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Highway official warns against pushing snow into roads, cites RSA 236:20
Summary
Highway head Jeff told the Select Board that residents should not plow or snow-blow snow into the road (citing RSA 236:20); he also urged residents to avoid parking in travel lanes during storms and described limited patching opportunities during cold weather.
The Select Board heard a winter-operations update from the Highway Department at its Feb. 9 meeting, and the department head urged residents not to push snow back across roadways or create windrows that endanger drivers.
Jeff, the highway official, said repeated snow events have limited opportunities for asphalt patching this winter and reminded residents that plowing snow into the traveled portion of the roadway creates hazards and violates state statute. "You're not allowed to create any obstruction on the road," he said, citing RSA 236:20. He added that banks pushed across the road freeze and may later require loader work to clear, creating additional expense and safety danger for motorists.
The highway official also asked residents to move vehicles out of roadways during storms so crews can clear the full roadway. He said operators attempt to contact and educate property owners who leave snow banks in the travel lane.
Board members asked that the guidance be posted on the town website, and the highway official agreed to prepare a short statement for town channels. No formal enforcement action was taken during the meeting; the remarks were advisory and intended to reduce hazards during ongoing snowy conditions.
