The 411 on Wilton Roads-2021 Update

Residents often inquire about responsibility for the land adjacent to town roads.  There is a common misunderstanding that the Town owns the first ten to fifteen feet of property on either side of town-owned roads.  Actually the size of the town-owned land between the road and private property varies by property.  In some cases there isn’t any town-owned land adjacent to a town-owned road.  

Historically, the Town has relied on property owners to maintain up to the road. The same is true for state-owned roads. If an owner does not maintain the town or state-owned land adjacent to the road, either the Town or the State trims the area when the growth becomes a traffic safety issue. Of course the owners of the eighty plus private roads in town are responsible for their own maintenance.  If overgrowth on private property is creating a safety issue, the Town works with the owner to have them address the situation or allow the Town to address, should they refuse to do so themselves.  

If you are uncertain about your general property borders, you can view them on the Town’s online GIS maps found here

Since the spring, DPW crews have been busy prepping roads for paving,  sweeping roads, filling potholes and addressing road safety issues.  Generally almost one-third of the town-owned roads are swept each year.  Fourteen miles of town-owned roads were scheduled for paving this calendar year, approximately five miles of which were completed through the end of May. The status of road paving, including a list of roads to be paved, is available under News & Announcements on the DPW page on the Town’s website.  

Please report issues with town-owned roads, such as a pothole or overgrowth, through the Town’s SeeClickFix reporting system.  This provides the most efficient and transparent means to address the issue.  The work order is routed directly to the appropriate town employee and residents can follow the work progress.  Calling or emailing the DPW department creates an extra step and thus slows down the work process.  Instructions on how to access SeeClickFix can be found here

By town ordinance, the clearing of ice and snow on sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.  

Please contact the State for issues with state-owned roads as follows:  For Rt 7 , Wolfpit Road, New Canaan Road and Ridgefield Road, call 203-972-0388,  For Sharp Hill Rd, Hurlbutt south of Sharp Hill Rd, Chestnut Hill Rd Cedar Rd and Westport Rd, call 203-227-7692. The State does not allow the Town to perform work on state- owned roads.