Frequently Asked Questions

Plow routes are determined based on a priority system established by the Borough. The priorities have been established largely based on traffic volumes.

This is a source of great confusion and concern for residents. Alleyways belong to the abutting property owner and as such are the responsibility of property owners to clear. However, in major storms or when possible, the Borough assists homeowners in plowing alleys. This is a courtesy and is not mandated by Ordinance, Resolution or directive of Council.

The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the 48 miles of Borough owned streets and the PennDOT owned highways located within the Borough limits. Using 10 trucks and a crew of 10 employees along with contracted crews and equipment, it can take up to 8 hours to complete one route through the Borough. This route may need to be repeated any number of times based on the storm. Time is also needed to reload trucks and to switch crews so while you may not see a crew on your street, know that crews are out working.

Throughout the winter months, Borough crews will be out clearing the roads during and after snowfalls. At the same time residents are clearing their driveways. Many times while this is going on, a snowplow truck will go by and fill in the end of a freshly cleared driveway with snow from the road, causing frustration and more clearing for residents. Please understand that the Borough’s first priority is the safety of the traveling public and clearing the roads of snow and ice and pushing it off of the road and shoulders, and sometimes into shoveled pathways, is a necessary wintertime evil. So why does the Borough push the snow off the road onto the shoulder, only to come back and push the snow farther back on the shoulder? The truck usually makes one pass to open the road up so residents may get in and out. Then the truck comes back to widen the road and then the shoulders for future snow accumulation. Residents sometimes call and ask why we cannot pick up the blade when going by their driveway. This is not a practical solution and our drivers would never finish clearing the roads due to the multitude of driveways.

Plows push snow, they do not dig or “shovel” snow from streets. Depending on the amount of snow that falls, plows may not plow down to bare asphalt.

The Borough is aware of the difficulty snow plowing can create for sidewalk clearance, particularly at corners. We work with plow drivers to reduce this situation the best we can. However, given the crowded nature of streets and the volume of snow we are dealing with, snow at sidewalk intersections can pile up similar to the situation facing the bottom of driveways. Property owners may need to use ice melt and metal shovels if the snow has become very packed down. Property owners are always responsible for clearing snow and ice along their sidewalk frontage, crosswalk ramps, corners and bus stops with concrete pads within 24 hours after the snow stops.

While not illegal to pass a snow plow, it is extremely dangerous so we don’t advise it.

Please be aware that frequently the trucks are in a low gear and using high engine RPM to maintain the power necessary to push the snow; this creates the impression that they are speeding. Our drivers are required to follow all applicable laws and will be held responsible for violations. Please provide the time and location and, if possible, the vehicle number and call 215-361-8371.

Snow emergency signage dictates which side of the street residents may not park on when an emergency is declared. Residents may park in their driveways (if available), alternate side of their street or another street not marked “No Parking.” It is not the policy of the Borough to direct any resident or citizen where to park in an emergency (i.e. we do not require residents to park in alleys when a snow emergency is declared), we can only instruct where parking is not permitted.

Property owners and snow removal contractors should be aware that shoveling or plowing snow from private property onto or across public roads or sidewalks is illegal because it can present a serious traffic hazard to motorists.  Per Ordinance 1172, it is unlawful to deposit any snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the roadway.

One of the biggest factors that determine the Borough’s performance is the type of storm and range of temperatures. Additionally, plowing 6-8 inches is vastly different than a blizzard of 18-24 inches as the volume of snow changes, but the space to move it to does not change. During the winter each storm poses unique problems to snowplow operators. Storms with low temperatures can be difficult because de-icing agents become less effective at the lower temperatures. Storms with high winds also are a challenge because the snow quickly blows back onto the roadway after the plows pass. ?