WATERTOWN, NY — As the winter season approaches, the City of Watertown Department of Public Works (DPW) would like to remind residents of several important winter maintenance practices that help keep our community safe
and our streets accessible.
Each winter, DPW crews work diligently to maintain safe travel conditions throughout the City. Snow and ice removal operations require coordination, patience, and cooperation from residents. By following a few simple guidelines, we can work together to improve safety and efficiency during winter weather events.
Winter Parking Regulations
• The City’s winter parking restrictions are in effect from November 1 through April 30, prohibiting on-street parking between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
• Residents are also strongly encouraged to avoid parking on City streets during snowfall, regardless of the time of day. Vehicles parked along roadways can significantly delay snow removal operations and create hazards for plow operators.
Snow Removal Operations
• DPW crews prioritize main travel routes, followed by secondary roads and residential streets. During significant snowfall, crews may make multiple passes to keep roads accessible before completing final cleanup operations.
• Under typical conditions, clearing the entire City can take approximately eight hours after snowfall ends. However, this timeframe may vary depending on storm intensity, snowfall accumulation, and operational conditions.
• Residents are reminded that snowplows will deposit snow at the ends of driveways as they clear the roadway. While this can be frustrating, it is an unavoidable part of winter maintenance.
Driveway and Private Snow Removal
• Residents can help reduce snow accumulation at the end of their driveways by placing shoveled snow to the right side of the driveway when facing the street
• Pushing, blowing, or depositing snow into or across public streets is prohibited and creates dangerous conditions for motorists and DPW crews. Residents who hire private snow removal contractors should ensure these requirements are followed.
Sidewalk Maintenance and Accessibility
• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties in accordance with City Code.
• Maintaining clear sidewalks is essential for pedestrian safety, particularly for schoolchildren, older residents, and individuals with mobility challenges.
Refuse and Recycling Collection
• On scheduled collection days, residents should place refuse and recycling totes behind the curb or roadway edge on the margin, ensuring they remain accessible to collection crews without interfering with snow removal equipment.
• Please avoid placing totes in the roadway or on top of snowbanks and promptly remove them following collection.
Additional Winter Safety Reminders
• Keep children away from roadside snowbanks and never allow snow forts or tunnels to be constructed near roadways.
• Remove basketball hoops, portable signs, toys, and other obstacles from the roadway and curbside areas.
• Maintain a safe distance behind snowplows and never attempt to pass equipment actively clearing snow.
• Exercise additional caution near intersections, where snowbanks may limit visibility.
Working Together for a Safer Winter
The City of Watertown DPW appreciates the patience and cooperation of our residents throughout the winter season. Our crews remain committed to providing safe and efficient winter maintenance services, often working long hours in challenging weather conditions.
For questions or concerns regarding winter maintenance operations, please contact the Department of Public Works at (315) 785-7842.
Thank you for helping us keep Watertown safe this winter!
City of Watertown Department of Public Works