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Snow Removal and Salting

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Snow Removal and Salting

Resident safety is our top priority. With experienced plow drivers as our backbone, we proactively and reactively address prevailing weather conditions through salting and plowing townwide. Onondaga are seldom snow-bound as it takes our team just 3.5 to 4 hours to make one full pass through the Town. Our first pass is typically completed before school buses need to be in neighborhoods and before the morning commute. We are in constant contact with officials from the six school districts in the town to discuss weather conditions and help ensure the safety of school children and bus drivers alike.

Your Driveways: Important to Know

When a plow pushes snow it creates what is called a windrow at the edge of its path. Simply speaking, a windrow is a long line of material heaped up by the wind or a machine. As a result, snow pushes into driveways. Please know it is impossible for our plows to retrace a route and clear these windrows. However, when snowbanks get so high that they impact visibility, we cut them back.


While we cannot prevent snow from collecting at the end of your driveway, there are a few ways property owners can help ensure efficient snow removal:

  • Keep garbage cans/recycling bins back from the road and away from the path of the snowplow.
  • Stake the edge(s) of your lawn.
  • If you use a private snow removal service, make sure you and your contractor are in agreement with the needs of your household. We cannot coordinate townwide snow removal with private snowplow contractors. Also, please remember that it is illegal to move snow across a public road or deposit snow on property that is not your own.
  • Parking is prohibited on Town roads between 2 am and 8 am from November 1st through March 31st.  If, during this timeframe, your vehicle gets stuck or you need to abandon your vehicle for mechanical reasons, remember to contact 911 to alert local Police to the vehicle’s location.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is my road always plowed last? 
A. We must plow the highest priority roads first. Those roads are the most traveled, including roads that contain hospitals, schools and evacuation routes.
Q, Why does the snow plow always bury my driveway? 
A. When digging out your driveway, pile the snow on the right side as the plow pushes snow from the left.
Q. Why do snowplows drive so slowly?
A. Snowplow operators move slowly for YOUR safety due to the heavy weight of the vehicle and equipment and many blindspots, as well as to ensure they are clearing snow effectively and  distributing salt evenly. And it's the law.
Q. What is a travel advisory?
A. It is a caution to drivers to avoid travel if possible when snow and ice may make driving more treacherous.


Winter Weather Driver Tips

Before Driving: Completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle. Check tires, antifreeze, wiper blades, fluids and batteries.

While Driving: Expect the unexpected, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others. Drive according to the conditions and stay within or below the posted speed limit. 

If You Skid: Gently steer into the skid. 

Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle: Jumper cables, Blankets, Tools, Water & Snacks, Warm Clothes, Flashlight, Flares


General Information
Staff Directory
Email
LCrowley@townofonondaga.gov
Phone Numbers
(315)469-1664
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
4478 W. Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse,
NY
13215
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Monday - Friday
7:00am to 3:30pm