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1. If my street is not plowed in a timely fashion where should I call for help?

The Department of Public Works Streets Division is open during all storms. Contact them at 978-674-1807.

2. Why is the snow only plowed to my side of the street?

The large snowplows used by the City have fixed-angle blades and are not adjustable. On dead end streets or one-way streets this causes the snow to only be plowed to one side of the street. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

3. Why does it take the City so long to get to my street?

The City has many miles of streets to take care of and in order to keep the City safe we focus on the main routes and feeder streets first and then the side streets after that. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

4. Why does the City go out before the storm starts?

If the Department of Public Works is able to prevent a snow pack from forming on the streets we will be able to use less salt on the streets in the long run and it will also take less time for the department to clean up after the end of the storm. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

5. Will my trash still be picked up?

In other than the most extreme situations trash collection is not suspended due to a storm. If you are in doubt please contact the City’s solid waste contractor, Waste Management, directly at 800-972-4545. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

6. Why is the snow pushed into the end of my driveway?

This situation in unavoidable. The plows strive to remove the snow from curb to curb for maximum clearance of the roadway. This is done to provide for drainage and public safety. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

7. Why do the plows push back the snow at the corners?

Snow is pushed back at street intersections in order to preserve sight lines for drivers and pedestrians and for street drainage. Large snow mounds at street corners create a hazard for the driver and walker alike. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

8. Can I push snow from my property into the street?

No. This unsafe practice is against the City bylaws. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.

9. Are sand and salt available for residents during winter months?

Sand and salt are located on the right in the parking lot at the Department of Public Works at 1365 Middlesex Street. Bring your own shovel and bucket. The sand and salt are for residential use only (up to 2, 5 gallon buckets). Contractors and residents are not allowed to fill up their truck or take more than 2 buckets full. For more information, please call 978-674-1807.