FAQs • Cary, IL • CivicEngage

Why is there always snow at the end of my driveway, even after I shoveled it?: The design of the snowplow is to direct snow to the right of the snow plow truck, as this is the direction toward the curb and away from traffic. If possible, shovel driveway aprons only after the snow plows have stopped plowing and the street is cleared of snow. This will eliminate the need to shovel again after the snow plow has come down your street. Pile all snow away from the edge of the road on the left side of the driveway, as you face your residence. Should the snowplow make an additional pass by your residence after you have already shoveled your driveway, the same snow will not be pushed back into your driveway by the snowplow.

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Snow and Ice Control

1. How long does it take to plow Village streets?: Under regular conditions, it is the goal of the department to have all streets plowed and salted within 10 hours after the storm has stopped.

2. Why has my cul-de-sac not been plowed?: During snow plowing operations, the focus of the Public Works Department is to keep main arterial streets and intersections clear of snow. Safety and traffic flow dictates that the main streets be plowed first, followed by secondary streets and finally cul-de-sacs and dead-ends.

3. Who is responsible for shoveling snow off sidewalks?: It is the responsibility of the resident or business owner to ensure that sidewalks adjacent to their property are kept free and clear of snow.

4. What salting procedures does the Village use during a winter storm?: Village crews will apply a highway de-icer salt to pavement surfaces until snow accumulation reaches two inches or more. At that time, salting operations are suspended and snow plow operations will begin. After all streets are clear of snow, a final drive-through pass of the entire Village is done and another application of de-icing material is applied to rid the pavement of any unplowed snowpack. Click here for more information.

5. Can I shovel snow back into the street after it has been plowed?: Do not push snow into or across the street. Putting your snow into the street not only creates an additional hazard, but it may result in the same snow being pushed into your neighbor's driveway if the snow plow makes an additional pass. Village ordinance prohibits this action.

6. Why is there always snow at the end of my driveway, even after I shoveled it?: The design of the snowplow is to direct snow to the right of the snow plow truck, as this is the direction toward the curb and away from traffic. If possible, shovel driveway aprons only after the snow plows have stopped plowing and the street is cleared of snow. This will eliminate the need to shovel again after the snow plow has come down your street. Pile all snow away from the edge of the road on the left side of the driveway, as you face your residence. Should the snowplow make an additional pass by your residence after you have already shoveled your driveway, the same snow will not be pushed back into your driveway by the snowplow.

7. What streets in the Village are plowed by the Cary Public Works Department?: The Village plows the majority of roadways within the incorporated boundaries of Cary. Some roadways are not maintained by the Village and are plowed by another jurisdiction. Listed below are sections of roads not maintained by the Village and the government agency that is responsible for snow removal:
Route 14 and Route 31 - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Cary-Algonquin Road - McHenry County
Cold Springs Road and Klasen Road - Algonquin Township
The western portion of Three Oaks Road from Georgetown Road to the western Village limits - City of Crystal Lake

8. What do I do if I believe my mailbox was damaged as a result of snowplowing operations?: If you believe your mailbox was damaged during snow plow operations, contact the Public Works Department. Damaged mailboxes (including the post it sits on) will initially be assessed to determine whether the mailbox can be repaired, or if it must be replaced. If the mailbox can be repaired, Public Works crews will repair the mailbox as soon as possible. If the mailbox cannot be repaired, residents have the option to have a "standard" mailbox installed by the Public Works Department or receive a reimbursement from the Village based on the current retail market conditions for a standard mailbox and post. Click here for more information.

9. What is that brown liquid being sprayed out the back of Village plow trucks?: The Public Works Department uses de-icing chemicals both before and after a snow or ice storm. This de-icing material is a mix of salt brine, calcium chloride and beet juice. Applying this de-icing material to Village roadways prior to a winter storm provides 3 - 5 days of protection in deterring ice from bonding to Village roads.