Highway superintendents in first awareness drive urge extra caution during winter

Photos by Tom Rivers: A caravan of snow plow trucks head down Route 31 in Albion today just afternoon. There were about 30 plow trucks in the procession, representing most of the municipalities in Orleans County. The local highway and street superintendents, as well as the Department of Public Works joined together for the “Winter Operations Awareness Drive.” It started at the Shelby Highway Department and then headed east on Route 31, going through the villages of Medina, Albion and Holley.

Press Release, Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association

State/County/Town and Village highway departments joined forces today to raise awareness of the upcoming winter season.

Double and single axle plow/salt trucks met at the Shelby highway garage before traveling along Rt. 31 from Medina through the Village of Albion enroute to the completion point just east of the Village of Holley.

The winter season brings many challenges for the average traveler. The group wants to raise awareness of those challenges for both the men and women behind the wheel of the plow trucks as well as those traveling state, county, town and village roads.

There was participation from all 10 towns, the four villages, county and the state DOT in the procession, shown here passing in front of the Albion school campus on East Avenue.

No one wants to be stuck behind the plow truck but passing can very dangerous. People don’t take in to account the slush coming off the wheels and front plow of these vehicles until it’s too late. You should allow yourself extra travel time depending on the weather.

Many plow trucks have specific routes and will commonly backup frequently at intersections to go back down a road they just came from so allowing extra space between you and the plow truck is helpful.

Many of the towns and villages have limited crews and do not work around the clock so late evening to early morning travel may be difficult, again try to plan your winter travel accordingly.

Mailboxes are always an issue, some municipalities fix them and others do not. This is a courtesy fix and not required. The bottom of mailboxes should be at 41”-45” from the ground and the post should be maintained and free from rot or corrosion depending on the material used. Plastic mailboxes and “all in one” mailbox with post are not recommended for country roadside applications because the plastic does not hold up well in the bitter cold temperatures. For additional info on mailboxes go to www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm.

Snow should never be pushed across the road from clearing your driveway. This is actually highway law. Most villages have restricted parking on village streets so be aware of these winter parking changes. We all know kids love snowbanks but along the roadside is not a safe place to be playing on snowbanks or making tunnels.

The Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association hopes this “Winter Operations Awareness Drive” does just that – brings awareness to winters driving challenges and helps you prepare for a safe commute where ever you are traveling to.

Safe travels and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!