Winter Maintenance Update
Winter Parking Regulations
Sidewalk Clearing
Snow Windrow Removal
Avoiding Frozen Pipes
Do's and Don'ts for Residents
Pet Safety
Snow Information Line
(Roads & Sidewalks)
(905) 771-2525
Inclement Weather Hotline(Recreational Programs/Facilities)
(905) 771-5487
Weather Network
Environment Canada
|
We're Ready for Winter! Are you?
 Road Maintenance
The Town of Richmond Hill is responsible for the winter maintenance of more than 600 km of roads. Each season, 23 snowplow and sanding units respond to about 55 and 70 winter events, respectively, per season.
All local roads will be cleared of snow within 12 hours after a winter storm. Primary roads, which are the main roads leading into neighbourhoods, are plowed and sanded first, followed by secondary roads. Dead ends, wide bends and cul-de-sacs are cleared within 24 hours of a storm as they present a unique problem for snow clearing and generally require a second piece of equipment.
Please remember snow plow operators are your partners in safety and they work on rotating shifts under the most severe weather conditions to keep roads safe for drivers.
Here are some helpful tips to remember when you encounter a snow plow on the road.
- Always keep a safe distance.
- Avoid passing. If you must pass, watch for snow coming from the plow and the edge of the snow plow blade. Only pass into a lane that is clear of snow and treated with salt or sand.
- Avoid travelling beside plows as they can shift sideways after hitting snow packs or drifts.
- Avoid braking suddenly in front of plows as they are heavy and cannot stop quickly.
- Be aware that blowing snow and blind spots can obscure a plow driver’s vision, making it difficult to see smaller vehicles. Stay safe by keeping your distance.
The Town would also like to remind residents that you can assist in our efforts to clear the roads of snow by doing the following:
- Avoid parking on the road during plowing operations. This will allow for a quick and efficient clearing of all lanes of traffic.
- Avoid placing obstructions within one metre of road curb or sidewalk, since they will pose risk for the plow operators.
- If possible, wait for the plows to finish their job before plowing your driveways to avoid double-duty, since the plows push the snow to the curb line.
- Avoid shoveling back the snow on to the roads, since it requires crews to re-plow the roads which cost time and money.
Please note that on-street parking is not permitted between the hours of 1 and 7 a.m. from December 1 to March 31.
|
