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Frequently Asked Questions about snowplowing

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Frequently-Asked Questions about Plowing When does the city start plowing?

How long does it take to complete the plowing?

Which streets are plowed first? Does the city always follow the same order for plowing streets?

I saw the plow pass by on a neighboring street, but it didn't come down my street. Why not?

Why do you plow so far away from my mailbox?

Why do the plows leave snow in the center of my cul-de-sac?

I was traveling behind a snow plow, the roads were slippery, and they weren't spreading any sand or salt? Why?

What are snow removal violations?

When does the city start plowing?
This depends on storm projections. In general, however, plowing begins whenever ice or slippery conditions make driving difficult.

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How long does it take to complete the plowing?
During average winter conditions, it takes eight to nine hours to complete snow removal operations.

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Which streets are plowed first? Does the city always follow the same order for plowing streets?
Major roads and school areas are the first to receive maintenance. Residential streets and cul-de-sacs are cleared next. The city strives to conduct operations consistently from storm to storm. This increases both effectiveness and efficiency.

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I saw the plow pass by on a neighboring street, but it didn't come down my street. Why not?
It may be that a neighboring street happens to be a major road through the neighborhood or that operators are simply plowing the streets in the most efficient pattern and your street will be plowed soon. Occasionally, however, primary streets with high volumes of traffic will require sanding or plowing that is not needed on residential streets.

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Why do you plow so far away from my mailbox?
City crews plow as close to mailboxes as possible without risking damage to the box. Many times high snow banks cause snow to fall back into the street. This snow gets compacted by postal vehicles making it difficult to clear the entire width of the road in subsequent plowing. Residents are encouraged to clear the area in front of their mailbox after every plowing.

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Why do the plows leave snow in the center of my cul-de-sac?
Center storage can be accomplished while trucks complete the street leading to the cul-de-sac and other surrounding streets. This reduces or eliminates the number of support vehicles needed to clear cul-de-sacs, saving time and money. In addition, center storage reduces the large piles of snow otherwise stored on the resident's boulevard or yard.

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I was traveling behind a snow plow, the roads were slippery, and they weren't spreading any sand or salt? Why?
There are many reasons a plow may not have been spreading any material down, even though the roads were slippery. There could have been a mechanical problem with the plow, it may have not been that drivers route, or they could have been out of material all together? Drivers are assigned specific routes, and unless told to do so, will not spread additional material on a route that is not in their limits. This reduces the potential of over spreading, therefore saving money on materials.

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What are snow removal violations?
Pushing, blowing, shoveling or storing snow onto or across public roadways is a direct violation of Chapter 186 Subsection 48 of the City of Saco Codes and Ordinances. Residents are encouraged to contact the city if this type of activity is noticed and to remind any private contractors they may have hired of the local restrictions. Questions about the local restrictions or snow removal violations should be directed to the Public Works Department, (207) 284-6641.