Winter Snow Storm Information
The primary responsibility for keeping Vernon streets open and the transportation network alive during winter storms rests with the Town of Vernon Public Works Department. The State Department of Transportation takes care of the state roads (generally any road with a route number) and can be reached at 860-875-4993. The State DOT is responsible for the following routes in Vernon:
Route 30 | Hyde Ave, Hartford Tpke. |
Route 31 | Grove St., Reservoir Rd., Mile Hill Rd. |
Route 74 | Tolland Ave., East Main St., Union St., Windsor Ave., Windsorville Rd |
Route 83 | Talcottville Rd., West Rd., (parts of Hartford Tpke. & Windsor Ave.) |
Route 527 | West St. |
Route 533 | Tunnel Rd., Lake St. (from Tunnel Rd. to Bolton Town line) |
Route 541 | South Frontage Rd. |
Route 542 | Whitney T. Ferguson Rd. |
When winter precipitation starts, the Town of Vernon Public Works Department dispatches trucks throughout the Town to plow, lay salt and sand over 26 separate plow routes. Within each plow route, certain streets are designated as primary streets to be "opened up" first so that all areas of the Town can be reached by snow removal crews and emergency vehicles. Secondary streets are then opened. This means that one or two passes will be made so that the road is open for traffic. Residents can help by parking vehicles off the street at all times during the winter months.
After all streets are opened, the drivers will begin to “widen out” so that the maximum width of the traveled way will be usable. Widening out may require four or more additional passes to move the accumulated snow to the gutter line. Cul-de-sac residents are encouraged to be patient with the removal of snow from these areas as large snow removal equipment cannot appropriately clear the entire area and alternate equipment may then be applied when the storm subsides. The plow operator has little choice as to where the snow will be deposited; many times, the snow will be deposited into driveway openings.
It is suggested that when clearing your driveway, you shovel the snow to the right when facing the street, this way what you have shoveled will not be deposited in your driveway by the plow. The parking ban may be enforced by the Chief of Police if the storm warrants it.