Snow Plowing

City of Jamestown Winter Snow Removal Information

Winter in Jamestown brings snowfall, and the City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to ensuring clear and safe streets for residents, businesses, and visitors. Here is everything you need to know about our snow removal operations.

DPW’s Massive Winter Responsibility

The Department of Public Works maintains over 450 streets and 155 miles of roadway—enough to stretch from Jamestown to Buffalo and back, twice. This vast network is equivalent to the distance from Jamestown to Niagara Falls and back, or more than halfway from Jamestown to Syracuse. This monumental task highlights the extraordinary effort needed to keep roads safe and accessible during winter weather. For comparison, many cities with similar populations manage far fewer streets, making Jamestown’s street network a significant responsibility.

For example, Corning, with a population of around 20,000, maintains just over 100 streets, and Canandaigua, with a population of 10,000, manages 150 streets. Larger cities like Ithaca (around 30,000 people) or Oneonta (also 30,000 people) maintain about 200–250 streets. In contrast, Jamestown’s 450 streets require a far greater effort to manage than other cities of its size.

Jamestown’s street system is comparable to larger cities like Syracuse or Albany, but its layout presents unique challenges. The city features a mix of urban streets and rural roads, requiring plows to navigate narrow, congested streets as well as less-traveled, winding roads. Additionally, Jamestown’s proximity to Lake Erie results in lake effect snow, leading to heavy and unpredictable snowfalls that require constant adjustments. These factors make snow removal in Jamestown more complex than in cities like Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse, where street networks are more compact and evenly distributed.

Plowing Zones & Process

The city is divided into 10 plowing zones. Here is how it works:

Zone Plowing: Each zone has one assigned plow. Completion takes 6 to 10 hours, depending on factors like weather, traffic, and parked cars.
Teamwork for Priority Streets: Before residential streets are plowed, two plows from adjacent zones work together to clear collector routes and other priority streets.
- In extreme conditions, team plowing may be done 2–3 times during a shift, delaying residential plowing.
Main Roads & Arterials: Two large wing-plow trucks, equipped with salt spreaders, manage these essential routes.
Salt Spreaders: During snow events, two dedicated salt spreaders are in operation.

Staffing & Shifts

Day Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Night Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Mid-Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Continuous Operations During Extreme Events: Day and night shift workers may work overtime, allowing plowing to continue uninterrupted.

Sidewalks, Alleys, & Cleanup

Downtown Sidewalks: Cleared by the Parks Department during street plowing operations.
School Zones: Handled by seasonal Streets Division staff before school opens.
Alleys & Dead Ends: The Parks Department manages these areas during full plowing operations.
Post-Storm Cleanup: After major storms, crews revisit streets to clear snow around parked cars and begin snow removal in the downtown area.

Snow Removal Policies

When It Starts: Snow removal begins when accumulations exceed 2 inches or icy conditions arise.
Priorities:
1. Main roads, emergency routes, and downtown areas.
2. Secondary streets and school zones.
3. Residential streets and alleys.
Downtown Removal: Excess snow is hauled away when it obstructs traffic or parking.

Parking Regulations

To ensure efficient plowing, parking rules are strictly enforced:

Alternate Side Parking: From October 1 to March 31, vehicles must follow alternate side parking rules. Move your car by 10:00 AM to avoid penalties.
Downtown Parking Ban: No parking downtown between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM during winter months.
Violations: Vehicles parked in violation may be towed.

Resident Responsibilities

Clear Your Sidewalks: Residents must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall.
Dispose of Snow Properly: Avoid shoveling snow into streets; doing so violates City Code §252-14 Sec. D.
Fire Hydrants: Clear snow around fire hydrants near your property to assist emergency services.

Helpful Tips for Residents

Avoid Street Parking: Use your driveway or designated parking areas to aid plow operators.
Keep a Safe Distance: Stay at least 100 feet behind plows and avoid passing them.
Prepare for Driveway Ridges: Snowplows may leave ridges at the ends of driveways; residents are responsible for clearing this.

Reporting Issues & Damage

If you encounter unplowed streets, icy conditions, or property damage caused by plows, contact:

DPW Main Office: (716) 483-7545
After-Hours Number: (716) 483-7558

Snow Plowing FAQs

Why hasn’t my street been plowed yet? Plowing follows a priority schedule. Main roads and emergency routes are cleared first.
Will the City clear my driveway? No, residents must handle snow removal at driveway entrances.
What if a plow damages my property? Report damage to the DPW at (716) 483-7545. Claims are reviewed individually.

Contact Information

City of Jamestown
Department of Public Works
145 Steele Street
Jamestown, New York 14701
Phone: (716) 483-7545

The City of Jamestown appreciates your cooperation in helping keep our streets safe and accessible this winter season!

We also want to extend our gratitude to the dedicated employees of the Department of Public Works and the Parks Department. Their tireless efforts, often in challenging conditions, ensure that our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces remain clear, safe, and accessible for everyone. From plowing streets to maintaining equipment and clearing sidewalks, these teams work around the clock to serve our community.

Let us work together to support their hard work by adhering to parking regulations, clearing sidewalks, and exercising patience during snow events. Thank you for being a vital part of making Jamestown a great place to live, work, and visit, even during the toughest winter weather!