Highway

Department

Contact Us

Bruce Shawcross Jr.

Phone:

315-629-4401

Email:

highway@townofleray.org

Hours:

Mon - Thur: 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CONTACT INFO

Highway Supervisor

Bruce Shawcross Jr.

Deputy Highway Superintendent

Larry Weaver II

315-629-4401

highway@townofleray.org

WORK HOURS

October 15 - April 15

Monday to Friday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

April 14 - October 15

Monday to Thursday

6:00 AM - 4:30 PM

RESOURCES

Inventory of all Roads

Winter Weather Advisory

HIGHWAY

INFORMATION

The Town of LeRay Highway Department is responsible for maintaining and improving the Town’s roadways to ensure safe and reliable travel year-round. Our team handles paving and road repairs, roadside mowing, snow and ice removal, street sweeping, and the installation and upkeep of road signs. We also provide seasonal brush and yard waste pickup on a limited schedule.

In addition to Town roads, the department contracts with Jefferson County to provide snow removal on designated County routes and may partner with neighboring municipalities when extra assistance is needed. Please note: the Villages of Black River and Evans Mills maintain their own village streets, Jefferson County is responsible for County roads, and the State of New York oversees State highways.

The Highway Department takes pride in keeping LeRay’s roads safe and well-maintained. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, we encourage you to contact our office using the phone numbers provided.

Road Maintenance & Paving

Every year, the Highway Department evaluates the condition of Town roads to determine what type of maintenance or repair each one needs.

Depending on weather, traffic flow, and surface type, the crew may use cold patch, hot mix, or chip seal methods, and some of LeRay’s gravel roads still require grading and reshaping several times a year.

Roads with heavy traffic or structural damage may be milled and repaved, while others receive preventive surface treatments to extend their lifespan.

Drainage plays a major role in road health, so ditching, culvert repairs, and shoulder shaping are scheduled regularly to reduce frost damage and potholes caused by trapped water.

Residents who notice road hazards, soft shoulders, or blocked ditches can report them directly to the Highway Department for review.

DID YOU KNOW?

Freeze–thaw cycles are the biggest enemy of pavement

When moisture seeps into tiny cracks and freezes, it expands and forces the pavement upward. Once it thaws, the surface collapses slightly — repeating this hundreds of times each winter causes the familiar network of cracks and potholes.

Gravel roads require constant shaping

Unlike paved roads, gravel surfaces shift with moisture, traffic, and frost. The Town grades and reshapes them several times a year to keep water draining properly and to prevent washboarding or rutting.

Not every road gets the same repair method

Each surface is evaluated for traffic volume, age, and condition. Lightly traveled rural roads might get a chip seal treatment, while heavier routes use hot-mix asphalt designed to handle more freeze–thaw stress.

Drainage is the foundation of every good road

Even new pavement won’t last if water can’t escape. Ditches, culverts, and shoulders are maintained regularly to prevent pooling, erosion, and sub-surface damage during spring melt and rain events.

Some “rough spots” are temporary

When crews patch with cold mix in winter, it’s meant as a short-term fix until weather allows permanent repairs. Cold mix stays flexible enough to handle freezing temperatures without crumbling apart.

Winter & Plowing

Heavy lake-effect snow and rapid temperature swings make winter in the Town of LeRay uniquely challenging.

Our Highway Department monitors conditions around the clock to keep roads safe and passable. Plowing often begins before dawn and continues throughout the day and night during prolonged events.

Residents play a key role by following winter parking restrictions, giving plows space to work, and staying alert during severe weather.

SNOW RESPONSE

Crews use a mix of plowing, sanding, and salting depending on temperature, storm intensity, and road type. Salt works best when pavement temperatures are above about 15°F; below that, crews switch to sand for traction.

When storms last many hours, plows make multiple passes on the same routes to stay ahead of accumulation.

Salt doesn’t melt snow — it changes freezing point

Road salt doesn’t “melt” snow on contact. It lowers the freezing point of water, which helps break the bond between ice and pavement so plows can scrape it away.

Once temperatures drop below about 15°F, salt becomes far less effective, so crews switch to sand for traction instead.

Sand gives tires grip on icy surfaces but won’t melt snow. After winter, it’s swept up during spring cleanup to protect drainage systems. Applying less salt in deep cold also helps protect nearby vegetation and water sources.

Roads are plowed in a planned order

Plows follow a priority route system: main connector and school routes first, followed by emergency and high-traffic roads, and finally residential streets. This ensures emergency and high-traffic roads are open as soon as possible before crews move into neighborhoods.

Plowing often begins around 3 – 4 AM so main roads are cleared before the morning commute. Operators then return throughout the day as needed to manage drifting and refreeze.

Plow drivers can’t always avoid blocking driveways

Plows push snow to the right for safety and visibility. That means snow from the street sometimes ends up at the end of driveways — even ones just cleared.

Crews can’t lift the blade at every property, so residents are encouraged to clear an area to the left of their driveway (facing the road) to reduce buildup.

Mailbox placement matters

Most mailbox damage comes from the weight of snow, not from direct plow contact. Setting your mailbox 6–8 inches back from the pavement edge, using a sturdy post, and mounting it at the correct height prevents most damage.

Crews apply materials strategically

Straightaways and rural roads often need less salt than hills, intersections, or shaded areas where ice lingers. Targeted application reduces cost, runoff, and environmental impact.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Parking on Town roads is prohibited from:

December 1st - April 1st

1:00 AM – 6:00 AM

Even outside restricted hours, please avoid parking on the roadway during or immediately after snowfall so crews can finish cleanup safely.

These parking limits are essential for keeping roadways safe and navigable for everyone. When vehicles block plow access, snow piles up around them, creating icy ridges and drainage problems that can persist long after the storm has passed.

What if a sign says I can park during restricted hours?

Signs override the general rule, always follow on-site signage first.

Some denser areas near Fort Drum housing or village limits have posted variations. These designations are made based on road width and emergency access needs.

What if my vehicle is left on the roadway during restricted hours?

Vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.

The Highway Department will make every reasonable effort to contact the owner before requesting a tow. Towing is a last resort, used only when the vehicle can’t be moved and is preventing safe snow removal.

RESIDENTIAL TIPS FOR WINTER

Keep mailboxes, bins, and basketball hoops back from the road

Maintain a safe distance from the pavement edge to prevent damage during plowing. Items placed too close may be struck by heavy snow or plow equipment.

Clear sidewalks and driveway entrances

After plows pass, clear the end of your driveway and any sidewalks along your property. Keep snow within your yard — do not push it into the roadway, as this creates hazards.

Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjoining their property.

Use reflective driveway markers

Install reflective markers or stakes before the first snowfall. These help plow operators identify driveways, culverts, and lawn edges, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Clear around mailboxes and hydrants

Maintain access to your mailbox and any nearby fire hydrants. This ensures safe mail delivery and quick emergency access.

Give plows plenty of room

Keep a safe distance when driving behind or near plow trucks. Snowplows have large blind spots and may stop or turn unexpectedly. Always stay several car lengths back.

Report unsafe road conditions

If you notice icy intersections, blocked culverts, fallen signs, or other hazards, contact the Highway Department so crews can respond promptly.

DON'T shovel or plow snow into the roadway

Pushing, shoveling, or blowing snow into the street creates traffic hazards and is illegal under NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law §1219. Always keep snow on your own property or the lawn edge.

DON'T park on roads or cul-de-sacs during storms

Vehicles parked on roadways make it difficult and unsafe for plows to pass. Parking is prohibited from December 1 through April 1 between 1 A.M. and 6 A.M., and violators may be ticketed or towed.

DON'T pile snow on fire hydrants, drains, or mailboxes

Keep these areas visible and accessible for emergency and utility services. Blocked hydrants or drains slow response times and increase flooding risk during thaw periods.

DON'T assume every road is plowed by the Town

The Town of LeRay maintains Town roads only. Jefferson County and the State of New York are responsible for their own highways, and the Villages of Black River and Evans Mills maintain village streets.

DON'T approach or interfere with plow operators

For safety, do not flag down or confront plow drivers while they’re working. If you have a concern, contact the Highway Department office directly so it can be logged and addressed properly.

Reporting Road Issues

The Highway Department encourages residents to report problems they see on Town roads, such as potholes, drainage blockages, damaged culverts, or unsafe shoulders.

Because LeRay’s weather and soil conditions can cause rapid changes — especially during freeze–thaw cycles and spring melt — early reporting helps crews respond before small issues become costly repairs.

To ensure the Town can take proper action, reports should include:

The exact road name and nearest address or intersection
A brief description of the problem (for example: “deep pothole near mailbox,” or “ditch washed out”)
Photos, if available

Written notice may be submitted by email, mail, or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office or the Highway Department:

Town Clerk: townclerk@townofleray.org

Highway Superintendent: highway@townofleray.org

Did You Know? - Reporting Makes a Difference

Verbal reports aren’t always enough

Telling a crew member or mentioning an issue over the phone helps, but formal written notice is what allows the Town to officially log, track, and prioritize the repair — and it fulfills the legal requirement for notice under Local Law No. 4 (2023).

Timing matters

Many problems, like potholes or frost heaves, can worsen quickly after storms or thaw cycles. Reporting them early prevents further pavement damage and keeps repair costs down.

Pictures help more than you think

A quick photo from your phone gives the crew context on the size, depth, or location of the problem — saving time and return trips when they bring the right equipment the first time.

Drainage reports are just as important as potholes

Blocked ditches and culverts are the hidden cause of many road problems. Reporting standing water or erosion spots helps crews prevent bigger failures later.

Brush & Yard Waste Pickup

Brush and yard waste pickup is offered twice each year:

April–May
September–October.

Yard waste should be placed at edge of lawn but NOT in the road as it is hazardous and illegal.

Residents should place materials out by the first scheduled pickup date. Once crews pass through an area, they cannot return until the next scheduled pickup.

Accepted Materials

🍃Leaves, bagged in brown paper yard waste bags.
🪵Brush or branches must be a minimum of 3’ long but no more than 12’ long and up to 6” in diameter; free of wire, nails or other metal attached.
🌿Natural yard waste such as small sticks, clippings, and plant trimmings.

All materials must be free of metal, plastic, wire, nails, or household trash. Brown paper yard waste bags are mandatory.

Not Accepted Materials

Grass clippings or sod
Tree stumps or root balls
Construction/demolition debris
Garbage, recyclables, or household waste
Plastic bags of any kind

Non-accepted items can damage equipment or create safety hazards. Residents are responsible for proper disposal through private waste or recycling services.

ATV & Snowmobile Use

ATVs and snowmobiles are part of life in the North Country — but it’s important to know where and how they can be used legally. In the Town of LeRay, these vehicles are not permitted on Town roads unless officially designated by law.

Riding responsibly keeps people safe, reduces property damage, and helps preserve access for everyone who enjoys these machines.

Where am I actually allowed to ride?

In LeRay, ATVs and snowmobiles can only be operated:

On private property with the landowner’s permission, or
On officially designated trails maintained by regional ATV or snowmobile clubs.

They cannot be driven on Town roads, shoulders, or ditches unless the Town Board has formally opened that road for ATV or snowmobile use and posted it accordingly.

You may cross a public road only where crossings are legally marked. Riders must come to a complete stop, yield to all traffic, and cross at a 90-degree angle.

“Shoulder riding” isn’t legal in New York.

Even staying to the side of the road counts as highway operation unless it’s a posted route.

That means operating an ATV or snowmobile on the shoulder is legally the same as driving in the lane of traffic — it requires the road to be formally opened for that use by the Town or State.

Those narrow edges also hide drainage pipes, mailboxes, and soft shoulders that can collapse under the weight of a machine, which makes riding there unsafe even if traffic looks light.

Most trails around LeRay are privately maintained.

Snowmobile and ATV clubs build, groom, and sign them — not the Town.

Wet ground causes real damage.

Riding on thawing soil or ditches tears up drainage and road edges. When the frost starts to come out of the ground each spring, the top few inches thaw while deeper layers stay frozen.

ATV tires can rip through that soft layer, leaving deep ruts that trap water.

Once water pools, it erodes the ditch banks and breaks down the road base beneath the pavement.

A single evening of off-road riding can create washouts that take several truckloads of gravel and hours of grading to fix — that’s the “real” damage crews see every year.

Access can disappear overnight.

Most trail systems around Jefferson County rely on handshake agreements with dozens of private landowners.

If one rider ignores a gate, cuts a corner, or leaves trash behind, the owner can revoke permission immediately — and when one property closes, it can break the connection for miles of trail.

That’s why responsible riding and club membership matter: staying on marked trails and respecting private property keeps those agreements — and your access — alive.

Can my kid ride too?

New York State law requires all ATVs and snowmobiles to be registered with the DMV, unless used only on the owner’s property.

Riders under age 16 must meet age and supervision rules.

Children ages 10–15 may operate on land where the owner is present, or on public trails if they have a valid safety certificate and are supervised by an adult.

Enforcement

Illegal operation on Town highways, in ditches, or on private property without permission can result in tickets, fines, and impoundment.

Residents can report illegal ATV/snowmobile use to the Town or Sheriff’s Department.

Safety Tips

Always wear helmets and protective gear.
Respect neighbors and posted property.
Avoid riding near roadways at night

Inter-Municipal Agreements

Different agencies are responsible for road maintenance depending on ownership. Knowing which type of road you live on helps direct your questions or concerns to the right place.

TOWN ROADS – Maintained by the Town of LeRay Highway Department.

These are local roads and subdivisions managed directly by the Town. Contact the Highway Department with questions about plowing, brush pickup, drainage, or maintenance.
COUNTY ROADS – Maintained by Jefferson County Department of Highways.

County routes often connect towns or handle higher traffic volumes. The Town assists the County during major storms, but repairs and resurfacing are handled at the county level.
STATE HIGHWAYS – Maintained by the NYS Department of Transportation.

These include major corridors such as US Route 11 and NYS Route 342. The Town coordinates with the NYSDOT when work or detours affect local roads.
VILLAGE STREETS – Maintained by the Villages of Black River and Evans Mills.

Each village maintains its own roads, snow removal, and signage within its boundaries.

Did You Know? - Road Jurisdiction Facts

Not every road in LeRay is a “Town Road.”

Many residents assume every street inside Town limits is Town-maintained — but County and State highways run through here too. That’s why some roads are plowed or repaved sooner: they’re on different agency schedules and budgets.

Route numbers are your best clue.

If you see a number on a green or white sign — like Route 11, Route 342, or County Route 47 — it’s not a Town road. Those belong to Jefferson County or New York State, depending on the route type.

Town plows sometimes help out anyway.

During major lake-effect storms, Town, County, and State crews coordinate and share resources so critical routes stay open for emergency vehicles and Fort Drum commuters. You might see a Town truck clearing a County route — that’s teamwork, not confusion!

The Town can’t change speed limits on County or State roads.

If you’ve ever wondered why that stretch of US Route 11 still has the same limit — it’s because only NYSDOT can authorize those changes. The Town can request reviews, but approval must come from the State.

Road maintenance funding follows ownership.

Town taxes pay for Town roads only. County and State routes are funded separately through those budgets — which is why paving schedules may differ even within a short distance.

Road names can be misleading.

Names can be misleading — some roads with “village” or “town” names are County or State-maintained. The signage color and numbering usually tell the real story.

TOWN of LERAY

Jefferson County, New York