The City of West Chicago reminds residents to prepare for the inevitability of snow by understanding its snow removal procedures and policy.
The City is divided into seven plow routes. This allows the City to have at least one truck working in all areas of town. Each route contains primary and secondary roads. Primary roads are those that keep traffic flowing in and out of West Chicago and are the first streets to be salted and plowed.
Secondary roads are those that have less traffic flow, are generally side streets, and are salted and plowed upon completion of primary roads. During heavier snowfalls, side streets may not be plowed until after the snowfall stops. The City will make every effort to at least make side streets passable until the trucks have time to properly plow the streets.
Residents should be aware of the following City policies:
- City Ordinance imposes a parking ban on all streets after a two-inch snowfall until such time as the street has been completely plowed curb-to-curb.
- It is illegal to plow or shovel snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street.
- The City does not provide for snow removal from sidewalks other than in front of municipal properties and from the A. Eugene Rennels Bridge.
- The City will not be responsible for damage to improperly installed mailboxes or to boxes damaged by thrown snow. Properly installed mailboxes require the box to be securely attached to a strong post with the face of the box a minimum distance of six inches behind the back of the curb (preferably 12 inches).
- The placing of ornamental rocks or other objects along the curb line is illegal as they present serious safety hazard to snow removal equipment and other traffic.
If possible, residents are asked to wait until the street is completely plowed before cleaning off their driveways. For more information on winter service reminders, visit https://westchicago.org/public-works/seasonal-service-reminders/.
