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Public Works

Snow Removal

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Snow Removal

The primary mission of the Department of Public Works throughout the winter is to maintain safe and passable roadways. The Department has several methods used to achieve this goal.

A brining system is used to apply a salt solution to roadways up to 72 hours before a predicted snow or freezing rain event. Brine helps prevent water and ice from bonding to the pavement and helps delay the accumulation of snow. It is a cost-saving, proactive approach to treating the roadways.

The Department begins clearing and plowing streets once snow begins to fall, but some roads are cleared before others. The first priority is to keep major roadways open and passable to allow emergency vehicles, school buses, and first responders access to all regions of the Township. Once the major roads are clear, the snow plows move to secondary, or “feeder” roads. These roads lead directly to the major roadways. Finally, all other residential, Township-owned roads are cleared.

NOTE: State roads are cleared by PennDOT. Click here to see a list of state roads in Middletown.

General Info

Vehicles must be moved off the streets within one hour of snow beginning to fall until 12 hours after the snow has ended – vehicle owners may be fined if vehicles are in the streets.

Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the snow has ended. Snow plows are angled to push snow from the center of the road to the curb. For this reason, some snow may be deposited from a plow in front of your driveway. It is the property owner’s responsibility to remove this snow.

Do not push shoveled snow into the street- it will only be pushed back when the snow plow comes by.

While snow plows often appear to go fast, all plow operators drive at safe and legal speeds. A sufficient speed is needed, however, in order for the plow to push heavy snow off the road.

200 feet is the minimum distance at which you should follow a snow plow in your vehicle. It allows the driver to see you and gives you time to react should the plow suddenly stop.

Residents whose mailboxes are struck by a Township snow plow are eligible to receive up to $100 for a replacement.  The owner of the damaged mailbox has forty-eight (48) hours from the end of a snow event to submit a claim for reimbursement.  To report a damaged mailbox, you can call the Department of Public Works at (215) 943-2900 x3300, or you can email us.

The Department of Public Works thanks you for your patience and cooperation as they work hard to keep your streets clear and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should your mailbox get struck by a Township plow, contact the Public Works Department within 48 hours after the snow event.  Make sure to include your address and contact information.  Click here to download the Township's mailbox policy.

Vehicles are to be moved from the streets one hour after the snow starts to fall until 12 hours after the snow has ended.  Vehicle owners may be fined if vehicles are not removed from the streets.  Sidewalks are to be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall.

A safe following distance behind a plow is a minimum of 200 feet.  At that distance, you are clear of the driver’s blind spot so he can see you, and leaves you with time to safely slow should the plow have to stop suddenly in front of you.  It also reduces the likelihood of damage to your vehicle from loose or flying gravel or salt being spread by the truck.

Remember not to deposit snow from sidewalks and driveways into the roadway, whether by shovel or snow blower.  You could be subject to a fine.  Our Public Works Department thanks you for your patience and cooperation as they work hard to keep your streets clear and safe. 

Snow plows are angled to the right for plowing from the centerline of the street to the curb.  For this reason a certain amount of snow will be deposited at the end of your driveway.  Snow placed in driveways or sidewalks by Township plows is the property owner’s responsibility to remove.  This snow cannot be placed back onto streets.

Many times it seems as if the plow operator is driving too fast for road conditions.  Plow operators drive at safe and legal speeds, however, when snow is deep and wet, it is heavy and needs to be “rolled” in order to remove it from the roadway.  A sufficient speed needs to be maintained by the plow operator to do this and clear the street.