Winter Season Snow Plan & Reminders

Submitted by the City of Highland Park

The Public Works Department offers the following information and tips in preparation for this winter season:

When are specific streets plowed?

Under normal conditions all streets are plowed at least once within the first six hours of a three-inch or less snowfall. However, it is important to note initial snow removal operations are staged simultaneously throughout the City and multiple plowing passes along streets are required to move snow to the curb. A winter storm’s magnitude may extend response times. Regardless, snow removal operations will continue until all streets are passable and all parking areas have been cleared.

How is the application of salt managed?

The initial salting effort concentrates on hills, intersections and inherently hazardous areas.

Why do plows occasionally fill driveway approaches?

Plows need to make multiple passes to push snow back to the curbs. Plows initially traverse the center of each street so cars can travel in both directions. Then, the plow trucks return to push the snow back to the curbs. This helps melting snow enter the storm sewers or other drainage systems. The City has approximately 10,000 residential driveways and unfortunately, it is difficult for the plow trucks to avoid filling driveway approaches.

When are sidewalks plowed?

The City maintains approximately 120 miles of public sidewalk. For every snow event, the City plows limited sidewalk areas that are considered high pedestrian foot traffic areas. The areas typically include in and around train stations, in the vicinity of schools, Central and Ravinia business districts, parking garage entrances, and public facilities. Upon accumulation of snow up to four inches, the City’s authorized contractor plows selected sidewalk routes. These plowed routes are residential routes, typically on one side of the street, leading up to schools and train stations. But, for the first time, upon accumulation of more than four inches of snow, the City has contracted plowing for all City sidewalks in 2015.

As a reminder, areas or other sidewalks that are not plowed by the City are the responsibility of the abutting property owners or merchants. Additionally, depositing snow onto sidewalks makes it difficult for pedestrians to walk on those sidewalks and for sidewalk plows (where applicable) to clear the walks.

How should drivers navigate the road when encountering a snow plow?

The large heavy plow trucks are difficult to maneuver and visibility is reduced in less than optimal driving conditions. Plow trucks also generate slush obscuring visibility so it is important to stay clear at all times.

What assistance can residents provide?

Observe street parking restrictions and avoid parking on the street until after the road has been cleared after a significant snowfall event. Ensure snow is not pushed onto a neighbor’s property. The City prohibits removing snow or ice from any building, private property, driveway, driveway approach or public sidewalk and depositing it onto public streets.See guidelines on snow removal here.

Who should residents call?

During regular working hours contact Public Works Department at (847) 432-0807. During off hours or emergencies call the Police dispatch hotline at (847) 432-7730.

More information on the City’s Streets Division within the Public Works Department, please click here.