"Winter Warriors" Ready for Action

When the snow falls, the Department of Public Works “Winter Warriors” rise to the occasion. “Our team puts in a lot of long hours to make sure our streets are clear for safer passage,” said DPW Superintendent Jason Castetter. In fact, 27 crew members use an armada of special ized equipment to keep streets in top condition.

When will your street be cleared? The answer, of course, can depend on several factors, including where you live and the types of roadways leading to your home. According to DPW's Patty Seymour, Plainfield undertakes snow removal according to the following priority:

1. Major thoroughfares such as Ronald Reagan Parkway, Stafford Road, Saratoga Parkway, etc.

2. Secondary streets (i.e., feeder streets leading to and from major thoroughfares; examples: Buchanan Street, Carr Road, Simmons Street, etc.)

3. Local streets (i.e., all other throughstreets, primarily serving residential areas)

4. Cul-de-sacs “Naturally, major streets must be handled first because these affect the greatest number of residents,” Seymour said.

DPW doesn't just respond to events; it can also treat streets in advance. Since 2000, the street department has used Ice Bite (mixed with traditional and natural brines and magnesium chloride) as a preevent surface treatment. Effective to -25°F, Ice Bite reduces potential corrosion on bridges, bridge decks and concrete, and helps prevent ice from bonding to the road surface. DPW also uses Ice Bite S, an environmentally prudent natural liquid treatment effective to -18°F and up to 80% less corrosive than standard brines alone. For more information about the Town's snow clear ing operations, contact Town Garage personnel at 839-3490.

For the snow removal route map, visit www.townofplainfield.com and click on the “Public Works” department link, then the snow route link under “F.A.Q.”

By The Numbers: Winter Warriors and Their Equipment

27 Crew members available for snow removal
24 Hours per day the Winter Warriors will be in action if necessary
13 Trucks with plows and spreaders
9 Trucks with plows
8-12 Hour shifts worked by the Winter Warriors in rotation as necessary
2 Backhoes
1 Loader
1 Salt brine truck for roadway pre-treatment

Snow coming? Here's How You Can Help:

To help make the Town's snow clearing efforts more effective and efficient, here are some Dos and Don'ts:

• Do be patient

• Do understand that the Street Department can only clear snow,not actually remove it. To clear snow from streets it must be pushed to the side; this might create a pile at the end of your driveway

• Do contact the Street Department at 839-3490 if your mailbox is inadvertently damaged during snow clearing operations

• Don't shovel, blow or plow snow back into the street (and don't overexert yourself when clearing snow from walks and drives)

• Don't park on the street when a significant snowfall is predicted; leave room for snow clearing equipment to operate

Hours at Splash Island

During the remaining days of Plainfield Schools' winter break, the Splash Island Indoor Aquatic Center will be open during these extended hours:

Sunday, January 2: ...........1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday, January 3: .........11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, January 4: .........11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, January 5: ......... 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.