When clearing snow from your driveway, pile it along the right side as you face the road out front.  This will eliminate the amount of snow deposited on the cleared surface when the plow comes down the road.  Do not push or blow snow onto the road.  This can cause a very dangerous situation.  Also, it is a good idea to remove or move back any rocks, posts, or other border decorations away from the edge of the road.  This will prevent them from being hit by a plow and damaged or doing damage to the plow.  If there is a fire hydrant in front of your house it is a good idea to clear out around the hydrant.  This will be extremely helpful to the firefighters in an emergency.

McHenry Township Road District will pre-treat the roads, when applicable, with a de-icing liquid salt brine.  This product is used to prevent snow and ice from freezing to the pavement.  This product is applied to the road surface before a storm arrives.  This proactive approach called anti-icing is used in other parts of Illinois and McHenry Township was one of the first govern-mental units in McHenry County to use it.  The McHenry County Division of Transportation has developed and uses a product they call Super Mix.  The use of liquids in addition to salt and snowplows will help save money and cut down on accidents.  If a snowfall is predicted our truck may be out pre-treating the road before the snowfall.  If you see the application truck out, please take necessary precautions and stay well behind the truck.

Snow Plowing Priorities

Since all streets cannot be cleared at the same time after a snowfall, there is a priority schedule which generally applies to all township maintained roads.  Major roads and intersections are cleared first, then primary collector streets, followed by feeder streets, cul-de-sacs and dead ends.  Priority is given to all principal township maintained roads so they will be clear in time for morning and evening rush hours.  Principal roads are Barnard Mill, Fox Lake, Howe, Lily Lake, Lincoln, McCullom Lake, Ringwood, Wilmot/Johnsburg, Wonder Lake Road and Riverside Drive.

In years past, all municipalities and townships that plow the roads have had a problem with vehicles parked on the roads during and after a snowfall, before cleanup could be completed.  This prompted the McHenry County Highway Commissioners Association to standardize all of the township’s parking ordinances, thus making it easier for the Sheriff’s Department to enforce.  Ordinance #120608-1 states in part:

 PARKING LIMITATIONS

Parking of any motor vehicle in excess of 72 hours, or at such times when there is snowfall of 2 inches or more, until such snow is cleared from the roadway, or of any camping trailer or boat and/or boat trailer or other trailer, or motor vehicle in excess of gross weight of 8,000 pounds for more than 24 hours is prohibited on any McHenry Township road, street or highway.  The official definition of road, street or highway, as contained in 605 ILCS, shall apply hereto, McHenry Township roads, streets, or highway, hereinafter known as “roads”.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Parking is prohibited on any Township Road when posted by signage indicating the period of time or times when parking is restricted and/or prohibited.

ENFORCEMENT

Upon posting of any signs as set forth in Section II above, a copy of this Ordinance, duly certified, has been transmitted to the Sheriff of McHenry County and the State’s Attorney of McHenry County for enforcement of the terms hereof, pursuant to Sections 11-304 and 11-306 of the Motor Vehicle Code of Illinois, as amended, and Sections of 6-201.16, 16.102 and 16.105 of the Highway Code of Illinois, as amended.

If you normally park along the road, it is a good idea to make other arrangements during the snow season, or at least when snow is predicted.  By doing so, you may avoid being ticketed and towed.  Your cooperation will make it possible to clear the entire roadway, benefiting you and your neighbors.  Thank you for your cooperation.