Snow Removal

Due to temperature, timing and the severity of a winter storm, every storm is different. Below is the typical response during a winter storm:

Road Treatment
Crew will apply a mix of salt and antiskid material at the onset of a winter storm. If the snow accumulates about 2 inches or more, plowing will begin. Roads will be plowed to remain passable until the storm is over. Once the storm ends, roads will be cleared “curb to curb” and if needed, another application of salt and antiskid material will be applied. Please understand that we will prioritize our main collector roads as well as responses to accident and emergency calls first.

Snow Emergency
If a snow emergency is declared, parking is prohibited on any roadway by Ordinance, Chapter 15-306 and 15-307. At no time is snow or ice permitted to be placed, thrown, plowed or discarded on Township roads by Ordinance, Chapter 15-202.

Only Township roads are maintained by crews. PennDOT is responsible for their own roads. Below is the list of state roads: Bangor Rd, Belfast Rd, Blue Valley Dr, Church Rd (Sullivan Tr to Delabole Rd and Delabole Rd to 3 rd ST), Delabole Rd, Filetown Rd, Jacobsburg Rd, Kesslersville Rd, Mill Rd, Pen Argyl Rd, Second St, State Park Rd, Sullivan Tr and Rt 512.

Winter Storm Tips
Driveways – When clearing driveways, place snow where your driveway meets the road on the right side of the driveway to keep plow operations from plowing your driveway shut. Also, if possible clear 10-15 ft along the roadway before your driveway to allow the plow to unload prior to your driveway to prevent heavy snow build up.

After the storm – Please remove all snow from sidewalks along your property within 24 hours after the storm per Ordinance, Chapter 5-203. If a fire hydrant is located on your property, please try to open a path to the hydrant to assist emergency responders. If able, please open any stormwater inlets to assist when the snow starts to melt.

Mailboxes – Mailboxes are considered an encroachment to the public right-of-way. Make sure your mailbox is properly placed behind the curb/street edge and secure. The Township will not be responsible for damages to your mailbox done by the throw or piling of snow by a plow. If the mailbox has been physically hit by a Township plow or truck, we may replace the mailbox at the discretion of the Public Works Director.

Miscellaneous – Keep all trash and recycling bins out of the roadway during winter operations. If any cans are hit or tipped over, cleanup will be the homeowner’s responsibility. Keep all personal property out of the right-of-way to prevent property or Township vehicle damage. Things such as landscape plants and structures, basketball hoops, etc. will not be repaired or replaced if within the Township right-of-way.

Lawn markers – In inclement weather it is difficult for plow operators to distinguish the road edges during snow removal operations. We advise residents to place flexible reflective markers at locations where it is difficult to distinguish, to assist the operator and significantly reduce damage to your lawn.

Before winter weather arrives, motorists should check all fluids, lights, brakes, battery, hoses, belts, windshield wipers that don't streak, and tires for sufficient tread and pressure. It is always good to travel with a flashlight, jumper cables, cell phone, snow shovel, first aid supplies, ice scraper, warm gloves, extra clothing, sand, and bottled water. YES, You are now prepared!

Remember to always remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Pennsylvania State law states that if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes another vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed. State law also requires you to turn on your head lights when your windshield wipers are on.

Our Township goal is to get everyone through another winter season SAFELY!

Please help us, help you during a snow event by doing the following: Once snow accumulates three (3) inches or more and until the roadway is cleared by the Public Works Department or PennDOT, no vehicle, trailer or camper may be parked along the roadway.

It is impossible for snowplows to avoid having snow placed at the bottom of driveways. Unfortunately, this is the reality of snow removal.

Keeping sidewalks safe is an important winter concern. Please clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks in front of your property no more than 24 hours after a storm.

Please do not shovel, blow or plow the snow from your driveway and/or sidewalks into the street.

Remove trash and recycling cans from the roadway to avoid damages.

Keep the storm water inlet open near your property. Keeping it open will prevent flooding and icing conditions on the road.

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please help the Fire Company help you by clearing 3 feet in all directions so it is visible from the road and easily accessible to connect a fire hose. Snow accumulation or the result of plowing and snow clearing can completely cover or restrict access to fire hydrants.

To avoid any interruption in your mail service from the post office, please remove all snow from in front of your mailbox. Additionally, check that your mailbox and post are in good repair and that they are behind the curb, not leaning out over the street and that your house number is not blocked.

The Road Crew works extremely hard to make traveling on Township roads safe for everyone. Please be patient and allow time for them to arrive in your area and effectively remove snow and ice from the streets.

What is a Snow Emergency?
Declaring a Snow Emergency in the Township helps ensure the safety and efficiency of the employees working to remove the snow and ice. When Plainfield Township declares a "Snow Emergency" it is broadcast on radio, the Township website and other social media. If the Township declares a Snow Emergency parking on all Township streets is prohibited pursuant to the Code of Plainfield Township. It also provides better and easier access to roads for police, fire and emergency medical services vehicle access as this becomes a very busy time for our emergency responders.

No vehicles shall be parked to impede or obstruct snow/ice removal efforts or create a hazardous condition.

Please remove cars, trailers, boat or campers as well as trash cans and recycle containers from the street.

Sidewalks should be cleared or covered with salt or similar substances or materials within 24 hours after the cessation of the snow/ice event.

If possible, please stay off the roadways and allow crews to clear the roads. If you are out on the roadways and come upon downed wires DO NOT approach or touch them.

Plainfield Township appreciates your cooperation and hopes that all residents understand that a snow emergency is not intended to inconvenience but rather to be helpful in promoting the most effective and efficient removal of snow and ice from the Township roads.