Frequently Asked Questions - Town of Cortlandt, NY

Highway General
- How many miles of town dedicated roads in the inventory?
  
  Approximately 170 miles.
- How much money, on average, does the Town spend on repaving and resurfacing of roads?
  
  Approximately one (1) million annually.
- What is the level of service for snow and ice control?
  
  Level of service:
  
  The reasonable approach and the desired outcome and goal of any winter weather event, is to provide a safe and clear travel way for the motoring public. The main priority is the Town major collector and connection roads with the second priority being the residential areas.
- How does the Highway Division handle parking during storm events?
  
  Seasonal Parking:
  
  No vehicle shall be placed on any Town streets, highways, or roads between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7:00 a.m. on any day during the period of November 15th and April 15th.
  
  Obstruction of snow removal equipment and operations?
  
  It shall be unlawful to hinder or obstruct any vehicle or equipment in the operation of snowplowing, ice control, or snow removal and hauling on the Town streets, highways or roads.
- What are some other winter weather reminders?
  
  The Town of Cortlandt is an area that on AVERAGE can experience annual snowfall of 35 inches. The Department of Environmental Services does not have the labor and equipment to provide a 24/7 coverage during the period of November 15th to April 15th. There are sixteen (16) snow routes that include the approximately 160 miles of road in the Town. These routes include the major collector and connector roads to the Sate System, as well as, the secondary residential roads. Each of these routes is assigned one heavy plow truck with spreader and one small/pick-up truck with plow. Each heavy truck is staffed with one (1) MEO/Driver and one (1) laborer. Additional labor is obtained from the other DES Divisions, Sanitation and Parks, as well as, support of labor and trucks from the DOTS/Water Division.
- Does the Town use salt?
  
  Yes, we do, as a de-icer it is most effective.
- Does the Town use sand?
  
  Yes, we do, an abrasive is often needed on roads with hills, slopes and inclines.
- Does the Town use straight, 100% salt in the spreaders?
  
  No, we try to reduce salt being introduced into the environment by using some sand for traction.
- Are there other anti-icing products applied prior to storm events?
  
  Yes, the Town does use some of these organic liquids that are effective at certain pavement temperature and atmospheric temperatures.
- Should you call the Highway Division during a storm event to request status of operation?
  
  You can, but we prefer that you do not. We have staff that are on the road, radio dispatched from the base, in vehicles reporting conditions to the base.
- Does the Town hire private independent contractors?
  
  Yes, we do; their use is limited, however they are available if needed.
- When do we change over from a salt sanding spreading to plowing?
  
  Usually at about 3 inches on the ground; variable of atmospheric and pavement temperature conditions are deciding factors.
- Does the Town subscribe to any weather forecasting and alert system notification?
  
  Yes.
- What do I do about the snow bank in front of my driveway?
  
  Clear it out yourself; we wish we had the resources to return and plow this away but we do not. The first priority is the roadway, the snow bank is a result of the plow passing and usually is not avoidable.
- Operation Snow Flake, what is it?
  
  Teenagers of the Town that can help you (Seniors) out with shoveling, call staff at the Morabito Community Center , see Office for the Aging- seniors in need of shoveling services.
- What is needed most during a winter weather event?
  
  Your patience, Thank You
- Where can I find information regarding any winter weather event?
  
  Your local radio station will give you forecasts regarding upcoming storms.