Snow Removal

To: Charlestown Township Residents

From: Fred Alston, Township Roadmaster (publicworks@charlestown.pa.us)

Updated December 29, 2006

Subj: Snow Removal

I have received several comments and inquiries regarding the snow removal efforts by our road contractor. While this may not answer every question you may have, I hope that it will help you to understand why some things happen as they do.

Every snowstorm is different and because of these differences, our roadways are maintained in various ways.

For the first several snowfalls in the winter of 2002-2003, including the 8" storms, we were able to have the roads plowed and treated with anti-skid and road salt in a very short time - usually completed within a day.

The heaviest snowfall, over 24" in many places, required different tactics. With the snow falling at nearly 4" per hour for some of the storm, and the winds causing heavy snow drifting in many areas, the roadways had to be plowed several times. The first objective was to have the roadways open for emergency vehicles to traverse. This was basically one lane with anti-skid and road salt applied only to areas that required extra traction such as hills and major intersections. The other roads were then opened. After the storm passed, the formidable task of clearing all roads was started and is still being done.

When a plow operator is pushing back the snow and slush from a roadway, the plow must be run at a speed that will throw the snow and slush off the road and over what has previously been plowed. This, unfortunately, precludes the plow operator from stopping at each driveway and mailbox to keep them clear. If the plow was lifted at driveways and mailboxes, all of the snow and ice in the plow would be dropped on the road causing additional problems. (See diagram below for the best way to clear the end of your driveway to minimize snow being plowed back into your drive.)

After the snow has ended, we start cleaning up, that is, trying to get the roadways opened up "curb-to-curb" and we try to clear snow and ice from the areas of driveways and mailboxes. We also attempt to locate and clear the fire hydrants for emergency use and storm drains and inlets for water runoff.

I hope this helps clarify our snow removal process and ask for your continued patience and understanding during this unusually heavy snow event.