Winter Season Information
WINTER SEASON INFORMATION
The town is broken up into 7 plow routes averaging about 12miles each. It takes approximately 4 hours to make a complete round of each route, including intersections and reloading materials, and another 6 hours to clear the roads from curb to curb and at intersections after the snow stops. During snow plow operations, a berm may be left in front of the driveway, which is the responsibility of the resident to clear. Our plow drivers work long hours in hazardous driving conditions, and we appreciate your patience during snow and ice events.Roadway snow removal responsibility is given to the Highway Department. The Road Foreman will decide when to begin snow or ice control operations. Some of the conditions for that decision are:
- When precipitation first starts
- Snow accumulation of 2 inches or more
- Icy conditions which affect safe travel
- Elevation
The Town of Sharon does NOT maintain a bare pavement policy during snowstorms.
Sharon is a big town with a wide range of elevations. In certain cases, roads at higher elevation may be treated when those at lower levels may not.
Reasonable ice and snow control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The Town will provide such control in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and environmental concerns. The Town will use town employees, equipment and/or private contractors to provide this service.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WINTER TIME DAMAGE
The Town is not responsible for damage to property in the ROW. This includes but is not limited to fencing, landscaping, and lawn area. Residents should keep in mind that anything installed within the Towns ROW is done so at the owner’s risk. Anyone who feels that their property was damaged by the Town should submit a letter detailing the damage to the Towns insurance carrier and they will determine if the claim is paid. Mailboxes struck by a piece of plow equipment will be considered for reimbursement. Those that are damaged by snow will not. The Road Foreman will use their judgment on the cause of the damage to the mailbox.
Materials
On paved roads the Town will use treated salt. The treatment allows the Town to use roughly 30% less salt to achieve the same result as un-treated salt. It also allows for melting at lower temperatures. The Town will only use the amount needed to control hazardous or slippery conditions.
On dirt roads the Town will use a mixture comprised predominately of sand. This creates traction and the reduced amount of salt helps keep the road surface firm.
There will be a small amount of salt incorporated to prevent the sand from freezing.
Sand/salt mixture is available for use by Sharon residents on their residential properties. This material is intended for residential use by homeowners only.
Contractors
The Town may use contracted services in the event of a large storm, if there is equipment failure preventing the Town from maintaining the roads in a timely manner, or an employee(s) is absent from work.
Town Ordinance restricts the act of pushing snow back onto a street and doing so may result in a fine of $100. Please be respectful of passing motorists expecting a clear street by not putting snow back onto the street. Effective: October 20, 2018
The following are considered state roads and are not under our maintenance:
- Route 4
- Route 41
- Route 343
- Route 7
- Route 361
Contacts
If you have questions concerning this policy, you may contact:
Jamie Reid – Road Foreman Email: highway1@sharon-ct.org Phone: 860-364-5127
Casey Flanagan - First Selectman Email: casey_f@sharon-ct.org Phone:860-364-5789