Snow and Ice Control Plan
The Public Works Department uses a Snow and Ice Control Plan to ensure that roads and critical sidewalks remain passable during winter’s unpredictable weather. The Plan includes one salting and eight plowing routes. Public Works crews begin plowing when snowfall reaches two inches of accumulation and attempt to remove snow during slow traffic hours.
If the forecast indicates long periods of snow and large amounts of accumulation, crews plow in intervals to prevent accumulation. After routes are plowed, all major Village streets, intersections, and slippery spots are salted.
Sidewalks in the central business district and along school routes are also cleared as part of the Plan. Northfield crews only clear Village streets, and residents on private streets are responsible for contracting independently for snow removal.
The Village is always looking for ways to improve services and reduce our impact on the environment. Public Works proactively pretreats roads with a salt brine and beet juice mixture before snow and ice events to increase the effective temperature range of the salt, ensure less is applied, and reduce the amount scattered off the roadway. Public Works has also focused on improving the efficiency of the mechanical removal of snow and ice prior to salt treatment to reduce the amount of salt needed. With these innovative methods, we can assure more efficient salt usage and less impact on the environment, while maintaining a high level of public safety.
Snow Removal Responsibilities
The Village is only responsible for plowing local streets. If you have a concern regarding snow plowing on any of these streets, contact the Public Works Department at (847)441-3810.
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) maintained roads include Willow, Waukegan, the Eden’s Expressway, and Hibbard (Willow to Illinois). IDOT can be reached at (847)705-4227.
Contact the Cook County Highway Department at (847)827-1164 for snow plowing concerns regarding Sunset Ridge, Wagner (south of Willow), Winnetka, West Frontage, East Frontage, Happ (Willow to Illinois), Orchard (West Frontage to South Happ and East Frontage to Linder), and Linder (north of Orchard).
Snow Parking Restrictions
To allow for safe and effective snow plowing during a snowfall of three or more inches, vehicles cannot be parked along any roadway or in a Village parking lot. Vehicles that are not moved will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Help us Clear the Hydrants!
This winter, please help the Fire-Rescue Department by clearing three feet of snow around fire hydrants in your neighborhood and a path to the street in case they are needed for firefighting efforts!