Above: The DPW is sharing info (and posting photos) about their response during the big snow storm and continuing even today. (photos cropped from Facebook)
DPW’s Chief William Cundiff asked me to share a message in response to the frustration they’ve heard from the public about the condition of the roads during and after this week’s snow storm.
In the message, he explains the challenges (and hard work) Southborough DPW crews were dealing with. He also pointed to a detailed explanation for why roads are still slippery after plowing.
Plus, I’m sharing social media posts that show the crews are still out this morning clearing sidewalks and improving sightlines.
But, before I share the DPW news, I’ll update that the National Weather Service reports that Southborough only has a 30% of getting additional snow this weekend, with a mere 10% chance of moderate impacts from the next storm that is now expected to be off the coast on Sunday.
We will continue to have this bitter cold with times of wind chills below zero today through Monday morning, and periods of gusting winds. So bundle up well before you go outdoors!
Now here is Cundiff’s statement:
Between January 24 through January 27, Southborough experienced a significant winter storm that brought prolonged and heavy snowfall. Snow fell steadily for nearly two days, with periods of intense accumulation that made road conditions difficult to keep up with in real time.
Throughout the entire duration of the storm, DPW crews were on site continuously plowing and treating roads, as well as responding to changing conditions to keep public ways passable and safe for emergency and everyday travel. With snow falling faster than it could be fully cleared at times, roads required repeated passes just to remain open.
We understand the frustration that comes with large storms like this and the impacts they have on daily routines. We appreciate the patience shown by residents as crews continue cleanup operations and work through remaining snow storage, intersections, and secondary areas.
Thank you to everyone who slowed down, gave plows room to work, and showed understanding during a challenging weather event. Our crews take pride in serving the community and will continue working to restore normal conditions as quickly and safely as possible. Your safety is important to us. Please visit the DPW website for more information pertaining to roadway treatment under varying weather conditions.
On the DPW’s website the department posted the following info about slippery roads:
Many residents ask why roads may still be snowy or slippery after plowing, especially during very cold weather.
One key reason is how road salt works — Temperature Matters!
Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, but as temperatures drop, salt becomes less effective. Once temperatures fall into the teens and below, salt’s ability to melt snow and ice is significantly reduced, and it works much more slowly. Below is a table to help demonstrate the diminishing effectiveness of salt as temperatures drop:
- At 30° F, salt works quickly and efficiently.
- By 20° F, salt still works, but crews must apply significantly more material.
- By 10° F, salt may not fully melt snow or ice and primarily helps prevent bonding to the pavement rather than clearing it.
- Below 0° F, salt provides little real melting benefit and is mainly used for traction or in combination with abrasives or alternative treatments.
At low temperatures mechanical plowing becomes the primary tool until temperatures rise. When temperatures are very cold, packed snow can bond to the pavement. Even after plowing, a thin layer of snow or ice may remain until temperatures rise or additional treatments can take effect.
Please remember that winter driving conditions can change quickly. We encourage residents to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution when traveling during and after winter storms. Our Public Works crew will continue monitoring conditions and treating roads as weather allows.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep our community safe this winter!
There is also more info on the website related to Snow & Ice here. That has relevant links, including one to a bylaw that states:
A. No person shall displace snow from privately owned land to a public way or public sidewalk or so as to impede the operation of any fire hydrant.
B. Whoever violates this section shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $200 for each such violation
And on that topic, the DPW posted the following photo to Facebook on Wednesday, reminding of the prohibition, and importance of leaving roads clear for DPW and emergency responders:
Upon questioning, Cundiff told me that the intersection pictured was at John Matthews Road and Middle Road, but that it is not “atypical” of what the plow drivers come across in town.
This Wednesday and this morning, the DPW also posted photos of the work they are still conducting to clear sidewalks and improve sightlines in town. This morning’s post describing the slow work is below:
