Getting Ahead of the Mess – How to Deal with Snow in Braintree

With the first whispers of snow in the rear-view mirror, below are tips from the Town of Braintree's Highway and Grounds Division on dealing with snow and winter weather.

• During, and immediately after snow events, vehicles should drive with headlights on at all times.

• When roads are plowed, the snow is often times pushed back off the road several times (5-6 or more). You should wait until the end of the storm before shoveling the end of your driveway so that you won't have to do it more than once.

• When you shovel or plow the end of your driveway, do not pile snow on the sidewalk area. The sidewalk plow will only push this extra snow right back into your driveway! It also makes it difficult for the sidewalk plow to get through the deep pile of snow, slowing down the process of clearing the sidewalks for the public.

• When plowing or snow blowing, do not discharge snow into or across roadway. This can create very dangerous obstructions on the roadway as well as icy spots that create the potential for accidents. This is also in violation of Town By-Laws!

• When shoveling, shovel to the right, with the direction of travel in order for the extra snow piled at the ends to not be pushed back into your driveway.

• Objects next to the side of the road are easily damaged by snowplows and the heavy snow coming off the plow. Trees, shrubs, fences, basketball hoops, etc. are especially susceptible. Also, these obstructions can prevent plows from pushing the snow back to the outside of the roadway edge. 

• Mailboxes are frequently damaged during snow removal operations. Mailboxes are typically placed within the public way. Most often the damage is caused by snow coming off the end of the plow, not from the actual plow striking the mailbox. The town is not responsible for snow removal damages to mailboxes or other objects placed in the public way.

• During snow storms, it is best to stay home and off the roads. Heavy traffic makes it difficult, unsafe and time-consuming for snow removal. If you must drive, be sure to keep a safe distance from the sanders and plows. Remember, they are there to make the roads safe for you.

• During Snowplow Operations, the phone lines at the Highway Department get very busy. Please hold all non-emergency calls until after the storm