Q: If a snow plow deposits snow in my driveway, will the Village clear it out?
A: No. With more than 3500 residential driveways, there isn’t the time or the resources to clear them all. The Village’s top responsibility is to keep traffic moving safely along its designated snow routes.
Q: Why does it take so long for my street to get plowed?
A: The Village of Bellevue has a “typical response” or standards we follow for every snow event. We have two classifications of roadways, primary and secondary, and those roads are treated differently and have different standards for triggering dispatching onto those roadways. At times crews are rerouted to assist emergency responders to their destinations. How long it takes to clear the streets depends on each unique snowfall. Factors such as much snow, how wet the snow is, and forecasted time to stop snowing all impact when operators are dispatched to plow now. As a general rule, all streets should be plowed back in 8-10 hours from when the snow stops.
Q: Why does the plow go past my house so many times?
A: The Primary Roadways are wider and require at least four (4) passes to clear them. Operators will return and re-plow these routes during heavy snowfalls to keep them open for travel and emergency vehicles. Also, Village plow operators will have their plows down when traveling to their zones to begin snow removal.
Q: The plow always goes down the heavily traveled street; why can’t it just swing into my side street and make a pass?
A: The more diversions an operator makes, the longer it will take to clear the major roads. You might be able to get to a major road, but driving efforts would only be helpful if the major roadway you were driving to was plowed.
Q: Can I park on the street during a snowfall?
A: Avoid parking on the street during a snowfall is advised. The Village has a no parking ban on all roads from November 1st to April 1st from 2 - 6 a.m. daily. Vehicles will be ticketed during this time. Moving your vehicle off the street during the day will prevent it from being blocked by plowed snow and allow for better snow removal. If a snow emergency is called, there is no parking on all streets during the designated time. During this time, vehicles parked on the road will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Q: A plow hit my mailbox; what do I do now?
A: In most cases, it is best that you straighten out the post and box for immediate mail delivery. The Village’s policy is to reimburse the property owner up to $75 to replace a mailbox confirmed to have been hit by the plow blade and was installed properly. The Village will not install or repair the mailbox or post. The Village is not responsible for damage due to heavy snow pushing against the box or post. Please call (920) 468-5225 if you feel the plow blade damaged your mailbox.
Q: My mail isn’t being delivered because of snow piled in front of it.
A: The Village makes every effort to remove snow as close to the curb as possible. However, the placement of mailboxes and tight operating conditions in cul-de-sacs make it difficult for our operators to place snow in these areas.
Q: It is snowing out. Should I put out my garbage/recycling containers?
A: Under most conditions, the containers should be placed at the end of your driveway. They should not be placed in the roadway but near the right side of the drive (as you look at the street). Please wait until after the snow plow has gone through to place the carts at the curb, if possible. Visit the Village website or call (920) 468-5225 to see if pickup has been delayed by a day.
Q: What if I still have questions?
A: To learn more about the Village of Bellevue’s snow and ice control policies and procedures, call (920) 468-5225 to speak with the Public Works Department.