Snow and Ice Removal
Nearly everyone enjoys the beauty of falling snow, until it is time to drive to school or work or to go shopping. Then the snow becomes a nuisance and at times a real hazard. This web page is intended to give you some information about snow and ice control in Chapel Hill, and to answer some frequently asked questions about our snow removal practices.
In Chapel Hill, we do not usually have the number of snows or the depth of snowfall encountered by our northern and western neighbors. We average about 8 inches of snow per year, and as those of you who have lived here awhile know, that snow may come in a few moderate storms, one or two major storms, or in some winters, not at all.
The Town of Chapel Hill each year prepares for potential snowstorms. The Public Works Department has the major responsibility for snow removal on Town streets, from around public buildings, and from Town parking lots. The Town is responsible for snow removal along approximately 750 streets totaling about 350 lane miles. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has primary responsibility for snow removal along approximately 40 state-maintained roads within the town limits, totaling about 110 lane miles. Our crews work around the clock in the early stages of snowstorms, until the situation is considered under control.
**ADVERSE WEATHER INTERACTIVE MAP: Please click the here to access the Adverse Weather Interactive Map, which indicates the status of of both Town and NCDOT maintained streets.
Which streets are cleared first?
Bridges and major streets are cleared first. When snow accumulates to about two inches, plowing operations begin. Depths of less than two inches cannot be plowed with real success. Once snow is removed from the bridges and main arteries, snow removal begins on remaining streets. We clear the remaining streets in approximately this order: bus routes, collector streets, through streets and dead end streets. We will always concentrate on the higher priority streets until they are passable. If snow falls quickly, we may have to stop plowing secondary streets and return to primary roadways.
Snowplows are most effective on straight, level streets. They are not very maneuverable on narrow, winding streets and dead ends. This means that those kinds of streets may be plowed yet may not be as clear as straighter, level streets.
Who clears school property?
The City Schools’ staff is responsible for clearing school drives and parking lots.
Who clears sidewalks and bike paths?
Citizens are encouraged to clear sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses, but not push this snow into the streets. The Town generally does not clear bike paths and sidewalks, as our limited resources are concentrated on streets, public parking lots and areas around public buildings.
Who is responsible for clearing driveway aprons?
The property owner or resident is responsible for clearing their driveway entrance/exit. Please remember, we will continue to plow snow until the street is clear or safe for motorists. We realize this can be frustrating to the resident; however, we simply don’t have the resources to clear thousands of driveway aprons.
When is sand and/or salt used?
The Town will spread sand on bridges and certain very steep collector streets when it is likely that freezing conditions will occur. After traffic passes over snow or ice for a while, it becomes packed down into a nearly solid mass which cannot be plowed. At that time, we typically spread a sand mixture only at problem locations. We try to use both salt and sand sparingly, to minimize problems associated with its use such as sedimentation.
What do I do in an emergency?
Call 911. The Police or Fire Department can usually respond to your call. If necessary, the Police or Fire Department will call Public Works for assistance.
Need more information?
Please click here to view our snow removal map, or here to get current information on our snow removal operations. If you prefer, you may contact the Public Works Department at 919-968-2796.
Helpful Hints
- Listen to the weather forecast and buy food supplies prior to the anticipated snowfall. When snow begins to fall, park your car in your driveway off of the street. This not only protects your car from snow removal chemicals, but also expedites the snow removal process. If you must drive, equip your car with snow tires or chains. This will reduce the risk of having an accident, which not only could result in injury to you or another, but ties up traffic and hinders snow removal.
- Leave your car at home if at all possible. Every car at home will mean one less vehicle to be stranded and left in the way of snow removal equipment. Relax. Enjoy the snow. Avoid the stress of driving by catching a bus, a cab, riding with a friend, trying cross-country skiing, or walking. Again, if you can avoid it, please don’t drive until the streets are passable.
- Check the Town’s website: www.townofchapelhill.org. It is updated often during major weather events.
- Listen to the radio. The Town provides information about changes to bus schedules and current street conditions. The local news media usually stay on top of the situation and stay in close communication with us.