Preparation and Experience Keep Road District Ready for Winter Weather

As 2014 ended with generally clear skies, drivers in the Chicago area began to relax just a little in hopes that the “snowpocalypes” of recent years might fade into memory. Staff members at the Northfield Township Road District, however, are maintaining a vigilant watch on weather forecasts, with strategies and supplies on hand to deal with any snowfall accumulations.

“No one wants to see a return of the record cold and snow that we experienced last winter,” acknowledges Highway Commissioner Peter T. Amarantos, “but we do want our residents to feel confident that if and when the weather turns ugly, the Township is ready to keep our roads safe.”

The Northfield Township Road District has responsibility for streets in unincorporated areas of Northbrook and Glenview as well as Wheeling Township. These streets, totaling approximately 56 lane miles of roads, are served by up to seven snow removal vehicles. For this winter, Northfield Township has stockpiled an above-average amount of salt at an especially low cost, thanks to joining with Cook County and the City of Chicago in a bid for salt supplies.

Township vehicles begin plowing and salting based on a combination of factors, including temperature, amount of precipitation, and time of day. “We have detailed plans for all contingencies based on past experience,” notes Amarantos, who has been Highway Commissioner for the Township since 1993. “Our goal during overnight snowfall is to always have our streets completely cleared by 7:00am at the latest.”

According to residents of unincorporated Township neighborhoods, the Road District has been successful in meeting its goals. Kenneth Smith, President of the Glenbrook Countryside Property Owners Association, comments, “We’ve lived here 40 years and they’ve been doing a great job that whole time. The roads are taken care of quickly, and they’re usually clean right down to the pavement. Our neighborhood is usually plowed before Waukegan and Lake Cook Roads.”

Bev Hansen, another resident of Glenbrook Countryside, agrees with Smith’s assessment. “I have been extremely impressed with how fast we are serviced,” comments Bev Hansen, a resident of the Glenbrook Countryside subdivision. “People come to my house from other municipalities and they are not plowed out yet. We’re salted and plowed almost right away.”

Residents of areas covered by the Northfield Township Road District can learn more about their local services by visitingwww.northfieldtownship.com/road-district.html or calling 847 724 7055.

About the Northfield Township Road District:

Located in northern Cook County, Illinois, Northfield Township is comprised of the villages of Glenview, Northbrook and Northfield, and represents nearly 78,000 residents. Working together in a cooperative and professional effort with neighbors, Cook County, the State of Illinois, and the surrounding villages, the Road District identifies problems and develops practical, cost-effective solutions. The Road District also provides assistance with recycling and hazardous waste disposal for Township residents. For more information, visithttp://www.northfieldtownship.com/road-district.html.

Caption: The Northfield Township Road District maintains a vigilant watch on weather forecasts, with strategies and supplies on hand to deal with extreme snowfall accumulations.