Professional Snow Removal Services in Bridgewater, MA

Bridgewater Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Bridgewater, MA. The town enforces strict municipal ordinances to ensure public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and emergency vehicle access during winter months. Local regulations establish clear timeframes for clearing snow and ice, required path widths, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.

Property owners must remain vigilant in complying with these standards, as municipal authorities routinely inspect properties and issue fines for violations. Winter weather management in Bridgewater relies on coordinated action from residents, businesses, and municipal services to uphold public safety and accessibility for all community members.

Bridgewater Department of Public Works
151 High Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 697-0931
Official Website: Bridgewater Department of Public Works

Understanding Bridgewater's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Bridgewater’s snow removal ordinances require all property owners, including homeowners, landlords, and business operators, to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate pedestrian traffic and persons with disabilities. Overnight snowfalls do not alter the 24-hour requirement, and all ice must be removed or treated with sand or other suitable materials to ensure safe passage. The deposit of snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks by private parties is strictly prohibited.

• Timeframe for Snow Removal: Sidewalks and curb ramps must be cleared within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall.
• Accessible Width: A minimum path of 36 inches must be kept clear to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and all pedestrians.
• Ice Management: Ice must be removed or, if impossible, treated with sand or similar substances to minimize hazards.
• Snow Deposition: Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks is prohibited and subject to fines.

Failure to comply with these ordinances results in fines assessed per day of violation. Residential properties are fined $50 per day; commercial properties incur $100 per day for each day the violation persists. Depositing snow onto the street results in an additional $100 fine per incident. Each day constitutes a separate violation under local enforcement policies. For more details, reference Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 and review the Bridgewater Town Ordinances for the latest local requirements.

Bridgewater Inspectional Services
66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 697-0900
Official Website: Bridgewater Inspectional Services

Bridgewater Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods throughout Bridgewater present unique snow removal challenges based on topography, infrastructure, and local demographics. Patterns of complaints and service requests often reflect these variables. The following neighborhoods illustrate the diversity of conditions that impact snow management:

• Bridgewater Center: Dense commercial and mixed-use area with narrow sidewalks, high pedestrian traffic, and on-street parking congestion.
• Pratt Town: Suburban neighborhood with single-family homes, steep road grades, and limited sidewalk coverage creating accessibility issues post-storm.
• Bridgewater State University District: High density of student housing, frequent foot traffic, and limited off-street parking requiring prompt snow clearance for safety and mobility.
• Scotland Park: Residential area with cul-de-sacs, small lots, and a significant elderly population needing safe, accessible walkways.
• Elmwood Village: Historic district with mature tree canopies, narrow roads, and older infrastructure complicating plow access and snow storage.

Residents may view complaint data and report issues through the Town of Bridgewater website complaint portal.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Bridgewater Department of Public Works manages snow removal on more than 110 lane miles of public roadway divided over multiple plowing routes. Priority is given to arterial streets, emergency access routes, and school bus corridors. Plowing operations begin when snow accumulates to two inches or more, with crews working in shifts until all priority and secondary routes are cleared. Property owners should be aware that municipal plows will deposit snow at the end of driveways and are responsible for removing it from their access points.

• Plowing Routes: Divided among crews to cover main roads, side streets, and cul-de-sacs efficiently.
• Priority Areas: Hospitals, fire stations, schools, and major intersections cleared first.
• Coordination: Property owners should avoid placing cleared snow into the street and coordinate with contractors to comply with town schedules.
• Emergency Declarations: Monitor local alerts for snow emergencies and related parking bans.

Bridgewater Office of Emergency Management
22 Pleasant Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 659-1299
Official Website: Bridgewater Emergency Management

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Bridgewater enforces seasonal parking bans and snow emergency parking restrictions during declared winter storms. When a snow emergency is declared, on-street parking is prohibited on designated routes to facilitate plowing and emergency access. Vehicles in violation are subject to towing at the owner’s expense and a fine of $50 per occurrence.

• Designated Snow Routes: Marked roads where parking bans apply during snow emergencies.
• Notification: Residents receive alerts via town website, social media, and local news outlets.
• Towing and Fees: Vehicles not removed are towed and fined; owners are responsible for all associated costs.
• Alternative Parking: Residents should use private driveways or designated municipal lots during snow emergencies.

Bridgewater does not permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces on public streets. For legal requirements on municipal snow removal authority, review Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Bridgewater does not operate a 311 system but provides multiple channels for reporting snow removal violations and accessibility concerns. Residents can submit complaints directly through the Public Works Complaint Form on the town website, call the Department of Public Works, or email the appropriate department. Accessibility violations affecting sidewalk access for persons with disabilities should also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Snow & Ice Removal Complaint Form
• Phone: (508) 697-0931 (DPW)
• Email: publicworks@bridgewaterma.org

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

The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that Massachusetts property owners are legally required to exercise reasonable care in addressing all snow and ice hazards on their premises. This duty applies regardless of whether the accumulation is natural or artificial and extends to sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. Failing to meet these obligations may expose property owners to civil liability for injuries sustained due to unsafe conditions. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries resulting from failure to remedy dangerous snow or ice accumulations. Injury claims require written notice to the municipality within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Bridgewater

Bridgewater Center: The town’s central business district is characterized by mixed-use buildings, historic storefronts, and dense pedestrian activity. Narrow sidewalks and frequent on-street parking make timely snow removal essential to maintain walkability and emergency access. Service operations here require careful coordination with business owners and adherence to strict municipal standards.

Pratt Town: A predominantly residential neighborhood with single-family homes, varying lot sizes, and hilly terrain. The topography often leads to drifting and accumulation in driveways and sidewalk ramps, necessitating proactive clearing measures, especially on streets with limited curb cuts and older infrastructure.

Bridgewater State University District: Home to the university campus and adjacent student housing, this area experiences high pedestrian volumes and frequent vehicle turnover. Snow removal must address both campus walkways and neighboring residential streets to ensure safe passage for students, faculty, and visitors.

Scotland Park: A suburban enclave with cul-de-sacs and smaller lots, many homes are occupied by seniors who require accessible walkways and driveways following storms. Limited off-street parking and narrow roads present logistical challenges for plow crews and residents alike.

Elmwood Village: Known for its historic character, mature trees, and older housing stock, Elmwood Village features winding roads and variable sidewalk conditions. Snow storage is limited, and care must be taken to prevent damage to historic features during plowing and removal operations.

South Bridgewater: This neighborhood includes a mix of rural roads, larger residential lots, and newer subdivisions. Wide roadways make municipal plowing efficient, but longer driveways and isolated properties require additional attention from owners for timely clearing.

Highland Estates: A newer residential development with modern infrastructure, Highland Estates benefits from wider roads and continuous sidewalks. However, higher density and the prevalence of two-car driveways require efficient coordination between homeowners and plow crews to avoid blocked access.

Waterford Village: A planned community with a combination of single-family homes and townhouses, Waterford Village features interconnected walking paths and landscaped common areas. Snow removal must preserve accessibility for all residents and maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles.

Matfield: Situated near the Matfield River, this neighborhood experiences microclimate effects and heavier snow accumulation in low-lying areas. Properties along riverbanks face additional challenges with water runoff and ice formation on sidewalks and driveways.

Lake Nippenicket Area: Residential properties around the lake have variable access roads and limited municipal infrastructure. Snow removal requires specialized equipment due to narrow road widths and the need to protect sensitive environmental areas near the water’s edge.

North Bridgewater: A transitional area combining older homes, small businesses, and agricultural parcels, North Bridgewater faces challenges with long rural driveways and limited street lighting. Ensuring timely snow removal supports both commuter and agricultural traffic throughout the winter season.

Olde Forge Estates: Featuring cul-de-sacs and clustered homes, Olde Forge Estates has tight turning radii for plow trucks and limited on-street parking. Service coordination is essential for maintaining access to all properties and ensuring that fire hydrants and entrances remain unobstructed.