Snow and Ice

Each year, the Town of Chapel Hill prepares for potential snowstorms. The Public Works Department has the major responsibility for snow removal on Town streets, from around public buildings, and from Town parking lots. The Town is responsible for snow removal along approximately 750 streets totaling about 350 lane miles.

Snow Plowing Operations

You can view an interactive map that shows the roads we've brined and plowed. Some roads had remnants of ice from the last storm, so please keep in mind there may still be dangerous road conditions in areas that have already been treated. Always be careful.

View the Snow Removal Map

  • For snow removal, we prioritize streets in the following way:

    • Primary Streets. These 125 streets include primary arteries through town, key bus routes, and entrance roads to Town facilities. We usually have these clear within 1-2 days of starting snow removal operations. 

    • Steep Hills/Problem Streets. We usually clear these 55 streets within 1-2 days of starting snow removal operations.

    • Secondary Streets. We usually clear these 263 streets within 2-3 days of starting snow removal operations. 

    • Tertiary Streets. We usually clear these 424 streets (cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and gravel roads) within 3-4 days of starting snow removal operations. 

Snow Removal Flowchart

Snow removal flowchart

 

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For more safety information, visit readync.org and download the ReadyNC app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Snow/Ice Removal Process

Pretreating Streets: Brine is applied before a storm to keep snow and ice from sticking to the pavement. This salt solution (usually a 23% salt solution derived from rock salt) creates a layer that makes plowing and removal easier.

Sand Spreading: We spread sand on bridges and steep streets when freezing is likely. Once snow or ice is packed down and can’t be plowed, we treat problem spots with a sand mix. Salt and sand are used sparingly to reduce environmental impacts like sediment buildup.

Plowing: When snow accumulates to about two inches, plowing operations begin. Snowplows work best on straight, flat roads, so narrow or winding streets may not be as clear. Ice is hard to remove, and cold temperatures with little sunlight make the process even tougher.

Priority Locations: We concentrate on the higher priority streets until they are passable. Short non-through streets and cul-de-sacs are plowed or treated if time permits. If snow falls quickly, we may have to stop plowing secondary streets and return to primary roadways.

NCDOT State crews also pretreat and plow state-maintained roads in Chapel Hill, including five major roads classified as "NCDOT Primary":

  • Marting Luther King Jr. Blvd/Columbia St./US 15-501
  • Franklin Street
  • Fordham Blvd
  • Manning Drive
  • South Road/Raleigh Road/Hwy. 54

Schools and Bus Routes: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) staff clear their own drives and parking lots, while school delays or closures are decided by the districts. We work closely with CHCCS and prioritize roads that provide access to schools.




Common challenges with snow/ice removal

Snowplows work best on straight, flat roads, so narrow or winding streets may not be as clear. Ice is hard to remove, and cold temperatures with little sunlight make the process even tougher. Park your car in a driveway if possible, to keep the street clear for plows.

Who is responsible for clearing driveway aprons?

Plowing requires that snow is plowed into driveways and sidewalks. The property owner or resident is responsible for clearing their driveway entrance/exit, but please do not push the snow into the streets. Before clearing your driveway apron, please remember that the snowplow may make multiple passes on your street until it is clear or safe for motorists.


Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks after a winter weather event?

We concentrate on clearing roadways first to make sure emergency crews can respond quickly and safely throughout the Town. This also helps to return the Transit System to its regular routes as quickly as possible.

Sidewalks are cleared at all Town of Chapel Hill public facilities (Town Hall, fire stations, the library, the police station, and community centers). We also remove snow from sidewalks in the downtown area (both sides of Franklin Street from Henderson to Graham Streets) and a key transit corridor (the entire stretch along Columbia Street from Cameron Avenue, across Franklin and to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Homestead Road). 

If able, citizens are encouraged to clear sidewalks as well as driveway aprons in front of their homes or businesses, but please do not to push this snow into the streets.


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