The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow off many city streets, approximately 170 lane miles. However, the City is not responsible for all of the streets within the City. If you believe that your property has been damaged by a plow, please contact the Public Works Department.
The City of Wood Dale applies a mixture of de-sugared sugar beet molasses and salt brine during certain snow and ice events. The liquid being applied is a blend of "beet beet", salt brine, and chlorides which applied to the road surface prior, up tot five days before, an impending snow storm. This environmentally safe product activates when it begins to snow and breaks the ice bond between the cold pavement and the snow falling upon it, which allows for faster clean up of streets and less usage of salt.
Why do plows drive so fast, isn't it dangerous?
Plow trucks have to move at a certain velocity in order to move the snow off of the roadway. Additionally, the large plow trucks are equipped with governors which won’t allow the truck to travel faster than 25 MPH while the spreader is turned on.
Why do plows push snow onto my driveway?
Plows actually are not pushing snow onto your driveway, but clearing it from the roadway. Public Works has a responsibility to keep roadways clear to allow safe travel for residents and emergency vehicles. Residents are encouraged to push snow into their parkways, not onto the streets.
What are the lines in the street before a snow storm?
Lines are formed from the distribution a pretreat ice-melt compound called "beet heet" which is applied to melt snow and prevent ice from forming. This same compound is used to pre-wet salt in order to reduce scatter and enhance its melt capabilities, while utilizing less overall salt in the process.
Why do plows apply so little salt?
In order to remain cost effective and avoid overburdening waterways with chlorides, equipment is calibrated to apply as minimal amount of salt as possible to effectively treat the roadway. Additionally, a liquid deicer is used as an additive to increase the effect and further decrease the amount of needed salt.
Why does the City wait so long to begin snow removal?
The Public Works Department and Wood Dale Police Department work together to monitor street conditions and mobilize once there is approximately 1” of snow on the roadway. This is the most effective and economical time to begin treatment.
Why is Irving Park Road not plowed?
Irving Park Road, Addison Road, and Wood Dale Road are maintained by other agencies including DuPage County Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation. The City is restricted against plowing these roadways except in emergency situations.
Why do you ignore cul-de-sacs and dead ends?
During storm events main collection routes and primary roads are prioritized and plowed first in order keep traffic routes open. After these roads are treated we begin clearing snow from cul-de-sacs and dead ends.
When will the main sidewalks be plowed?
The City uses specialized equipment to clear strategic sections of sidewalk throughout town during snow events in order to provide safe passage for pedestrians. Sidewalks are typically cleared after 2” of snowfall. The Public Works Department makes every effort to ensure that sidewalks are open for pedestrian travel during work hours, but roadways always take priority.
For after hour snow and ice control related issues, please contact the Wood Dale Police Department non-emergency line at (630) 766-2060.
