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1. Why do I sometimes see parallel rows of white, chalky lines in the pavement in late fall and winter?

The white, chalky lines are caused by the application of brine, a liquid anti-icing compound. Brine is being applied to local roads before snow events to provide additional time before the snow and ice begin to build up on the pavement. This will not be done if rain is predicted before the snow, as the brine would be washed off the pavement.

2. How soon after a snowfall do plowing and salting operations begin?

Anti-icing of the roadways begins before a snowfall, with the application of brine. Once the snow starts falling, Public Works typically begins plowing operations after two inches of snow has fallen, or sooner if road condition reports indicate the need. Plowing may be suspended between 8:00 pm and 4:00 am, depending on the severity of the snow event. Public Works crews aim to have all streets and cul-de-sacs cleared within a day after the snow stops falling.

3. Why does it take Public Works so long to plow my cul-de-sac?

Public Works is responsible for plowing over 70 miles of roadway in the Village. There are 110 cul-de-sacs in Roselle, which are more time consuming to plow and more difficult to clear (averaging 50 hours). Cul-de-sacs are typically done last, in the daylight hours to ensure that primary and secondary streets are passable.

4. Does the Public Works Department plow all of the streets in the Village?

No. Public Works plows over 70 miles of roadway in Roselle, but the main streets running through Roselle are handled by other agencies.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is responsible for state roads (Lake Street, Irving Park Road).

County transportation departments (DuPage and Cook) are responsible for county roads (Gary Avenue, Roselle Road, Nerge Road). 

The Village is responsible for most of the side streets and residential areas, except for those governed by some local homeowners associations.

5. Are there street parking restrictions following a significant snowfall?

Street parking is prohibited any time after a 2-inch or more snowfall until the street has been plowed.