HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2016-01-20 snow hotline
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Leesburg Debuts Snow Hotline
During snow emergencies, residents can call 703-777-SNOW to get up-to-date
snow removal operations information and to report problems.
Leesburg, VA (January 20, 2016) – In preparation for the possible winter storm later this week,
Town officials remind residents and businesses about Town policies for handling snow, sleet,
ice and other wintry precipitation.
Snow Emergency Declarations. The Town generally declares a snow emergency when enough
snow, sleet or other icy precipitation has accumulated on Town roadways to start plowing
operations. Depending on the weather forecast, a snow emergency may be declared in advance
of a winter storm.
Snow Hotline. Whenever a snow emergency is in effect, the Town’s Snow Hotline (703-777-
SNOW) will be active 24/7. Residents can call to get up-to-date information about current snow
removal operations and to report problems related to snow removal. Residents can also report
snow removal issues via an online form on the Town’s website at
www.leesburgva.gov/snow#hotline.
Snow Emergency Routes. During a snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed from streets
designated as Snow Emergency Routes. Any vehicle not removed from the designated streets
when a snow emergency is in effect will be towed at the owner’s expense. Snow Emergency
Routes are:
Market Street, from Fairview Street to the Route 7/15 Bypass
King Street, from the Union Cemetery to Country Club Drive
Loudoun Street, from Liberty Street to Harrison Street
Snow Removal from Town Streets. The Town of Leesburg Public Works Department’s Street
Division is responsible for snow removal from public streets throughout Town. When possible,
crews will salt and sand streets before the onset of wintry precipitation. Once plowing
operations begin, Snow Emergency Routes and other primary roads will be cleared first,
followed by secondary streets and subdivision roads. Town crews will work 12-hour shifts, 24
hours a day, as long as necessary to clear streets. Until plowing is completed, residents are
urged not to use streets unless absolutely necessary.
In advance of a snowfall, residents can assist in the efficiency of snow removal operations by
removing all vehicles, trailers, trash cans and other items from roadways in order to provide
snow plows with maximum space for snow removal operations.
Snow Removal from Sidewalks. Property owners or occupants are required to remove snow
from public sidewalks adjoining their property within 24 hours of a snowfall. If ice is present
and cannot be removed, it should be covered with sand, kitty litter or similar substance that will
allow pedestrians safe passage. Snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking areas must not be
pushed into the street or other Town right-of-way.
For more information about the Town’s snow removal operations, visit the Town website at
www.leesburgva.gov/snowremoval.
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