future snow storage. Residents of Winchester can help the Town with its snow plowing operations in the following ways.

Clear hydrants and drains of snow

If possible, clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your property

Keep fences, mailboxes, basketball hoops, bike/skateboard ramps, etc. away from the edge of the road.

Do not park on the road during snow plowing operations.

Limit your travel if possible.

Do not shovel, plow or blow snow back into the roadway.

Sand and salt is available to Winchester residents at the Transfer Station on McKay Avenue.