Why is snow always left at the end of my driveway?
Unfortunately, this is one of the consequences of owning a home in northern Illinois. Despite popular opinion, crews do not place snow in driveways on purpose. There is no practical way for the snow plow operator to cut off the windrow of snow when crossing a driveway. This problem is especially acute in cul-de-sacs because this is a very confined space. Cul-de-sacs require that all of the snow on the roadway within that confined space be placed along the outside of the circle. The problem is compounded by the fact that each homeowner then must clear their driveway, which places large piles on the corners of the drives.

In a cul-de-sac, it is extremely difficult to have the truck push snow onto a center island. Trucks are not built to be articulated into an angle that would allow placing a portion of the snow on the island, and centrifugal force causes the snow to move off of the plow toward the outside of the circle. Public Work's goal in clearing all streets is to maintain as much of the normal pavement width as possible, while at the same time, allowing acceptable access to the mailboxes for the postal carriers.

One thing you can do to reduce the amount of snow that is plowed in front of your driveway is to place as much of the snow as possible to the right side of your drive, as you face the street. This reduces the chance of snow previously removed from the driveway being pushed back onto your drive. This suggestion, however, may not work in cul-de-sacs that have driveway openings placed close together.

Unfortunately, the Village does not have the personnel to clean driveways. This is the responsibility of the resident.

Show All Answers

1. Who plows my streets?
2. What do I do if the snowplow damaged my mailbox?
3. Why is snow always left at the end of my driveway?
4. When is street sweeping done?
5. Who do I call regarding questions about roadwork?
6. Who do I call about a dead tree on the parkway?
7. How do I get a street sign fixed or replaced?
8. How do I get a street light fixed or replaced?
9. Where do I report a pothole for repair?
10. Where do I report a manhole cover is loose or missing?
11. Where do I report a water main break?
12. Where do I report concerns regarding road construction?
13. How do different storm conditions impact snow removal? What about salt use?
14. The storm is sewer is blocked, who do I call?
15. Why is my water pressure low?