Warwick Township Public Works

Police Department

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

2045 GUINEA LANE
JAMISON, PA 18929
Phone: 215-343-6100

Public Works Director, Lorenzo Cuoci
Lcuoci@warwick-township.org

Click here for Undedicated Roads (not maintained by Twp)

WINTER MAINTENANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR SNOW AND ICE

PURPOSE : To provide guidelines for the safe and efficient removal of snow and other winter conditions. This policy replaces all previous policies.

OBJECTIVES :

The objective of the Township's winter maintenance program is to provide winter highway safety to the traveling public with the most reasonable, efficient and effective manner. To perform this service, it is essential that the salting and plowing operations be conducted in a professional manner, equipment is properly maintained, materials are in sufficient stock and personnel are trained and properly instructed in the methods and procedures to be followed. The Township maintains approximately 55 miles of township roads.

SALTING PROCEDURES :

The Township now will be using liquid salt (brine) on Township streets. The liquid application can be put on the roads up to 48 hours before a storm hits. This application will hopefully reduce the amount of ice and slippery conditions that exist on the roads.

The Township uses approximately 400 tons of salt in the average winter. This amount varies depending upon the severity of the winter season. The following procedures will be implemented in the salting phase (both liquid and particle) of any winter operation.

1. The spreaders will be calibrated for the proper application rate.

2. Personnel shall not overload the trucks to avoid spilling of materials.

3. Snow Emergency Routes will be completed first. All main connector roads will follow. Cul-de-sacs will be completed last since they are traveled the least of any roads.

4. Plowing will not begin immediately after the application of the salt. Enough time will be allowed for the salt to start its melting action.

PLOWING :

Snow plowing equipment should always travel in the direction of traffic flow. The speed of the plow is normally 15 MPH but will vary with the amount and type of snowfall, the condition of the roadway and traffic conditions. Efforts to minimize damage to private property are a key factor in regulating vehicle speed. Snowplowing will not begin until at least 3” of snow is on the roadway and the application of salt has been given an opportunity to work.

1. First priority routes are those designated as Snow Emergency Routes. These have the highest traffic volume, near schools, emergency facilities, and public institutions.

2. Those routes of the second priority are the streets with signalized intersections, stop intersections, school bus routes and bus stops.

3. Third priority streets are those in the residential developments.

4. The least priority are those streets in the commercial and industrial areas.

Plowing procedures are as follows:

Every truck is assigned to a specific area of responsibility and this is of first priority for the vehicle. After salting operations are concluded and plowing commences, one pass is made in each direction on every street. Cul-de-sacs shall be plowed one pass in and one pass out during the initial phase of the operation. Once the first phase of operation is completed, the driver will contact the Director, Roadmaster or supervisor in charge to advise him/her of the current status, if assigned, will assist other drivers in their areas. ALL DRIVERS WILL CHECK IN WITH THE DIRECTOR OR SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE EVERY HOUR TO ADVISE OF HIS/HER STATUS.

Upon completion of the initial phase of the plowing operation, the pushing back phase will begin. This is the phase where all streets are cleaned curb-to-curb or to the shoulder of the road. This plowing procedure is the same as the initial phase with the exception of cul-de-sacs and intersections. These will be done with the help of a backhoe, loader or smaller truck, for reasons of safety and maneuverability. Again, when the driver has completed his/her assigned area, a call shall be made to the Director or supervisor in charge to advise them of his/her status and to ascertain if there are any areas in need of assistance.

Warwick Township Public Works Department maintains and plows nearly 60 miles of Township roads as well as assisting with the maintenance of the many park facilities and detention basins throughout the Township.

TIPS FOR SNOWY WEATHER:

Residents are urged to park their cars in their driveways during inclement weather so snow crews can plow curb-to-curb to provide a wider path for traffic. Those who must park in the street can avoid congestion and potential accidents by not parking opposite driveways.

As soon as snow or freezing rain starts, salting and cindering operations will begin on the primary snow removal routes. Residents should stay on these main thoroughfares.

Plowing will begin as the snow depth reaches 3 to 4 inches. Motorists should stay well behind the trucks and give them room to operate.

After the primary routes, the secondary streets will be plowed. During a Snow Emergency, residents should keep informed by listening to the radio or watching television.

Residents are also asked to remain patient because inclement weather slows down crews as well as motorists. Cooperation from residents will help us conduct a more efficient snow removal.