Ice Cream Social: Saturday, Sept. 20 at Jermain Hall

Keep Snow Out of The Roadway

A winter reminder from the Town of White Creek Highway Department Benefit first: Keeping snow out of the road helps plows move faster, keeps intersections safer, and reduces icy buildup.Simple ask: Please don’t plow, shovel, or snowblow snow into or across Town roads.The Town’s snow clearing policy (our local standard)The Town’s Snow Clearing Policy states: “Snow should not be plowed, blown or shoveled into a town highway or street.”The policy also sets expectations for how winter operations work:The goal is to keep roads open for travel (the Town does not have a “clear road” policy).The Highway Department is not 24/7 and generally does not plow/sand/salt 8:00 PM–4:00 AM except emergencies.Please keep parked vehicles clear of plow routes and emergency traffic.What New York State law says (why it’s illegal)New York State law also prohibits putting snow in the roadway:Vehicle & Traffic Law §1219 prohibits depositing snow on a highway and requires removal if it interferes with safe use.Highway Law §214 addresses depositing snow on a highway and provides for a penalty up to $100, recoverable by the Town Superintendent.“Highway” is defined broadly as the full width of publicly maintained roads open to travel.Clear path: what to do (2 minutes)DoKeep snow on your property: not in the travel lane, shoulder, or ditch.Pile snow where melt won’t drain back into the road.Keep piles back from intersections and driveways so sight lines stay open.Don’tDon’t push, blow, or shovel snow into or across the road.Don’t build snow forts/tunnels near roads or snowbanks (serious safety risk).If you hire a plow contractorPlease share this with your plow service. The same rule applies: snow cannot be deposited into or across the roadway. Questions or a tricky spot on your property?If you’re unsure where to place snow safely, reach out. We’ll help you find the safest option for your driveway and your road.Contact: Town Highway Department (518) 677-3223 or Town Clerk’s Office (518) 677-8545.You said / We did: The Highway Superintendent asked that we post this reminder so everyone has a clear, shared standard during storms.Learn More:NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law §1219 (includes “snow” on highways).NYS Highway Law §214 (penalty up to $100 recoverable by town superintendent).VTL §118 definition of “highway.”