SNOW EVENT FAQs

 

 

1)  Who is responsible for clearing streets of snow?

 

The Village of Lake in the Hills clears most streets within the Village limits.  There are, however, a number of roads in the Lake in the Hills area that are the responsibility of other local government agencies.  For example, county crews plow roads such as Algonquin Road, Lakewood Road, Randall Road, and Ackman Road. The Illinois Department of Transportation is responsible for Route 31 & Route 47. There are property owner associations in the Village that have responsibility for some roadways.  If you have questions regarding a specific road, please call 847-960-7500.

 

2)  When do Village crews begin plowing?

 

The Village of Lake in the Hills begins an all-out plowing effort when snow begins accumulating on streets.  The Village’s goal is to clear all streets within 6 to 10 hours after the snow stops falling but heavier snows often take longer to clear.

 

3)  Which streets are plowed first?

 

The Village has established a priority plowing system for our 80 miles of roadways so that main traffic routes, such as arterials and collectors, are plowed first.  Crews always attempt to clear these routes before rush hour.  Occasionally, snowstorms will hit just as rush hour is beginning which causes delays for both plowing crews and traffic.

4)  I live on a cul-de-sac, when will it be cleared?

With this amount of snow, we must use heavy equipment to clear cul-de-sacs.  Unfortunately, end-loaders and backhoes take much longer than a plow truck, but they do deposit the snow into the cul-de-sac less disruptively.  Please be patient.  The equipment will be clearing cul-de-sacs until all of them are complete. 

5)  Do all streets get salted?

 

All main thoroughfares and through streets are salted in response to snow or ice.  It takes about 6 hours to completely salt Village streets.  Not all streets may necessarily be salted.  The decision is based on the safety concerns of that particular area as well as the level of traffic that is received and the weather conditions at the time.  Salt is more effective when there is more traffic to work it into a brine.

 

6)  Who clears sidewalks and driveways?

 

Both the sidewalks and driveways are the responsibility of property owners, both businesses and residents.  Village ordinance requires that property owners clear sidewalks adjacent to their property.  Property owners should shovel snow into the yard, not on to the street.  Putting snow on the street causes dangerously slippery conditions for both motorists and pedestrians and is a violation of Village ordinances.  Village crews try to avoid putting large piles of snow in front of driveways; however, this is not always possible.  To avoid having to double shovel, wait until after your street has been plowed to clear your driveway.  Property owners are also asked to clear snow around fire hydrants to aid firefighters.  As schools begin to re-open, please make sure sidewalks are clear so children and other pedestrians do not have to walk in the streets. 

 

7) Why do the snowplows always push snow into my driveway after I shovel?

 

The Snowplow operators move the snow off the street on to the right-of-way at the edge of the pavement. The deeper the snow is at the edge of the pavement, the more snow builds up in front of the plow. Unfortunately, this means it finally finds a release when it comes to the next open driveway. Homeowners can relieve some of this problem by not piling snow on the left side of their driveway (as seen looking from the home toward the street). Public Works tries to get the snow pushed back as quickly as possible; however, there are 80 miles of streets in the Village which much be cleared so it does take a while to get to all of them.

 

Some people believe that plowing cul-de-sacs counterclockwise results in less snow in the driveway. The angle of the blade to the curb is the same regardless of whether the plowing is performed clockwise or counterclockwise. The snowplow operators angle their blades to push the snow to the center but the circular nature of the cul-de-sac means some snow will continue to roll off into the driveway.

 

8)  Who clears other property?

 

The Village is responsible for clearing snow from all the municipal parking lots, Village facilities, bike paths, Village parks, etc.  Property owners are responsible for clearing commercial parking lots.

 

9)  Who do I contact if my mailbox was damaged by a snowplow?

 

For more information or to report mailbox damage, call 847-960-7500.

 

10)  Is my trash going to get picked up?

 

Allied Waste will be collecting trash as scheduled. Place your trash at the end of the driveway so that it is easily accessible for pickup. Please do not put your containers in the street where they might be struck by a plow truck.

 

11)  Will Parks and Recreation programs be conducted?

 

Any program that is offered at a school will be determined by the school district open / close policy. If there is no school in session, there will not be any programs offered. Activities that are located off site such as Focus Martial Arts or Pro Players will be determined by the facility and will contact each participant. Instructors who work at Village facilities will contact participants if programs are cancelled. Programs will be made up at the end of the session.

 

All questions can be referred to the Parks & Recreation main line at 847.960.7460.