Introduction
Ice and snow control on our town roads is necessary for routine travel and for emergency services. The Town will provide such service in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns. The Town will use town officers and employees and town-owned equipment and/or private contractors and their equipment to provide this service.
When Operations Will Begin
The Road Agent will decide when to begin snow or ice control operations. The criteria for that decision are:
- Snow accumulation of three inches or more
- Drifting of snow causing travel problems
- Icy conditions affecting travel
- Time of snowfall in relation to heavy use of town roads
Clean Road Policy
The Town of Andover does not have a clean road policy. Therefore, it is possible that not all roads will be kept completely clear of snow, and therefore caution is advised for winter driving.
Road Priorities
Roads are classified based on their function and importance to the welfare of the community. Those roads which constitute school bus routes will be plowed first.
Weather Conditions
Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when the weather conditions do not endanger the safety of road crews and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.
The Use of Sand, Salt, and Other Chemicals
The Town will use sand, salt, and/or other substances when there are hazardous conditions which, in the opinion of the Road Agent, justify the use of such materials. Salt is used sparingly and generally only to mix in with the sand to prevent the sand from freezing into clumps.
Plowing Other Town Properties
The Road Agent will be responsible for snow removal on other town properties, including the Town Hall and School parking lot, excluding walkways; the East Andover and Andover Fire Stations; and the Police Station.
Work Schedule for Snowplow Operators
In severe snow emergencies, operators sometimes work in excess of eight-hour shifts. However, because of budget and safety concerns, no operator shall work more than a 12-hour shift in any 24-hour period, except at the order of the Road Agent.
Operators will take a 15-minute break every two hours with a half-hour meal break after four hours. After a 12-hour day, the operators will be replaced if additional qualified personnel are available.
Winter Maintenance Ordinances
ORDINANCE: Placing Snow on Town Roads
Residents will not shovel, snow blow, or have their driveway plowed into or across the road. This is prohibited by law and can cause a serious hazard. (RSAs 41:11, 47:17 VII). Fines up to $100 per incident may be incurred for violation of this ordinance.
ORDINANCE: Parked Vehicles
No vehicle shall be parked on the Town’s Right-of-Way from the start of precipitation until 48 hours after the storm ends. The Town reserves the right to tow parked vehicles at the owner’s expense.
The Town is not liable for damages incurred to vehicles parked in the Town’s Right-of Way (RSA 231:92 a). The owner of the vehicle may be fined up to $100 per incident for violation of this ordinance.
ORDINANCE: Objects Placed in the Town Right-of-Way
Placement of objects outside of the right-of-way will minimize the risk of being hit by the snowplow wing. The Town will not be responsible for damages to mail boxes, fences, stone walls, lawns, or any other object placed within the right-of-way of any Town road or street, caused by snow removal equipment. In general, the right of way extends 15 feet from the center of the road. Fines up to $100 per incident may be incurred for violation of this ordinance.
Adopted: December 31, 2012
Board of Selectmen
Victoria Mishcon, Don Gross, Jim Danforth