Snow and ice can present challenges to walkers and runners, which is why many Massachusetts cities and towns hold property owners responsible for clearing sidewalks on or next to their property. Still, sidewalks sometimes remain uncleared and potentially hazardous days – or even weeks – after a storm.

WalkBoston has basic recommendations to improve sidewalk snow and ice clearance, and “Keep It Clear: Recommendations for Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal in MA” (PDF), but listed below are ways that you can report problems today to help prioritize clearance. Please tweet us @walkboston or email us – info@dev.walkboston.org – to add more communities and agencies to this list.

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Want to help your neighbors? Have shovel, will travel? Need some help or know someone that does? Join WalkBoston on Snowcrew, BECOME A YETI! Snowcrew matches neighbors to neighbors to help shovel out in the next storm.

Many runners are also training for the Boston Marathon along the course that stretches through 8 Massachusetts towns. Help clear intersections or identify spots that need clearing to make it safer for all users – and brag a little bit about how you helped them out in April when you are cheering the runners on!
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Cities/Towns

Commonwealth Connect – This award-winning app links cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. You can report problems to local governments, even if you don’t know who to contact. While there are specific ways to report below, Commonwealth Connect ties into many of those 311 systems. Learn more and download Commonwealth Connect for Android or iPhone.

Specific to communities
Arlington: 
To report snow/ice violations to Town bylaws call APD dispatch at 781-316-1212 or submit a Snow/Ice Violation Request in the Request/Answer Center. Select “Make A Request” then select “Snow/Ice Violation” request. Login required.

Boston: 
The BOS:311 app helps residents and visitors improve City neighborhoods.
You can download it for Android or iPhone. You can also call 617-635-4500 or use http://www.cityofboston.gov/311/ – or tweet to Bos311
For emergencies, call 911. More info at boston.gov/winter

Cambridge:
Cambridge now uses Commonwealth Connect – or tweet to @CambridgeDPW

Malden:
Malden uses SeeClickFix or call 311

Newton:
Visit www.newtonma.gov and click on the 311 icon (direct link here). You can also download the 311 app to your smartphone from the homepage.

Salem:
Contact the DPW at 978-744-3302 or through seeclickfix.com with snow removal and plowing concerns.

Somerville:
http://www.somervillema.gov/snow – can also call 311 or tweet to @SomervilleCity or @311Somerville

Agencies

DCR Winter Storm Plan and Priority Map

Feedback for all areas cleared by DCR and MassDOT

should be routed as follows:
Emergencies during business hours:
Community Relations Group line 617-626-4973
After business hours: MEMA 508-820-1428

All Non-Emergencies:
Community Relations Group line 617-626-4973

You can also tweet to @MassDCR and @MassDOT

MBTA:
What the MBTA Clears
The MBTA will clear snow from all MBTA-owned bus shelters and stops along the following key routes: 1, 15, 22, 23, 28, 32, 39, 57, 66, 71, 73, 77, 111, 116, 117. For a full list of MBTA-owned bus shelters cleared by the MBTA, please click here.

Snow accumulations continue to make it difficult for customers to maneuver their vehicles around MBTA parking lots. Customers are strongly encouraged to consider these factors if using MBTA parking lots. As always, the latest service information can be found at the MBTA’s winter resource hub: mbta.com/winter

Many areas around bus stops are responsibility of the community or property owner. If you tweet at the MBTA, make sure to also get in touch with the town.

Other Resources

SeeClickFix (standalone site & app, the engine for Commonwealth Connect)

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