The City of Nashua NH Public Works - Street Department is committed to keeping all roads within the city traversable before, during, and after every winter event with the understanding that all winter events are different and bare pavement conditions cannot be achieved until the storm is over. In general winter weather is difficult to forecast due to the numerous variables including but not limited to air temperature, wind and precipitation rate. The department utilizes various forecasting services along with road temperature sensor technology to create a plan for the safest and most effective snow plowing operation.

An operation will begin with the forecasting of snow or inclement weather. The Street Department will send as many as 20 sand/salt trucks out to pre-treat the primary roads in an effort to keep road conditions safe. Primary streets are considered those that are used to traverse in and out of the city, that funnel traffic through commercial and industrious areas, school areas, hills, and any areas that serve as access to hospitals and the airport. In general these are the larger main roads.

Once accumulations have reached two inches or more the city will send over 40 pieces of equipment along with 20 plus hired pieces of equipment to keep the 700 plus lane miles (primary and secondary) of Nashua plowed and passable. There are 43 plow routes that divide the 30 square miles of Nashua. Once the storm has commenced and plowing is complete, roads will be treated with a sand/salt mix to in an effort to prevent any icing or slippery conditions.

While the city maintains a strategy, it cannot guarantee results simply due to the uncertainty that each storm presents. Snow accumulations of an inch per hour are extremely difficult to keep up with. Timing of the storm in unison with traffic rush hours, holidays, and daytime hours create additional tactical problems. Bare pavement conditions are only realistic towards and at the end of each storm; this is the intent of the operation. The city will plow all areas curb to curb in order to maintain adequate road width for future storms. Plowing is performed as allowed by road geometry with the idea of dispersing equal amounts of snow to either side of a road. Because of this snow will almost certainly end up in driveways and may require homeowners clearing their driveways multiple times. Snow should be removed in a manner that does not put it back into the road; there is a fine of up to $1000 (§ 285 - 28 & § 1-12)  for said offense. As always the city appreciates the patience and understanding of its citizens during this process.

Once the Director of Public Works has declared a snow emergency all vehicles must be removed from city streets or are subject to towing per City Ordinance § 320-67 – Article 12. The Nashua Police along with the Street Department will make every effort to avoid towing of vehicles. If a vehicle is towed it will be brought to the City’s Four Hills Landfill, 840 West Hollis Street, where it will be released after proof of ownership and payment of fine - see contacts for further information.

Snow Emergency Beacon lights have been placed at various locations in the city (see map). They are just one medium that the city uses to notify its citizens of a snow emergency - local television, radio, and newspapers along with www.gonashua.com.

Overnight Parking is prohibited by City Ordinance § 320-78 - Article 13. During a snow emergency, overnight parking will be allowed free of charge in Public Garages. However vehicles need to be removed by 7 AM Monday – Friday.

In December of 2009 the city unveiled a new sidewalk-plowing plan to expand better coverage in and around the city in particular the school areas – see sidewalk map. This is a multiple department effort and is currently being adjusted accordingly. Personnel who plow the streets also plow the sidewalks. It is the city’s goal to have all sidewalks on the current map cleared within 72 hours of the end of the storm.

There is upwards of 50 miles of sidewalks that the city tries to maintain and plow during the winter season. Business owners and citizens are encouraged to help keep these areas passable throughout the winter months.

Snow removal is performed in the downtown district as needed depending on time of the winter season and accumulations. A removal operation could be expected in or about three days after the storm. Some parking areas could be closed temporarily while the work is being done. Removal is also performed throughout the city in areas of congestion and limited site visibility.

A sand/salt mix and regular sand is available for residents only, not contractors, at the Street Department – 9 Stadium Drive. The shed is located on the right hand side as you enter the parking lot. Please use extreme caution, as plow and heavy equipment are abundant throughout the parking area as well during a snowstorm. Citizens should be aware that the product they take is heavy and can be corrosive; two five-gallon plastic containers is the suggested limit.

The city has created a snow line, (603) 589-4795, to better serve the citizens of Nashua with up to date details on the status of storm operations. Please call the line to receive information about ongoing activities as well as leave a message regarding any problems that you’ve encountered due to the weather. Messages will be reviewed on the hour during the storm in order to troubleshoot any problems within the city.