Sidewalk Snow Removal

Central Street Sidewalk Covered with Snow

During the winter, the City of Bangor maintains miles of sidewalks. Unfortunately, the city does not have the resources to maintain residential sidewalks on all residential streets.

Public Works will keep an alternate list of residential sidewalks to be cleared after the designated list of sidewalks is cleared. Alternate sidewalks may not be able to be cleared during periods of frequent storms, as it may take several days to clear the designated list. Once alternate sidewalks accumulate several storms, especially ice, it may not be possible to clear them.

In all, approximately six (6) miles of sidewalks in the downtown district are maintained by two small front-end loaders and approximately 84 miles of sidewalks outside the downtown district are maintained by six (6) municipal tractors and a sidewalk loader, which can either plow or use snow blowers and spread sand, depending on conditions. In ideal conditions, all runs can be cleared in eight hours under ideal conditions, however, it is more likely that it will take much longer. Plowing sidewalks is tough and breakdowns are common. Ice is extremely hard on equipment. As the winter progresses and snow accumulates, it may take several days to clear the designated sidewalk list.

How Residents Can Assist Public Works to Keep Sidewalks Passable

  1. Please remove items such as Christmas trees, toys and rubbish from sidewalks. Hitting any of these items buried in snow can result in a breakdown for several hours or days if parts need to be ordered.
  2. Please do not block sidewalks, with snow or ice. This slows down sidewalk clearing and results in excessive equipment breakdowns. Please relay this to your plow driver!
  3. Please do not block the sidewalk with vehicles parked in your driveway. Any vehicle blocking snow removal, even if it is in your driveway, may be towed at the owner's expense.
  4. Bangor residents can pick up free sand at Public Works, 530 Main Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, for use on icy/snowy sidewalks, driveways, and stairs. Residents allowed to fill two 5-gallon buckets at a time (bring your own buckets). Please note: There is some salt mixed into the sand to prevent the sand from freezing in cold weather (5 parts sand to 1 part salt).