Winter Maintenance

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Snow Removal By the Township

Our Highway Department is committed to providing quality and efficient snow/ice removal for every storm. Crews could be out before a storm -applying brine, an anti-ice material, during – to remove what does fall, and after – to make room for any more that may be coming. In the event of multiple large snowfalls over the season, crews will need to push snow piles further back off the roadway to allow for additional storage of snowfall.

It is imperative that winter maintenance plows have complete access to the road from curb to curb in order to clear a path for traffic to flow safely and freely.  Move all cars, trash cans, nets, etc. off the roadway before a storm. 

Parking

If you have a driveway, use it. Plow drivers are obligated to clear as close to the curb as possible, to allow for two lanes of traffic. However, if you do not have access to off-street parking, we recommend parking all vehicles on the same side of the street to allow for the largest path to be cleared. Cars parked across the street from each other make it very difficult for plows to maneuver clearing just a single path. Alternate sides from one storm to the next, that way one side doesn’t build up snow/ice and street parking remains readily available.

Winter Maintenance Procedures

Plows push snow off the roadway, they do not lift and carry. This allows plows to open roads in a more timely manner. Every storm system is unique and presents its own challenges so we adapt and perform operations accordingly. Multiple factors contribute to when we go out for maintenance: time, traffic volume, air and road temperature, depth of accumulation, etc. We monitor forecasts and conditions closely.

Large capacity arterial roads receive top priority for winter maintenance. From there, we attend secondary routes then cul-de-sacs. Each driver is assigned to a route they must follow to assure efficiency and effectiveness of operations. A road may require multiple passes in order to be cleared from curb-to-curb. Occasionally equipment will need repaired, refuel, or restocked with treatment material. At such a time, a truck might have its plow raised while driving back to the garage. This does not indicate the completion of winter maintenance.

Storm Drains

Take notice of storm drain locations. Crews will be around to clear these areas after heavy storms to allow melting snow or rain to enter the storm water system rather than pool in the roadway. This important task becomes impossible when cars park near or on top of storm grates.

Snow Removal At Home

Due to the nature of street clearing, it is unavoidable for plows to keep exposed driveways & sidewalks clear. Though our winter maintenance team makes every attempt to minimize the impact, it is the property owners responsibility. According to Township ordinance §140-13 Letter E, snow may not be placed on or pushed across a township street.

Driveways

There are numerous recommendations available for residents to ease the anguish of plowed in driveway entrances. The list below is provided in hopes that one of methods is suitable for your future use.

• Do not blow or shovel into the roadway. It will return to your driveway once the plow comes by and it is illegal to deposit onto Township streets.
• Leave the last few feet from the roadway untouched until plows have made their final pass.
• Clear an area to the left of your driveway, along the curb line. This allows the current plow accumulation to empty BEFORE your driveway, at least minimizing the size of the berm left behind as it passes.

Sidewalks

Recommendations for clearing sidewalks is very similar to that of clearing driveways, see above. Pile snow away from the road so it does not get pushed back onto the sidewalk or wait until the final pass of the plow to clear. Ordinance §126-28 requires an owner or occupant to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of a storm’s end. The area cleared needs to be at least 3 feet wide and run the entire length of the sidewalk.

Mailboxes

Prior to winter, we encourage residents to assess their mailbox and post for stability. Weak or broken components cannot withstanding the rigors of snow removal. Their placement in the right-of-way makes them susceptible to snow/ice being cast toward them as it leaves a plow blade. A mailbox or post damaged by the force of the snow is the responsibility of the resident to repair of replace.

We understand this is not always the case and that mistakes happen. When a plow strikes a mailbox, plow drivers are often aware of their mistake and have already alerted their supervisor. North Londonderry Township will repair or replace mailboxes or posts that show proof of a plow strike.

Property owners should install mailboxes at the maximum usable distance from the edge of the roadway, per local Postmaster requirements.

Stationary Items in the Right-of-Way Pose a Risk

Any other items such as large rocks, basketball nets, and brick/stone mailbox enclosures pose a risk when placed in the right-of-way. This area is designed to allow space for crews to work. Therefore property owners are responsible for the repair of items in the right-of-way along with Township equipment if damaged.

Fire Hydrants

It is helpful to all emergency personnel: ambulance, firefighters, and police, to be able to access or see what is necessary to respond in an emergency. This could be your house number or a fire hydrant.

We ask residents to assist in digging out a 360° area around fire hydrants to provide firefighters full access to lay hose from the hydrant to a fire.

State Roads

There are a number of PA state roads that cross through North Londonderry Township that do not receive maintenance from our crews. PennDOT maintains the following roads:

• West Ridge Road
• East Ridge Road – North Railroad Street to North Forge Road
• North Forge Road – East Ridge Road to Palmyra Bellegrove Road
• Palmyra Bellegrove Road
• Syner Road
• Gravel Hill Road
• Bindnagles Road
• Lingle Avenue
• Campbelltown Road
• South Forge Road
• Route 422

If you have a concern regarding a road on this list, contact 1-800-349-7623 or the District Office at (717) 272-6637.

Private Streets

The Township cannot provide services on private property. Residents in a recently developed neighborhood should check with the Developer or HOA to verify how the winter maintenance is managed. These roadways may be pending dedication of ownership from the Developer to the Township.

Please note: Businesses, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and some townhouse developments are privately maintained and are the responsibility of property owner.