Snow Plows and Snow Removal

December usually brings cold, blustery weather to the Village. Snow and ice can make the streets of Lincolnshire hazardous for travel. The Public Works Department employees are preparing the snow and ice removal equipment so they will be ready to make the streets of the Village safe for travel as quickly as possible when the snow falls. You should be aware of some facts and policies regarding snow removal.

The Village is responsible for the maintenance of over 40 miles of roadway including seventy-three cul-de-sacs. These areas do not include Half Day Road, Olde Half Day Road (East of Milwaukee Avenue) and Milwaukee Avenue, which are maintained by the State; Riverwoods and Aptakisic Roads, which are maintained by the County; and any of the private subdivisions such as Westminster Woods, Wood Creek Courts, Rivershire, Indian Creek, Heritage Creek, Hidden Lakes, Sutton Place, Village Green Condos, Beaconsfield and Westgate. Cleaning our roadways of snow and ice can take up to six hours once the precipitation has stopped falling. Please try to avoid making any unnecessary trips until the snow plows have had a chance to clear the snow. Also, please be aware of the fact that parking on the roadways after there is an accumulation of one inch or more of snow is prohibited by the Village Code. Keeping the streets free of traffic and parked cars will allow the snow plows to clear the roads much more efficiently.

The snow plows will leave some snow at the end of the driveways. It is the resident’s responsibility to clear this snow, and it is against Village policy for Village trucks to plow the openings of individual driveways.

At times, snow is intentionally deposited or pushed into the streets or onto the roadway shoulder. This is usually done by privately contracted snow plowing services. Residents who utilize snow plowing firms should advise them that it is against Village Code to deposit snow on to Village streets and neighboring properties, and you should make sure that any snow removed from your driveway or other areas of your property remains on your property, unless you have permission to have it plowed on to a neighbor’s property.

Now is a good time to prepare your property for the inclement weather. If your sump pump discharges into the street, please move it so it discharges into your yard. This will prevent an ice buildup in front of your house making the streets safer for travel by motorists and pedestrians. Also, please check your mailbox to make sure it is installed properly and is in good condition. The Village will only repair mailboxes that are actually struck by the snow plow.

Village crews are careful to avoid damaging property as they plow, but because the snow can sometimes obscure the line between the curb and the lawn, accidents do happen. If you discover damage to your lawn or mailbox after the snow plows have passed, please call Wendy Moderhack at 847.913.2380 during normal business hours. The Public Works Department will make repairs as soon as possible. However, landscape restoration cannot be done until the Spring. By following these guidelines, we can all have a safe winter season!