Professional Snow Removal Services in WestBridgewater, MA

WestBridgewater Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in WestBridgewater, MA, ensuring public safety and maintaining accessibility throughout the winter season. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances that specify required timeframes for clearing, minimum clearance widths, and establish penalties for non-compliance to protect pedestrians and motorists. All residents and businesses are required to understand and adhere to these regulations to avoid fines and liability exposure.

WestBridgewater Department of Public Works
97 South Main Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: (508) 894-1217
Official Website: WestBridgewater Department of Public Works

Understanding WestBridgewater's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

WestBridgewater’s snow removal ordinances require that all property owners, both residential and commercial, keep sidewalks abutting their property clear of snow and ice. According to local regulations, snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. If snow falls overnight, property owners are expected to clear the area by the following day to ensure pedestrian safety. The minimum accessible path is generally required to be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate all users, including those with mobility devices. When ice cannot be fully removed, sand or other suitable materials must be applied to provide traction. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets or sidewalks, as this obstructs public ways and increases hazards.

• Timeframe for Clearing: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Accessible Path Width: Maintain a minimum clear width of 36 inches along the sidewalk.
• Ice Removal: Treat icy surfaces with sand or similar materials if bare pavement cannot be achieved.
• Street Deposition Ban: Do not push or throw snow onto streets or public sidewalks.

For more detailed information on local ordinances, visit the WestBridgewater Town Code. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 grants municipalities the authority to regulate snow removal and penalize violations accordingly.

WestBridgewater Inspectional Services
65 North Main Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: (508) 894-1200
Official Website: WestBridgewater Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $25 per day for the first violation, $50 per day for subsequent violations.
• Commercial Fines: $50 per day for each violation.
• Depositing Snow on Street: $100 per occurrence.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day is treated as a separate violation and subject to additional fines.

WestBridgewater Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods in WestBridgewater present specific snow management challenges due to local topography, building types, and infrastructure. The town’s reporting system allows residents to notify officials of snow removal violations or concerns online or by phone.

• Matfield Neighborhood: Characterized by older single-family homes and mature trees, which often result in shaded sidewalks prone to persistent ice. Narrow streets create difficulties for plow access.
• West Bridgewater Center: Dense business activity and mixed-use buildings lead to higher pedestrian volumes and increased need for timely sidewalk clearance. Parking congestion complicates snow storage and removal.
• Scotland Street Area: Rolling terrain and sloped driveways require additional attention to prevent ice accumulation. Limited street width impacts the ability of plows to clear curb-to-curb.
• South Main Corridor: Contains several multi-unit properties and apartment complexes where responsibility for snow removal may be shared or unclear, contributing to spotty compliance.
• East Street Vicinity: Proximity to schools and public facilities demands prioritized snow and ice removal for safe student and pedestrian access.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The WestBridgewater Department of Public Works is responsible for snow and ice operations on all municipal roadways, covering approximately 60 lane miles. Plowing is conducted on a prioritized route basis, with main arteries, emergency routes, and school access roads cleared before residential streets. The department maintains several plowing routes to ensure efficient coverage. Property owners should be aware that municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway aprons, and are encouraged to plan for secondary clearing following municipal operations. Residents should monitor town communications for snow emergency declarations and coordinate with private contractors to avoid conflicts with public plowing schedules.

WestBridgewater Office of Emergency Management
99 West Center Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Phone: (508) 894-1200
Official Website: WestBridgewater Emergency Management

• Municipal Plow Tips: Anticipate plows pushing snow across driveways; plan for a second shoveling after roads are cleared.
• Side Street Timing: Low-traffic streets may be plowed later in the operational schedule.
• Emergency Updates: Monitor local news, social media, and the town website for real-time emergency snow alerts.
• Contractor Coordination: Avoid placing snow in the street and coordinate removal schedules with town operations for compliance.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

WestBridgewater enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated streets during declared snow events. During these bans, parking is prohibited on all major roadways and posted streets to allow safe and effective plowing. Space savers are not permitted in WestBridgewater; any objects used to reserve cleared parking spaces will be removed by town officials. Towing is enforced for vehicles left on emergency routes during a ban, with fees assessed per town policy. Residents are notified of parking bans and snow emergencies via the town website, local news, email notifications, and social media channels. Alternative parking is available at municipal lots as announced during snow emergencies. Details on parking bans and towing procedures can be found in the WestBridgewater Town Code.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

WestBridgewater does not operate a 311 system, but residents can report snow removal violations and accessibility concerns through the town’s website, by phone, or via email. The online reporting portal is accessible at the Report a Concern page. Violations may also be reported directly to the Department of Public Works or the Inspectional Services Department. For accessibility violations impacting access for individuals with disabilities, residents may contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability using the information provided below.

• Online Complaint: Report a Concern
• Phone: (508) 894-1217 (DPW) or (508) 894-1200 (Inspectional Services)
• Email: Available through departmental contacts on the town website
• Mobile App: Not currently available in WestBridgewater

MA 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 imposes a duty of reasonable care on property owners to address all snow and ice hazards. In the landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), the state abolished the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, making owners responsible for all slip and fall hazards on their property. The duty extends beyond public sidewalks to include parking lots, building entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries due to unsafe conditions. If an injury occurs, claimants must provide written notice to the property owner within 30 days pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20 to preserve their legal rights.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout WestBridgewater

Matfield: This primarily residential neighborhood features older single-family homes, large lots, and mature tree cover. Snow removal is complicated by persistent shade, which promotes ice formation, and narrow streets that can become difficult for plows to access. Residents must coordinate closely to ensure sidewalk and curb compliance.

West Bridgewater Center: As the town’s commercial and civic hub, this district sees high pedestrian volumes, mixed-use buildings, and frequent parking turnover. The concentration of businesses and proximity to municipal buildings require rapid snow and ice clearance for uninterrupted access and public safety.

Scotland Street Area: Characterized by rolling hills, sloped driveways, and limited on-street parking, this area presents unique challenges for both residents and municipal plows. Multi-family units and rental properties increase the complexity of snow clearance responsibilities.

South Main Corridor: A corridor of apartment complexes, multi-unit dwellings, and small businesses, South Main requires coordinated snow removal between property managers and the town. The high density and shared driveways demand prompt and thorough clearing to avoid accessibility issues.

East Street Vicinity: Home to several schools and recreational areas, East Street demands prioritized snow removal for safe access by children, parents, and staff. School crossings and bus stops require extra attention to ensure compliance with safety standards.

River Street Neighborhood: Featuring a mix of residential properties and small commercial establishments, River Street is bounded by the Town River and is prone to drifting and pooling, which can complicate post-storm cleanup.

Forest Street District: This area combines historic homes with newer developments. Narrow roadways and older sidewalks require careful snow management to preserve infrastructure and maintain access for emergency vehicles.

North Elm Street Area: A blend of residential lots and rural landscapes, North Elm experiences significant wind-driven snow accumulation and drift-related blockages. The rural character also means longer driveways and increased effort for both residents and municipal crews.

Howard Street: With a mix of older homes and newer subdivisions, Howard Street’s varying road widths and mature landscaping create obstacles for plowing and snow storage. Homeowner associations in the newer areas coordinate snow removal to meet local standards.

Copeland Street: This neighborhood includes several institutional properties, such as churches and municipal facilities, requiring larger-scale snow removal and attention to public access. The mix of public and private responsibilities necessitates coordination across property lines.

Spring Street Corridor: Noted for its blend of commercial and light industrial properties, Spring Street’s wide curb cuts and loading areas require specialized equipment for proper snow clearance. Traffic patterns and business operations influence timing and approach to snow management.

Meadow Lane Area: Primarily residential with newer construction, Meadow Lane’s cul-de-sacs and limited street parking require efficient plowing strategies and timely resident cooperation to keep all routes accessible during winter weather events.