Winter Information

Winter Sand

The Town provides Derry residents with winter sand. The pile is located inside the Town's Transfer Station in the last bay of Recycle Alley by the scale house. Transfer Station hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00am to 3:30pm. Residents are asked to please limit themselves to 2 five-gallon pails per visit.

Sand is not supplied to residents if there is danger that residents may be hit by equipment in the yard. Please avoid shoveling this mixture directly into the back of your pick-up as this is a sand/salt mixture and may be caustic.

A Plow Hit My Mailbox

The Town of Derry has a policy with regard to mailboxes, light poles, fences, and other private structures. Any structures within eight (8) feet of the edge of pavement are put there at the owner's risk. The Town will not replace these items. A measured diagram is available from the Public Works office for a mailbox similar to the one shown to the left. This mailbox is suspended from chains to allow it to swing out of the way.

 

 

 

 

You Can Help Make the Winter Storm Easier


Here are some ways that you as a resident can help to make a winter storm event easier on both yourself and on the Public Works Crews:

  • Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions.
  • Allow additional driving time to arrive at your destinations.
  • Do not drive during storms unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • When a storm is imminent, please remove vehicles from roadsides, so that crews can perform their services effectively. The Public Works Department can perform a more thorough job in a lot less time if vehicles are not parked on the roadways.
  • Be patient. It takes time to clear approximately 165 miles of roadway.
  • During a storm, please remember that it is important for the Department to keep telephone lines clear for emergency communications. General information phone calls are welcome at any other time.

Snow & Ice Policy - Winter Operations

Snow Plowing

The following is a general description of how Derry's Department of Public Works plows snow from Town streets:

When a snow storm begins, the DPW responds by treating the roads with salt and/or sand. Salting these roadways serves to keep traffic moving and to prevent snow from bonding to the pavement.

Snow plowing begins when snow accumulates two (2) inches or forecasts indicate that it will. Over 40 Town and private plows can be called out and assigned to plow pre-determined routes. The Town's policy is to plow the full width of the street, curb to curb, during each storm and to push back a minimum of 4 feet beyond to edge of pavement to allow room for future storms.

Once snowfall has stopped and plowing is winding down, salt trucks begin post-storm salting as needed.

Winter Parking Ban

By Town Ordinance, a Winter Parking Ban is in effect every November 15th to April 1st between the hours of 12:00am to 6:00am on all streets, including Municipal Parking Lots. (Chapter 150 Vehicles and Traffic, Article § 150-9)

Driveways

While we try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed into driveways it is unavoidable. Clearing driveway openings is the responsibility of the property owner.

  • Plow blades cannot be lifted as they pass by a driveway.
  • Snow will be plowed into driveways as we perform curb-to-curb plowing.
  • You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing activities have concluded.
  • Shoveling, plowing, or snow blowing snow back into the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited. Violators will be fined.

Sidewalks

Sidewalk snow clearance will be conducted as possible during winter storms. Personnel availability and the need to maintain safe roadways will take priority.

Ice

If a stretch of road is particularly bad or dangerous, please contact us at 603-432-6144 during business hours to report the condition. If after hours, contact Derry PD at 603-432-6111.

Winter Operations Guide

Click here to view or print A Resident's Guide to Winter Snow Removal Operations.