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1. Does the Public Works Department plow all streets in the Village?

No, the Village plows all the public residential and industrial park streets, but roads like Lake Street, Barrington Road and Irving Park Road are plowed by the State of Illinois, and roads like County Farm Road, Schick Road (east of County Farm), Army Trail, etc are plowed by DuPage County.

2. Can I park on the street after a snow fall?

No, it is unlawful to park any vehicle on any public street in the village at any time within 24 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more has occurred, except on those streets where late night parking is permitted in section 62-11-1327(b) of the Village Code, that within 24 hours after a snowfall of two or more inches vehicles shall be parked only on the side of the street on the day during which late night parking is permitted.  See Sec. 62-11-1323 of the Village Code. 

3. How is it decided which streets get plowed first?

Main streets (also known as “arterial streets”) are plowed first as they move the most traffic.  In the event of a blizzard or a snow so large that crews cannot keep up, they will fall back and only plow the main roads until the snow ends.  Secondary roads, like a residential street with relatively low traffic, will be plowed as part of the normal operation, but will be secondary to arterial streets.

4. How soon after a snowfall do plowing and salting operations begin?

Anti-icing begins days before a snowfall, with the application of salt brine and beet juice. Once the snow starts falling, Public Works typically begins plowing operations after about a half inch of snow has fallen or sooner if road condition reports indicate the need. Public Works aim to have all streets cleared within 8 hours after the snow stops falling.

5. Can I shovel snow from a sidewalk or driveway entrance into the street?

No. Snow should be kept on the property onto which it fell.  This would be in the yard or parkway.  Pushing snow into the street can cause icy coditions that can lead to flooding and vehicle accidents.

6. What if the fire hydrant in front of my home gets covered with snow?

We encourage residents to shovel around the fire hydrants in front of their home.  This is a benefit to you and your neighbors should the Fire Department need quick access to the hydrant. Try to clear at least a two-foot area of snow from around the hydrant.

7. Why is the snow plowed back into my driveway after I have shoveled?

Unfortunately, the nature of plowing with blades on the front of trucks requires that the snow go to the right of the vehicle to go off the roadway. There is no method to keep snow out of driveways and the snow plow drivers do not raise the snow plow blades when passing driveways The streets must be plowed curb to curb to provide for proper drainage, mailbox accessibility, and to allow clearance for future snow removal. The plowing of some snow onto driveway entrances cannot be avoided. This can be limited if the resident deposits the snow removed from their driveway to the right side of the driveway as you face the street. Please do not shovel or snow blow the snow from your driveway back into the public roadway.

8. How is snow removal handled on my cul-de-sac?

Public Works is responsible for plowing over 100 center lane miles of roadway in the Village. There are 197 cul-de-sacs in Hanover Park which are cleared by a contractor and take more time to plow and more difficult to clear (averaging 6-12 hours). Cul-de-sacs are the most difficult part of the community to keep clear due to the circular nature of the roadway and the small space available to put the snow.  Please have patience with the process as it often takes a very long time.  It is also very difficult not to disproportionately affect one home over other homes, but we make every effort to make sure that no one house gets disproportionately more snow in their driveway apron than others.

9. Will the Village replace my mailbox if it is damaged by a snowplow?

The Village will replace mailboxes that have been damaged through direct contact with a snow plow, if the original mailbox was installed in compliance with Village regulations. If your mailbox is damaged, a temporary repair will be made so that you can continue to receive mail delivery. When winter ends and the ground thaws, final repairs will be made. If replacement of the mailbox or post is required, a standard metal size mailbox and 4x4 wood post will be installed. Contact the Public Works Department at 630.823.5700 immediately to report mailbox damage.

10. I tried to flag down a snow plow driver to ask him a questions and he did not stop. Why?

Snow plow drivers are instructed not to stop while plowing.  If you have a question, please contact the Public Works Department at 630.823.5700.