The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for plowing and ice control for more than 110 miles of Town roads and 32 Town-owned parking lots.
In cooperation with the Wellesley Police Department, DPW monitors winter weather and road conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with salter and snow plow crews on call to work during the winter season.
In most cases when reliable forecasts are available, DPW will have employees and equipment scheduled in advance to treat and plow roads.
Plowing Priorities
During the first 2-3 inches of snow, the steep and busiest roads in Wellesley are treated to keep them clear of snow and ice. Roads are plowed when 3 inches or more of snow has fallen.
Based on the type of snow and extended weather forecasts with above freezing temperatures, the department may decide to not to plow roads or prioritize which roads are plowed. This helps to avoid damaging roads and conserves Town resources.
During all storm events, the our highest priority is to provide safe passage for emergency vehicles and coordinate any required school or public building closures due to weather.
At the end of most snowstorms, it takes DPW plow crews another 3 to 4 hours to properly push back snow and intersections. Homeowners are asked to be patient when clearing driveways as plows may make several passes.
Private Plowing
Homeowners who hire private contractors for snow removal, PLEASE instruct the contractor not to push snow into the public way (into the street or onto the sidewalk) or across the street from the mouth of your driveway.
This practice is prohibited by Town bylaws, and property owners may be fined up to $50 per offense. Also, please remind contractors not to plow snow onto fire hydrants in your neighborhood. These need to be kept clear for emergencies.
And remember, there is no overnight parking on streets or other public ways in Wellesley. Snow removal often takes place at night and vehicles should be parked in driveways.