The Street Department’s 9 personnel maintain over 200 lane miles of streets and 30 miles of alleys. The Public Works Department strives to complete plowing and salting operations within 7 to 10 hours on all city streets and cul-de-sacs.

During snow or ice conditions, de-icer is applied and snow is plowed in phases:

  • Phase 1: Salt and de-icer are applied to arterial streets and major intersections for public safety.
  • Phase 2: Plowing typically begins when 2 inches of snow has accumulated.
Snow removal priorities are established for safety and efficiency:

Priority One

Arterials, collectors, emergency routes, and school routes (on school days). These receive more frequent plowing and de-icer applications and are cleared curb-to-curb first.

Priority Two

Residential and non-primary routes, including cul-de-sacs. These are cleared after Priority One streets.

Priority Three

Alleys are plowed toward the end of snow events and may not be cleared until the following day.

Parking Ordinance

Chapter 90 – Traffic and Vehicles, Article III, Sec. 90-138

No parking is allowed on City streets when 2 or more inches of snow are forecast or between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM year-round. It is unlawful to park on any public street when 4 inches or more of snow have fallen.

Vehicles parked in violation may receive a ticket and be towed. All towing fees must be paid before the vehicle is released.

Depositing Snow on Public Ways

Chapter 78 – Streets, Sidewalks & Other Public Places, Sec. 78-136

It is unlawful to deposit or cause to be deposited any snow in any public street, highway, or alley right-of-way.

Depositing Snow on Private Property

Chapter 78, Sec. 78-137

It is unlawful for any driver of a snowplow to deposit snow on another’s property without the property owner’s permission.

The End of Your Driveway

City crews use side-discharge plows, which naturally push snow toward driveways. This “windrow” effect is unavoidable and not eligible for City clearing.

Mailboxes

If a mailbox is struck by a City vehicle, a report will be made, and the damage will be inspected. Mailboxes damaged by the force of snow (not direct impact) will not be replaced. The City will only repair or replace mailboxes verified to be struck by City crews.

Parkway Damage

Minor salt damage to parkways is the responsibility of the property owner. In severe cases, the City may repair with topsoil and seed.

Report parkway or mailbox damage to (847) 746-4050.

Roadways Maintained by Other Agencies

State of Illinois (IDOT – Gurnee Maintenance Facility, 847-0034)
  • Illinois Route 131 (Green Bay Road)
  • Illinois Route 173
Lake County (Division of Transportation, 847-377-7400)
  • Russell Road
  • 9th Street
  • Lewis Avenue
  • 21st Street
  • Kenosha Road
  • 33rd Street (Galilee Ave. to Lewis Ave.)
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