Gearing Up for Winter: Avon Public Works Reminds Residents of Winter Snow Removal Operations
Roadways will be cleared from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Property owners are responsible for removing snow in their driveway and abutting sidewalks
Avon’s Public Works, Operations Division is responsible for maintaining streets and sidewalks in the Town of Avon. Snowplowing on Town streets will be conducted between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m., or later as required. With several staff vacancies, the Operations Division will prioritize main roadways.
Streets— Drivers are reminded to slow down and give snowplows ample space to maneuver freely. “Snow removal crews sometimes work long hours to keep the streets safe and we ask for the public’s cooperation to help keep them safe as well,” said Gary Padilla, Avon Operations Manager. “Remember, plow trucks cannot stop or turn as readily as most vehicles.” Padilla recommends motorists avoid driving alongside the plows and warns that because of the height and length of the plow trucks, a plow driver’s field of vision is limited. Never pass a snowplow on the right, as you will be caught in hard snow, ice, and rock thrown by the plow blade.
Driveways—When plowing is required, snow berms are created across driveways. Removal of this snow in driveways is the responsibility of the property owner. The Department tries to keep this problem to a minimum. The Town respectfully requests Avon residents to be patient and recognize that during the winter months there will be some inconvenience. Snow operations are labor intensive and equipment does fail on occasion.
Private Snow Plowing—Property owners should be aware that placing, dumping, or pushing snow onto Town streets or rights of way from adjacent properties is prohibited. Private snowplow contractors must complete a “Snow Removal Contractor’s Permit” through the Avon Public Works Department to operate in the Town of Avon. For more information on the Permit, please call (970) 748-4118.
Sidewalks—The Town of Avon provides some sidewalk clearing in the core area of the Town, along with bike path clearing for pedestrians. Property owners are responsible for sidewalks abutting or adjacent to their property.
Fire Hydrants— Property owners must ensure Hydrants are readily accessible to firefighters. To operate a hydrant, crews need seven feet to each side and a minimum of four feet to the back, and 10 feet to the front of all fire hydrants. Once a hydrant is cleared, the space must be maintained per district regulations. Fire service personnel warn that taking time to find and dig out a fire hydrant can cost firefighters precious time and diminish efforts to effectively get water on a fire. For more information on keeping fire hydrants clear, visit www.erwsd.org or contact district customer service at (970) 477-5451.
Property owners and residents are responsible for maintaining their driveways, parking areas, and sidewalks following a storm. Any accumulation of snow must be removed within 24 hours after a storm. Snow removal activities must not obstruct access to fire hydrants and cleared spaces around hydrants and all utility boxes must be maintained.
Review CDOT’s Winter Driving Tips at www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving for ways to remain safe on the roads this winter.
For more information or to report a road condition, please contact Gary Padilla, Operations Manager, at (970) 748-4118 or gpadilla@avon.org.
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