The primary goal of our snow removal efforts is to ensure that residents, businesses, and emergency responders can move safely through the Town of Waynesville, even in the worst weather conditions. We prioritize safety, mobility, and access to critical services, such as hospitals and fire stations, by removing snow and ice from public roads, sidewalks, and municipal facilities.
Preparation is key. The team starts early, ensuring all equipment is in top shape and ready for action. The Public Works team pre-treats priority roads, bridges, and steep grades with brine or salt to prevent ice buildup.
So what constitutes as a priority road?
- Primary Roads & Emergency Routes: These are the main roads, hospital routes, and those used by emergency vehicles, like police and fire trucks. NC DOT plows state roads and highways. The Town only plows town maintained roads.
- Secondary Roads & Residential Collectors: Includes bus routes, high-traffic streets, and steep grades that are essential for local mobility.
- Neighborhood & Local Streets: These are typically lower-traffic areas like cul-de-sacs and dead-ends. Streets that only have a few residences are usually not considered priority streets.
- Town Facilities & Sidewalks: We also prioritize municipal buildings, public lots, and areas with heavy foot traffic.
The Town is not responsible for plowing private roads and driveways.
Once snow accumulates to about 2 inches or as directed by the Streets Supervisor, plowing begins. Snow is pushed to the right-hand shoulder of the road, ensuring drainage and avoiding blockages like driveways, fire hydrants, and intersections. After plowing, salt is spread to prevent refreezing and rock chips are spread as needed for icy hills or roadways. Residents can expect regular updates on road conditions from the Public Information Officer (PIO) via the Town’s website, local media, and social media channels.
With freezing temperatures comes utility outages. For utility outages or water leaks during regular hours, please call Public Works at 828-456-3706. For after hours, please call the police dispatch non-emergency line at 828-456-5363.
