Winter Operations

Are you curious about what happens behind the scenes during a storm event in the winter? Check out the information below for some information regarding frequently asked questions we receive at the DPW. 


How and Why We Plow the Roads in Stratham

The Stratham Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for maintaining safe and passable roadways year-round. Winter weather is part of life in New England, and understanding how snow and ice operations work can help set expectations during and after a storm.

Preparing for the Storm

Well before snow begins to fall, DPW staff monitor multiple weather services to track snowfall totals, timing, temperatures, and the potential for mixed precipitation. Several hours ahead of a storm, crews report to the Public Works Garage to prepare equipment, load materials, and finalize operational plans.

As part of storm preparation, DPW may pre-treat roadways using liquid brine, salt, or a combination of both. Brine is a liquid salt solution applied to bare pavement in advance of a storm to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the roadway. Its use depends heavily on temperature, pavement conditions, and the type of precipitation expected. In colder temperatures or certain storm scenarios, brine may not be effective and will not be used.

Residents may notice trucks on the road with no plows down during this phase. This is intentional. Whether using brine or dry salt, pre-treatment helps improve plowing effectiveness once snowfall begins and reduces the likelihood of compacted snow or ice forming on the road surface.

Why Plows Aren’t Always Down During the Storm

During periods of steady snowfall, continuous plowing is often inefficient, as snow can re-cover the roadway within minutes. In most cases, it is more effective to wait until snowfall slows or stops before completing full plow passes.

There are important safety-based exceptions. When snow coincides with school arrival or dismissal times, DPW prioritizes primary roads to support school buses and commuter traffic. Secondary roads are addressed once major travel routes are safely passable.

What We Plow in Stratham

DPW is responsible for plowing approximately 80 lane miles of public roads throughout Town. These roads are divided among 6–7 plow trucks, depending on staffing and conditions.

Each plow route typically takes 4–5 hours to complete. This means that when a plow passes your street, it may be several hours before you see that truck again. This is normal and reflects the size of the system and is not a lack of attention to any particular neighborhood.

A full list of public roads maintained by DPW, as well as private roads that are not plowed by the Town, is available here.

State-Maintained Roads

Several major roadways in Stratham are maintained by New Hampshire DOT, not the Town. These roads are plowed and treated by the State, which operates a larger fleet and has greater capacity for frequent service.

State-maintained roads include:

  • Bunker Hill Avenue
  • College Road (Route 108)
  • The Stratham Circle
  • Route 101
  • Route 111
  • Portsmouth Avenue (Route 33)
  • Squamscott Road
  • Winnicutt Road

Because these roads are serviced by the State, residents may notice they are plowed or treated more frequently than Town-maintained roads.

After the Snow Stops

Once snowfall ends, crews complete full plowing operations across all public roads. During this phase, operators continue applying salt to support melting and reduce refreezing. In storms involving freezing rain or heavy icing, a salt-sand mixture may be used to improve traction. After each event, crews spend much of the following day greasing equipment, repairing storm damage, and washing corrosive salt off vehicles to extend their service life.

More Than Just Roads

After roadways are cleared, DPW crews shift focus to municipal facilities to ensure safe access for the public and emergency services. This includes plowing and treating parking areas and walkways at:

  • The Municipal Center
  • The Historical Society
  • The Police Station
  • The Fire Department
  • Stratham Hill Park

Thank You for Your Patience

Winter storms affect every community differently, and no two storms present the same challenges. DPW remains committed to keeping Stratham’s roads safe and passable while balancing efficiency, safety, and available resources.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Public Works directly by phone, email, or by stopping by the garage. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during winter weather events. Your input helps us improve our service and continue meeting the needs of Stratham.


Here are are a few more important reminders to help everyone stay safe and keep Stratham running smoothly this winter!

FREE WINTER SALT/SAND
Stratham residents can pick up free winter salt/sand mix at the DPW yard, located at 70 Bunker Hill Ave, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and during storm operations. The resident salt bin is located to the right of the large salt shed as you enter the DPW yard from Stevens Park.

WINTER PARKING BAN
Starting November 1st, and through April 30th, our winter parking ban goes into effect per Town Ordinance Chapter 1-10. This means there is no parking on any town roads during any time when winter road maintenance is being conducted to allow our sanders and plows to treat and clear the streets efficiently. Let’s work together to keep our roads accessible for all!

SNOW OBSTRUCTION POLICY
Per Town Ordinance Chapter 1-17, please remember that placing snow, ice, or other debris onto public roads or sidewalks is prohibited. This helps ensure our streets stay safe and clear for everyone. Please keep all snow and debris on your property.

MAILBOX PLACEMENT POLICY
We do our best to avoid mailbox damage during plowing, but heavy snow and visibility can sometimes lead to mishaps. Mailboxes within the Town’s right-of-way (25 feet from the center of the road) are permitted for resident convenience; however, they’re placed at the owner's risk. If your mailbox, located outside the right-of-way, is damaged, please contact the Department of Public Works within 72 hours so we can evaluate the situation. We’ll repair it with standard materials, or if you prefer a custom replacement, we can reimburse up to $25 with an itemized bill.

TRASH AND RECYCLING BINS
Please keep trash and recycling bins out of the roadway. Place them at the end of your driveway or clear a spot in snow banks along the side of the road. Remember to keep bins at least 3 feet apart for the Casella trucks to collect them smoothly. Bins placed behind snow banks will not be collected. Also please move bins from any area trucks will be plowing during storm events.



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  • M - F 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM