FAQs • Brookfield • CivicEngage

Why is my street always plowed last?: During a general call-out, plowing or ice control operation, a priority has been established. Priority will be given to all main roads (Class I). All other roads (Class II) will be serviced as soon as main roads have been cleared and deemed safe. Since there is less traffic on weekends, the time frame to have all roads cleared may be slightly later. In most cases, this will mean that the streets will be passable. Clean-up, which includes widening, will be done as soon as possible after making the initial pass. Depending on what class of road the patrol worker maintains, the severity of the storm will determine the extent of attention the particular route will receive. Highway is responsible for both main roads and residential roads. Questions regarding patrol route coverage can be directed to the Highway Division at (262) 782-5029, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Voice mail will also take off-hour calls. Calls for emergency situations can also be directed to the Police by dialing the Waukesha County Communications Center at (262) 446-5070.

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Highway - Snow Control

1. Why didn’t I get a snowplow marker?: The driver for each snow route inspects the route and determines where the flexible guideposts are installed. If Homeowners care to install additional markers they may do so. The guideposts must be flexible and/or break-away type (usually plastic or fiberglass). Metal stakes are not allowed. The City is not responsible for any damage to private markers during a plowing operation.

2. Who clears the bike paths & sidewalks?: Bike paths & sidewalks in the City’s right of way are cleared by Park, Recreation & Forestry.
Call (262) 796-6675

3. The snowplow damaged my lawn. Who is responsible?: In Spring, the Highway Division will repair the damage to the lawn. The process includes topsoil, raking, grass seed and ground cover. Homeowners are responsible for watering the repair. We do not use sod. Homeowners must contact us to report the damage at (262) 782-5029 or email us at highway@ci.brookfield.wi.us
Please note that sometimes private plows damage lawns when plowing out driveways. The City will NOT repair turf damaged by others.

4. The snowplow hit my mailbox. Who is responsible?: The City will repair or replace any mailbox that has been struck by a City snowplow. Paper boxes are not repaired or replaced by the City. Contact your newspaper provider for replacement paper boxes. Mailboxes that cannot be repaired are replaced with a standard black #1 mailbox on a 4 x 4 post. If the ground is frozen and repairs cannot be made we will install a temporary mailbox and return in the Spring to make permanent repairs.

5. What if the snowplow damages my lawn sprinkler head?: Any damaged sprinkler head in the City right-of-way will not be repaired or replaced. See Brookfield Municipal Code 12.08. City of Brookfield Municipal Code

6. The snowplow left a lot of snow in my driveway, who is going to clean it up?: Unfortunately this is inevitable during a plowing operation. It is the responsibility of the homeowner for clearing this snow.

7. Why is my street always plowed last?: During a general call-out, plowing or ice control operation, a priority has been established. Priority will be given to all main roads (Class I). All other roads (Class II) will be serviced as soon as main roads have been cleared and deemed safe. Since there is less traffic on weekends, the time frame to have all roads cleared may be slightly later. In most cases, this will mean that the streets will be passable. Clean-up, which includes widening, will be done as soon as possible after making the initial pass. Depending on what class of road the patrol worker maintains, the severity of the storm will determine the extent of attention the particular route will receive. Highway is responsible for both main roads and residential roads. Questions regarding patrol route coverage can be directed to the Highway Division at (262) 782-5029, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Voice mail will also take off-hour calls. Calls for emergency situations can also be directed to the Police by dialing the Waukesha County Communications Center at (262) 446-5070.

8. I live on a cul-de-sac, why do the snowplow drivers only make one pass through it?: Cul-de-sacs present a special problem for snow removal crews. There are 382 cul-de-sacs and 64 dead-end streets in the City. Plowing in cul-de-sacs will consist of making either one or two passes to clear snow to allow residents road access during the early stages of the storm. Snow left in the center will not be immediately removed, but will be left until the driver returns to complete the clean-up stage of the plowing.

9. Whose responsibility is it to shovel out a fire hydrant or mailbox?: It is in the best interest of the adjacent property owner to clear snow from fire hydrants for easy access in case of a fire and to ensure mailboxes are accessible to the mail carrier.

10. What to do if snow & ice is blocking my storm inlet?: During winter, inlets can become plugged with snow and ice. City crews are often sent to clear these obstructions when they become aware of them, but they cannot clear all inlets at the same time. To protect your property against flooding, consider adopting an inlet that is near your house and keep it clear of snow and ice with a shovel if you can do so safely from your property. Do not venture into the road to clear an inlet. If you cannot safely clear the snow and ice please contact the Highway Division at (262) 782-5029.