Professional Snow Removal Services in EastBridgewater, MA

EastBridgewater Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in EastBridgewater, MA. Strict municipal ordinances require prompt and thorough clearance of snow and ice to maintain public safety, ensure accessibility, and reduce hazards during winter weather. Enforcement protocols specify required timeframes, clearance standards for walkways, and structured penalties for non-compliance with local and state regulations.

EastBridgewater Department of Public Works
100 Willow Avenue, EastBridgewater, MA 02333
Phone: (508) 378-1620
Official Website: EastBridgewater Department of Public Works

Understanding EastBridgewater's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

EastBridgewater enforces snow removal ordinances that mandate property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours following the end of snowfall. The town requires a minimum accessible path width of 36 inches on sidewalks to ensure safe passage for all pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities. Property owners are further obligated to remove or treat icy conditions to maintain bare pavement or apply sand or other traction materials as needed. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets or sidewalks already cleared by municipal crews.

• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5: Grants municipal authority to regulate snow removal. View Law
• EastBridgewater Town Bylaw § 11.7: Snow and ice must be removed from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours. Town Bylaws

Overnight snowfall provisions require that sidewalks be cleared by noon the following day. Violations of these requirements may result in fines of $50 per day for residential properties and $100 per day for commercial properties. Depositing snow onto public streets may incur additional fines of $100 per incident. Each 24-hour period of non-compliance is treated as a separate violation subject to additional penalties.

EastBridgewater Inspectional Services
175 Central Street, EastBridgewater, MA 02333
Phone: (508) 378-1610
Official Website: Inspectional Services

EastBridgewater Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods in EastBridgewater present unique snow removal challenges due to differences in topography, infrastructure, and demographic factors. These issues frequently influence complaint volumes and operational difficulties during winter weather events.

• Central Village: Dense residential area with older sidewalks and limited off-street parking complicates sidewalk and curb clearing.
• Union Street Corridor: Mix of small businesses and multi-family homes; high pedestrian traffic and frequent vehicle turnover increase the need for rapid snow removal and monitoring.
• Elmwood: Features sloped streets and higher elevations, leading to increased ice accumulation and runoff hazards.
• Northville: Predominantly single-family homes with longer driveways; narrow streets require careful coordination during plowing to prevent blockages.
• Matfield: Rural character and larger lots mean longer stretches of sidewalk and private road access, increasing time and equipment needs for comprehensive clearance.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The EastBridgewater Department of Public Works manages approximately 70 lane miles of roadway, divided into 8 plow routes prioritized for emergency access and main thoroughfares such as Central Street, Union Street, and Bedford Street. Arterial roads and designated emergency routes are cleared first, followed by residential side streets and cul-de-sacs. The DPW coordinates with local agencies to monitor weather conditions and issue snow emergency declarations as warranted.

EastBridgewater Office of Emergency Management
175 Central Street, EastBridgewater, MA 02333
Phone: (508) 378-2074
Official Website: Office of Emergency Management

Property owners should anticipate that municipal plows may leave snow berms across driveways after street clearing. Owners are responsible for secondary clearance of driveways and abutting sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to monitor official town alerts for updated plowing schedules and to coordinate with private contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal operations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

EastBridgewater enforces a townwide parking ban on all public streets during declared snow emergencies. No space saver system is recognized or permitted in EastBridgewater. The parking ban remains in effect for the duration of the storm and until plowing is deemed complete by the DPW.

• Designated Snow Routes: Primary roadways such as Central Street and Union Street are strictly enforced as emergency snow routes.
• Towing and Fines: Vehicles found in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Typical towing fees begin at $90 plus ticket costs.
• Resident Alerts: The town issues snow emergency declarations and ban notifications via the official website, local reverse-911 phone calls, and town social media channels.
• Alternative Parking: Residents may use municipal lots, such as the Town Hall lot, for temporary parking during declared bans as directed by officials.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

EastBridgewater does not currently operate a 311 system. Residents may report snow removal violations or accessibility issues directly to the Department of Public Works by phone or through the Report a Concern online form on the town’s website. Complaints regarding unshoveled sidewalks, ice hazards, or improper snow deposition are investigated by Code Enforcement.

• Phone: (508) 378-1620 (DPW)
• Online: Report a Concern
• Email: dpw@eastbridgewaterma.gov

Accessibility concerns related to snow and ice may be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

Massachusetts Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-7440 | TTY: (800) 322-2020
Official Website: Mass Office on Disability

Premises Liability Protection Under MA Law

Massachusetts law, clarified by the Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) decision, holds property owners to a standard of reasonable care regarding all snow and ice hazards, abolishing the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations. This duty applies not only to sidewalks but also to parking areas, entrances, and stairways.

• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15: Establishes liability for injuries caused by dangerous sidewalk conditions. Read the statute
• Notice Requirement: Under Chapter 84, Sections 18-20, injury claims must be filed within 30 days of the incident.

Failure to maintain safe premises may result in civil liability, insurance claims, and municipal penalties. All property owners are responsible for keeping paths, entrances, and walkways free of hazardous snow and ice accumulations.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout EastBridgewater

Central Village: The heart of EastBridgewater, Central Village features a mix of older single-family homes and small businesses. Narrow sidewalks, high pedestrian activity, and on-street parking create complex snow removal needs, requiring careful timing and coordination to ensure safe passage and access to storefronts.

Elmwood: Characterized by rolling terrain and sloped streets, Elmwood’s residential lots often face challenging ice buildup and stormwater runoff. Properties here require additional attention to sidewalk treatment and driveway clearance, especially after heavy or mixed precipitation events.

Union Street Corridor: This busy commercial and residential area combines multi-family dwellings with retail spaces. Heavy traffic, frequent parking turnover, and significant foot traffic necessitate diligent snow and ice management to prevent slip hazards and maintain business continuity.

Matfield: Predominantly rural and featuring larger lots with private roads, Matfield demands extended snow clearing efforts. The expansive frontage and limited access for large machinery can slow operations and require coordination for private plow access.

Northville: With winding residential streets and a high proportion of single-family homes, Northville’s snow removal is complicated by narrow roadways and limited sidewalk infrastructure. Ensuring vehicle and pedestrian access is a key service priority.

Robbins Pond Area: This lakeside neighborhood presents topographical challenges, including steep driveways and limited street width. Maintaining emergency access and safe pedestrian routes around the pond is essential during significant snow events.

East Side: Bordering Bridgewater, the East Side features a mix of new developments and established homes. Wide roads and cul-de-sacs require strategic plowing to prevent snow pileup at intersections and ensure access for school buses and emergency vehicles.

South EastBridgewater: A blend of agricultural properties and newer residential subdivisions, this district has long driveways and fewer sidewalks, necessitating private and municipal coordination for timely snow removal and safe access to main roads.

West Union: Combining traditional housing stock with light commercial zones, West Union faces challenges related to parking availability and sidewalk continuity. The presence of several small businesses increases the need for prompt and thorough snow clearance to support accessibility and safety.

Bedford Street Commercial Area: This major corridor includes shopping centers, service businesses, and restaurants. High traffic volumes and large parking lots require extensive snow management, including rapid clearing of entrances and maintenance of fire lanes.

Highland Park: A residential neighborhood with moderate density and interconnected streets, Highland Park’s curved roads and numerous intersections require careful plow routing. Consistent sidewalk and crosswalk maintenance is necessary for community safety and mobility.

Prospect Hill: Recognized for its elevated position and older homes, Prospect Hill contends with hilly terrain and narrow streets. Snow drifting and ice accumulation are persistent issues, demanding frequent monitoring and treatment throughout the winter season.