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The Quiet Work Before the Storm
What you don’t see at 3 a.m.:
Plow trucks and sidewalk machines inspected and serviced so steering, brakes, and hydraulics are reliable in the worst weather.
Spreaders calibrated so we use the right material at the right rate. Enough to keep you safe, not so much that we harm our trees, pets, or waterways.
Route maps updated so the school, emergency services, and downtown routes get the right priority.
Brush and limbs cleared along plow paths to keep sight‑lines open and reduce drifting.
Why it matters: Fewer breakdowns, fewer spinouts, faster clear times. Also, calibration and storage practices align with NYSDEC and EPA best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality.
DPW truth: If you’re awake to see them, they’ve probably been out for hours already.
The 3‑Foot Rule That Saves Minutes (and Maybe Houses)
Firefighters need room to work. The Fire Code of New York State requires a 3‑foot clear space around hydrants. Our crews (and helpful neighbors) dig them out after storms because seconds count when a fire call comes in.
How to help: “Adopt a Hydrant.” Keep a 3‑foot circle clear. If you can’t safely clear it, let us know and we’ll add it to the beat list.
Calibrated Spreaders = Safer Roads, Smarter Salt
Salt and sand help, but more isn’t always better. Our team follows state and federal guidance to calibrate every spreader. The result:
Right material, right lane, right time.
Less bounce and scatter into yards and drains.
Better traction with fewer reapplications.
This isn’t guesswork. It’s based on FHWA and research consortium guidance (think “anti‑icing” and “pre‑wetting” strategies) and DEC/EPA environmental BMPs. Your tires grip, your dog’s paws thank you, and our creeks stay cleaner.
Night Work Zones, Done by the Book
When you see cone lines, arrow boards, and high‑visibility gear during a night haul‑out, that’s our team following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and PESH safety rules. We set up proper temporary traffic control so crews and drivers get home safe. Yes, it takes extra time. That’s the point.
Where Does the Snow Go?
Pushing and piling snow is a science, not a shove. We use “push‑to” zones and schedule downtown haul‑outs to keep corners, crosswalks, and drains open. For disposal, we follow NYSDEC and EPA guidance. We prefer upland storage, keep debris out, and avoid direct discharge to waterways. Cleaner meltwater, better drainage, fewer surprise skating rinks at intersections.
Sidewalks, Curb Ramps, and ADA Access
Public spaces must be accessible, winter included. Federal ADA Title II guidance expects communities to maintain access to programs and facilities, which includes snow removal from sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible parking aisles. That’s built into our route plans because independence shouldn’t go on pause when it snows.
Your Role: Five Easy Wins
Don’t push/blow snow into the street. It’s unsafe and illegal under New York law.
Adopt a hydrant. Keep a 3‑foot circle clear after storms.
Respect Snow Emergency notices. When declared, follow posted routes and temporary parking rules.
Clear sidewalks promptly, including curb ramps. Think “wheelchair, stroller, delivery cart.”
Report hazards such as icy spots, blocked crossings, downed limbs through the contacts below.
Team effort beats any one plow every time.
The Snow Ordinance: What It Is (and Why It Exists)
Snow removal works best when streets are clear. That’s why the Village enforces an overnight parking rule after snowfall.
Plain-language summary:
No parking on Village streets from midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Applies for 36 hours after a snowfall
Parking on sidewalks is never allowed
Violations may result in a fine of up to $15
Unanswered tickets may be referred to the DMV, which can affect vehicle registration
Why it matters: Plows need to clear curb-to-curb, not just tire tracks. Parked vehicles slow operations, leave packed snow and ice behind, and reduce safety for drivers, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles.
We post enforcement notices and storm updates on the Village website and Facebook. When in doubt during a storm window, it’s safest to keep vehicles off Village streets overnight.
👉 Current status and details: cambridgeny.gov/snow
This rule isn’t about tickets. It’s about safety, access, and getting everyone back to normal faster.
By the Numbers
Lane‑miles cleared: 34 miles
Sidewalk‑miles: 25-30 miles
Average time per route: 1.5 hours
Average storm snow depth: 2/3 inch
Hydrants in village limits: 51
We’ll publish a season recap with actuals in spring.
What to Expect From Us
Priority routes first: School, emergency services, and downtown access.
Plows may block driveway ends. We try to minimize this, but safety requires a full road‑width pass. Thanks for understanding.
Beat maps for hydrants and crosswalks. After each storm, we verify clearance.
Open communication. We’ll share storm updates and snow emergency notices on the Village website and social channels.
What We Expect From Contractors & Businesses
Keep entrances/exits clear without pushing snow back onto public streets or sidewalks.
Follow bid specs and maintain current insurance.
Coordinate haul‑out timing to reduce impacts on customers and traffic.
Winter access to private property, including paths from the curb to storefronts, is the responsibility of the property owner or tenant. DPW’s role is to clear public streets, sidewalks, curb ramps, and municipal access points safely and efficiently for the entire community.
During and after storms, plows must clear curb-to-curb. This necessary work may temporarily create snow ridges along curbs and in front of properties. While DPW makes every reasonable effort to minimize impacts, it is not feasible (or appropriate) for crews to customize plowing or provide private snow removal for individual businesses.
Business owners who need additional access for customers, deliveries, or accessibility should plan accordingly by shoveling, hiring a contractor, or coordinating shared services with neighboring properties. This is standard practice throughout the region and helps keep crews focused on village-wide safety, emergency access, and timely clearing.
We ask everyone to remember: DPW crews are working long hours in difficult conditions to serve the entire Village. Courtesy and cooperation help us all get through winter faster and safer.
Fine Print, Plainly
We follow the Fire Code of New York State for hydrants; MUTCD and PESH for night work zones; ADA Title II for accessible routes; NYSDEC/EPA BMPs for salt storage, application, and snow disposal; and New York Vehicle & Traffic Law rules for snow placement and parking during snow emergencies. If you remember nothing else, remember this: Safety and access first.
Questions about winter operations? Send them our way. We’ll fold answers into the Snow Season page and future updates.
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