Snow & Ice Control

Snow and ice control is a top priority of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Director has identified 16 snow routes that are staffed by 19 personnel and trucks. Each route contains approximately 22 miles of two and four lane roadways. When conditions require that streets only need to be salted, the task can usually be accomplished in 3 to 4 hours. The time of the day and traffic conditions at the time of the snowfall can have significant impact on snow removal times.

When plowing is necessary, the initial pass through the Township can take as long as 8-10 hours, depending upon the duration of snowfall. Crews are on duty for snow removal as long as it is deemed necessary and safe by Public Works Management. When significant snowfall has occurred, Public Works Management may alter snow routes to insure that the major routes and school bus routes are cleared first, followed by residential streets.

Note: In addition to Township streets, our crews are responsible for all county and state roads with the exception of Route 8, Babcock Blvd, Saxonburg Blvd, and Sharpshill Road.

Snow Removal Information for Residents

• Please do not plow, shovel or blow snow from sidewalks or driveways into public streets. This slows snow removal efforts and can result in a dangerous condition for pedestrians and drivers.
• Please do not call to find out when a particular street will be cleared. When a snowfall occurs, all trucks and drivers are activated. Drivers and trucks will not be sent home until all streets have been cleared at least once.
• Plowing snow onto driveways and sidewalks cannot be avoided. Public Works drivers are not permitted to "steer" the plow away from driveways.
• Please do not park on the street, particularly when three or more inches of snow is predicted. If you must park on the street, please try to leave adequate clearance for the public works truck and snow plow maneuverability.

Request for Placement of Salt Boxes

Over the past several years, the Township's snow removal efforts have greatly improved, however, many residents have become dependent on the placement of salt boxes. The Township has determined that the Public Works Director will evaluate each request for salt box placement, and make a determination based on necessity and practicality. If a salt box is requested and approved for a specific street, it will be placed in a location that is deemed appropriate for the area.

Residents are reminded that the intended use of salt boxes is for public roadways that are difficult for the Public Works crew to respond to in a timely manner, not for private driveways and roadways.

Please understand that not all requests will be approved under this policy. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.