Durham Public Works Snow Fighters
Welcome to the Durham Public Works snow and ice control page! This interactive site outlines what you need to know about winter weather.
Overview
The Durham Public Works Department believes in providing timely, efficient, and cost-effective snow removal and ice control measures within the Town’s multi-modal transportation network for the safety and benefit of Town’s residents, stakeholders, and general public. The Durham Public Works Department is responsible for the removal of snow and ice from 121 lane miles of roadway, 16 miles of sidewalk, and 21 parking lots.
The Town of Durham roadways are split into six (6) major snow and ice control routes. In addition, municipal parking lots are divided into two (2) routes and a single route is dedicated for sidewalks.
Each major snow and ice control route contains arterial, collector, and residential roads. During heavy snow events, priority may be given to arterial and collector roadways as directed by the Director, Assistant Director, or Operations Manager based on the current and projected road conditions. Roads and sidewalks within the Downtown Corridor and Oyster River Cooperative School (ORCSD) district zone will be given priority during rush hour and within one hour of the beginning and ending of the school day. During heavy snow events, sidewalks within the Downtown Corridor and ORCSD zones will be given priority. Sidewalks outside of these areas will be maintained until snow volumes prevent efficient removal. These sidewalks will be passable within two (2) days of the conclusion of an event. Parking lots and walkways for municipal buildings will be given priority during normal business hours.
Public Safety
The Durham Public Works Department would like to remind the motoring public that maintaining safe and passable roadways is our main priority during a snow and ice event. Please slow down and allow extra space within the vicinity of snow fighting equipment. Road conditions behind a snowplow are significantly better than those preceding it, and drivers should avoid creating an unsafe situation by attempting to pass this equipment. We kindly ask that residents be mindful of roadway conditions and avoid parking on the street during snow and ice events to maximize the efficiency of snow removal operations.
The Durham Public Works Department would also like to remind parents to speak with their children about the importance of staying away from the road during a snowstorm and avoiding snowbanks altogether. It is common for children to play and make tunnels within snowbanks piled during snow and ice operations and the extreme danger these snowbanks present is not always realized. While operators are cognizant of the possibility of children playing in snowbanks, the height of snowbanks can impair visibility, making it very difficult for the operators to react quickly. Additional snow loads on existing tunnels or forts can significantly weaken their structure, potentially collapsing them completely. Many children are fascinated with snow removal equipment, but they do not understand the power or damage they can cause. It is important to educate your children about these dangers to prevent a tragic accident from occurring.
Roads
Snow Fighters Map - Road
It is not possible to keep roadways and sidewalks completely free of snow and ice during a winter storm event. The Durham Public Works Department will make every effort possible to provide unobstructed and passable roadways and sidewalks for safe transportation during typical storm events.
The Durham Public Works Department will begin snow removal operations upon accumulation of one (1) or more inches of snowfall. Based on the weather forecast and current road conditions, the Public Works Director or Assistant Director may implement a strategy to not remove snow until greater or lesser accumulations to improve vehicle safety and traction. Pre-treatment of ice control measures may be initiated prior to, during, and at the conclusion of an event.
It should be noted that sidewalk clearing operations outside of the Downtown Corridor may be delayed due to personnel and equipment availability during large events. All sidewalks exclusive of the Downtown Corridor will be clear of snow within two (2) days of an event.
Level of Service
General Guidelines
General Guidelines
1) Snowfall accumulations of up to one (1) inch are generally handled (depending on weather conditions) by plowing and applying de-icing or abrasive material to travel lanes.
2) Complete curb-to-curb snowplowing operations generally do not begin unless snowfall accumulations measure more than one (1) inch. Snowplowing and de-icing application may be conducted concurrently.
3) During complete curb-to-curb snowplowing, operators will plow the travel lanes and leave a tight windrow of snow against the curb lines.
4) Operators will plow around parked cars that inhibit straight line snow removal.
5) Snow from the road or sidewalk pushed in front of a private driveway or business will not be removed by the Public Works Department.
6) The Public Works Director or Assistant Director may employ private contractors and equipment for snow hauling/plowing if conditions warrant it. Arrangements are typically made before an event based on the forecast and personnel availability in accordance with the Town of Durham Purchasing Policy.
7) Operators and equipment may be removed from service or reallocated during periods of very heavy snow.
8) Within the Downtown Corridor, operators will pile snow in a manner that will not affect parking and sightlines.
9) Snow removal and hauling operations in the Downtown Corridor will generally be done at night following an event, however daytime snow removal may be necessary if additional heavy snowfall is forecast.
10) Roadways and priority parking lots will be clear of snow within six (6) hours of the conclusion of an event.
11) Sidewalks in the Downtown Corridor and Oyster River School District will be maintained at the same level as the roadways.
12) Sidewalks along Dover and Newmarket Roads will be maintained until snow volumes prevent efficient removal. If these sidewalks are not passable at the conclusion of an event, snow removal will occur within the following two (2) days.
Situational Examples
Snow Squall – A snow squall ahead of an artic front is expected to drop up to 0.5” of snow over a 30-minute period at an intense rate.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will be instructed to wait until the squall has passed before beginning their routes. The Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate.
Alberta Clipper – An Alberta Clipper will cross New England and is expected to drop 3-7” of light, fluffy snow over an 8-hour period.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will wait to begin their route until instructed to do so and the Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate. Upon completion of their route, operators will reach out to the rest of the team to see if anyone needs assistance finishing their routes. The team will re-group at the DPW garage until instructed to begin their routes again. Trucks will be topped off with de-icing material, which will be held for ballast. This cycle will continue until the completion of the event at which time a final pass will be made, and de-icing material will be applied at the specified rate.
Nor’ Easter (Snow) – A strong Nor’ Easter is expected to drop 12-18” of snow over a 30-hour period.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will wait to begin their route until instructed to do so and the Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate. Upon completion of their route, Operators will reach out to the rest of the team to see if anyone needs assistance finishing their routes. The team will re-group at the DPW garage until instructed to begin their routes again. Trucks will be topped off with de-icing material, which will be held for ballast. The Director/Assistant Director/Operations manager will decide if additional de-icing is necessary in targeted areas during mid-storm plow cycles. Additional cycles will continue until the completion of the event at which time a final pass will be made, and de-icing material will be applied at the specified rate.
Nor’ Easter (Mix) – A strong Nor’ Easter is expected to drop 4-8” of snow over a 6-hour period followed by a transition from ice pellets, to freezing rain, to rain over a 12-hour period. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing after the conclusion of the event.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will wait to begin their route until instructed to do so and the Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate. Upon completion of their route, Operators will reach out to the rest of the team to see if anyone needs assistance finishing their routes. The team will re-group at the DPW garage until instructed to begin their routes again. Trucks will be topped off with de-icing material, which will be held for ballast. The Director/Assistant Director/ Operations Manager will careful monitor the weather forecast to determine the best course of action as the changeover from snow begins. A layer of snow will be left on the roads if a transition to sleet and freezing rain is predicted. Dirt roads will be monitored carefully during this time as well. The route cycle will continue until the completion of the event at which time a final pass will be made, and de-icing material will be applied at the specified rate.
Black Ice – A mixed precipitation Nor’ Easter exited Durham late evening and re-freezing of leftover moisture on roadways and sidewalks has occurred several hours after crews had gone home.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will immediately begin their routes. The Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate.
Ice Storm – A low pressure system will drag a warm front over a shallow cold pool across New England resulting in 0.25” – 0.5” of radial freezing rain accretion.
The mobilization procedure will be followed. Operators will immediately begin their routes. The Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will determine the de-icing application rate. Operators will not scrape the ice/slush off the road unless instructed to do so. Upon completion of their route, Operators will reach out to the rest of the team to see if anyone needs assistance finishing their routes. The team will re-group at the DPW garage until instructed to begin their routes again. Trucks will be topped off with de-icing material and held for ballast on the next pass unless instructed otherwise. The route cycle will continue until the completion of the event at which time a final pass will be made, and de-icing material will be applied at the specified rate.
Snow and Ice Control Materials
Durham Public Works uses rock salt for de-icing operations and Organic Based Performance Enhanced liquids (OBPE) for both de-icing and anti-icing operations. Unless weather conditions require a different approach, snow and ice control routes are treated with rock salt or a blend of rock salt and OBPE liquids during an event. Material spreaders are calibrated annually in November to produce the appropriate amount of deicing material consistent with Department Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and State of NH regulations. Durham Public Works receives bulk salt pricing from Morton, Inc. and Eastern Minerals each year in late September / early October. The proposals are evaluated by the Director and Assistant Director and one is awarded by the middle of October. Liquid magnesium chloride is procured as needed through Innovative Surface Solutions. A sand/salt mixture is procured as needed through a local supplier.
Rock Salt
When rock salt mixes with snow and/or ice on the roadway, a watery brine is created which enhances the melting process and resists snow and ice packing on the roadway. The crown at the center of the roadway further assists with the spreading of the brine. Rock salt will be applied at a rate not to exceed 300 pounds per lane mile, unless it is determined that conditions require increased application. Salt is ordered in 100 ton increments by the Assistant Director or Operations Manager and stored at the Public Works Facility. Other de-icing agents such as magnesium coated chloride or “blizzard wizard” are ordered sparingly and only used during events with extremely low temperatures. Additional information on salt application rates for various weather conditions and road surface type can be found in Appendix A and B.
Sand/Salt Mixture
Studies have shown that sand is relatively ineffective, providing minimal traction on roadways. Sand does not have bonding qualities like salt; therefore, it is easily blown off the road within a few vehicle passes. To provide an increase in friction, sand must be applied at a higher rate than salt. This results in much shorter routes before re-filling of the material spreader is required. Sand is also significantly more expensive to use then salt over its life cycle. Because sand does not break down, it requires an extensive clean-up effort in the Spring. Roadways must be swept with a street sweeper and catch basins cleaned with specialized equipment. Additionally, sand has a significant impact on water quality and aquatic habitats.
A sand/salt mixture is not an effective de-icing agent on asphalt surfaces and is only used to enhance traction during extremely cold conditions when salt is less effective. The mixture is primarily used on gravel roads.
A sand/salt mixture of 4:1 is stored at the Public Works Facility. Additional quantities are delivered as needed from the Department’s overflow storage bays the Wastewater Treatment Facility or from a local supplier.
Pea Stone
In extreme icing conditions on gravel roads, pea stone will be applied for increased traction in addition to the rock salt/sand mixture. It is important to note that pea stone will not be applied outside of icing events on gravel roads. Pea stone is delivered as needed from a local supplier.
Organic Based Performance Enhanced Liquids
OBPE liquids are advanced solutions used for both anti-icing applications prior to an event and for de-icing applications when mixed with conventional rock salt or when used in liquid form. They are comprised of a refined carbohydrate source, such as molasses, blended with premium magnesium chloride. OBPE liquids are specifically designed for anti-icing, direct application de-icing, frost prevention, and prewetting of solids. These premium liquids are designed to modify the properties of the surface to which they are applied, minimizing/reducing the formation/adhesion of snow and ice. The organic based component provides added adhesion properties, ensuring the liquid remains on the roadway and has lasting residual effectiveness. Unlike conventional rock salt, the sodium chloride / magnesium chloride blend provides enhanced melting results, reduced corrosion impacts, and the ability to operate at lower temperatures.
OBPE liquids are ordered in 4,300-gallon increments by the Assistant Director or Operations Manager and stored at the Public Works Facility. Additionally, a rock salt / OBPE liquid blend of 6-8 gallons per ton of substrate is produced and stored at the Public Works Facility. Application rates of 16-29 gallons per lane mile for anti-icing and 38-42 gallons per lane mile for direct liquid application de-icing will depend on the existing roadway conditions and performance objectives.
Sidewalks
Snow Fighters Map - Sidewalk
Parking Limitations
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences on November 01 and runs through April 01. Parking on Main Street, Madbury Road, Garrison Avenue, Coe Drive, Schoolhouse Lane, Mill Pond Road, and Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 01:00 AM and 06:00 AM throughout the year. The Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 01 to April 01 between 01:00 AM and 06:00 AM. As the ordinance states,
“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first few weeks, the Durham Police Department will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter Parking Ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed. The purpose of the winter parking ban is to allow the Public Works Department to have unobstructed snow removal and ice control routes in order to maximize their efforts.
If parked cars on the streets or parking lots are significantly impeding plowing or removal operations, the Director/Assistant Director/Operations Manager will alert Stafford County Dispatch of their location. The Police Department will attempt to contact the vehicle owner before coordinating for the vehicle to be towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have so much snow piled in front of my driveway but my neighbor across the street does not?
It is most efficient for the plow truck to enter your neighborhood from the nearest main cross street and plow each road in the development taking a right at every intersection. The front plow and wing plow span is 18 feet across, and a typical road is 24 feet wide. Homes which are driven by first will receive ¾ of the snow on the roadway.
Why is the snowbank piled 10 feet from my driveway?
To remain as efficient as possible, snowbanks at intersections, corners, and cul-de-sacs will not be fully pushed back to the edge of the roadway until the event is over.
Why does Route 108 always have black roadways when the Town roads are snow covered?
The Department of Transportation uses a special blend of rock salt and liquid salt on their roadways which allows for an increased initial melting rate. State roadways also receive a substantial amount of traffic compared to local roads which aids substantially in the melting process.
There is a large windrow of snow in the buffer between the sidewalk and parking spaces in front of the businesses Downtown. Why wasn’t this plowed?
It is not possible both plow and remove snow piles from the Downtown during an event. Snow is piled strategically Downtown to minimize its inconvenience. Within 48 hours of a large event, the Public Works Department will remove all of the snow piles.
Why is the sidewalk in front of my house not plowed? Pedestrians are walking on the road.
During very large snow events, it can be very difficult to keep sidewalks completely free of ice and snow. Most of this snow comes from the roadway. The Public Works Department makes every effort possible to keep the windrow of snow from the roadway contained to the shoulder between the road and sidewalk. This is not possible when we receive more than 6” of snow.
There is a large pile of snow at the end of my road from the plow that is affecting sight distance. Why was it piled here and how do we get rid of it?
It is most efficient for the plow truck to pile snow in one location around the perimeter of an intersection. In the days following an event, the Public Works Department will push back these piles or remove if needed.
My mailbox was broken by the plow truck. Am I responsible for fixing it?
Mailboxes are often damaged during the winter. Untreated wooden posts only have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years and can rot at the ground becoming easily knocked over by heavy snow. Homeowners should check post conditions and mailboxes in the fall to avoid damage during the winter, ensuring that they are sturdy and back far enough away from the road so that snowbanks will not damage them. Replacing a rotten post is the homeowner’s responsibility. Occasionally the snowplow may accidentally nick a mailbox. If your mailbox is hit during a storm, the Public Works Department will do its best to make temporary repairs after the storm ends. If it needs replacement, we will replace it with a standard mailbox when possible.
Additionally, if your fence is within the Town’s Right-of-Way (ROW), snowbanks may damage it. Most roads have a 50-foot ROW, meaning anything closer than 25' to the center of the road is likely in the Town’s ROW. Any such fences, shrubs, landscaping, etc. are at risk of damage, particularly when snowfall is heavy. Items in the Town’s ROW should be moved back. Snow related damage to these items is the owner’s responsibility. Please call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 to discuss items that you may be concerned about.
Download the complete Snow and Ice Control Standard Operating Procedure Here
Contact Us
Current Weather Responses
Winter Emergency Responses 2024
Previous Winter Responses
Winter Emergency Responses 2023
Winter Emergency Responses 2022
Previous Winter Emergency Responses 2021 to 2022
