The responsibility for providing snow and ice control for dedicated Town streets rests with the Department of Public Works. Snow and Ice control is considered emergency work in that pavement must be cleared any time of the day or night. Because of the potential hazard to the motoring public and the amount of time and money spent on this program careful planning and preparation must be done prior to the snow and ice season. This planning process is made considerably more difficult due to the variable conditions encountered during each storm. Such things as the rate and accumulation of snowfall, moisture content, temperature, time of day or night, wind direction and velocity and duration are all factors that interact to create a unique character for each storm with the result that no two storms are the same.
Goals and Objectives
The chief goal of the Public Works Department is to make all of the public road ways safe and accessible during the winter season. Because of the potential unsafe driving conditions caused by snow, wind and freezing temperatures additional caution is advised when using Town streets during the winter season.
In accordance with the guidelines set herein the Department of Public Works objective is to make all major thoroughfares, secondary roads, local streets, and cul-de-sacs safe and accessible for vehicles after a storm. We will be proactive and pre-treat the roadways when possible. During and after the storm all streets will not necessarily be completely cleared of snow and ice. Some streets may be snow packed and snow can be expected to accumulate adjacent to the traveled portion of a road. As a result motorist's sight distance may be reduced or impaired and caution is advised.
Town streets have been divided into four categories which determine the priority and level of service. The categories are as follows: major thoroughfares, secondary streets, local streets and cul-de-sacs.
Major thoroughfares are roads that facilitate traffic coming into and through the Town. The following roads have been designated as major thoroughfares.
Ronald Reagan Parkway
Perry Road
Hadley Road
Stafford Road
Township Line Road
Stanley Road
Vestal Road
South Center Street
Moon Road
Dan Jones Road
Raceway Road
Saratoga Boulevard
Red Pride Drive
Secondary routes are feeder roads that distribute traffic towards the local streets and cul-de-sacs. The following roads have been designated as secondary routes:
Buchanan Street
Hanley Road
Carr Road
Smith Road
Simmons Street
Elm Street
East Street
Longfellow
Shaw street
Wabash Street
Oliver Street.
Brookside Drive.
All other streets are to be considered local streets and cul-de-sacs. These designations are the majority of the streets in Town which serves residential developments.
The Department of Public Works has developed a procedure to perform snow and ice operations of all varying weather conditions. The Department will respond each time we are notified that weather conditions are such that the possibility of a public hazard exists. Since the town has access to private contractors for snow removal additional equipment can be utilized in extreme circumstances.
A key element in implementing an efficient snow and ice control program is receiving timely weather information. Accurate weather forecasting is imperative in deciding which of the various operational procedures will be followed. The Department of Public Works has access to weather information via the internet and TV. These tools help to assist us in the decision making process for the mobilization of manpower and equipment.
As each snow event dictates the Town will utilize all available personnel and resources. The Town's policy shall be that if the snow event is significant enough that all snow cannot be removed during normal working hours Town personnel shall be divided and placed on two twelve hour shifts. The two twelve hour shifts will remain in effect until all roads are free and clear of snow and ice.
It can be expected that snow will be plowed into driveways along the thru streets and cul-de-sacs as a normal part of snow removal operations. Attempts will be made to keep excessive amounts from accumulating; however, each driveway will receive a certain amount of snow. The Town asks that residents do not blow or shovel snow into streets that have already been plowed. In the residential areas under construction the Town will only plow streets that have had the surface asphalt placed.
Reporting Snow Emergencies
If you are involved in or have witnessed an accident please contact 911 for emergency assistance. If you have hazardous road conditions to report please contact the Town of Plainfield Department of Public Works at (317) 839-3490.
Property Damage
The Department of Public Works office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30-4:30. A designated voicemail box is available during non-office hours. Please call to notify the Department of Public Works of property damage. During the course of operations throughout any given winter a certain amount of damage is sustained due to a plow riding over the curb the Department of Public Works will repair said damage as soon as weather conditions permit. If the yard sod was rolled back in such a way that it can be re-used, representatives of the Department will restore it. If the sod is damaged beyond repair the Department of Public Works will restore the area at the earliest availability of material. Topsoil and seed will be. Any damage sustained due to salt brine inadvertently splashed onto a yard during the course of the winter will not be treated or repaired by the Town.
If a Town plow or representative of the Town damages a mailbox either through direct contact or due to the force of the snow rolling off the plow, the mailbox will be repaired or replaced typically 4X4 posts and box. However any decorations, signs or lawn irrigation systems located within limits of the right-of-way are installed at the property owner's risk.
Assistance to Private Property
Under no circumstances will a Town employee be allowed to use a Town owned truck to push, pull, or tow a stranded private vehicle for roadway. Under no circumstances will a Town employee use a Town vehicle to perform any snow removal or ice control operation on private or commercial property nor will the employee be allowed to use Town equipment on his or her own personal property.
Departure From Policy
The Town recognizes that conditions may be so unusual or unexpected that a departure from these general policies should be authorized. Therefore, when conditions warrant, the Superintendent of Public Works in consultation with the Town Manager or his/her designated representative, may order a departure from these general rules when, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Public Works conditions require such action.
No Duty or Right Created
The purpose of this policy is to establish goals and information for the citizens and employees of the Town of Plainfield regarding snow and ice control. This is not to be construed to create any duty to any individual, person, or entity. This policy does not provide any special protection or services to any particular individual or individual group. No additional rights shall be granted any individual or entity simply by adoption and enforcement of this policy. This policy may be affected in total or in part due to equipment breakdown, weather conditions, inadequacy of equipment, state or federal regulations, shortage of personnel, and any other unforeseen, uncontrolled, or unanticipated acts.
