Township Ready For Winter Snow

East Whiteland Township realizes the importance of snow removal to residents and the traveling public. The Township utilizes a "Snow Management Plan" to safely clear all dedicated Township roadways as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

The Township’s goal is to clear all Township roadways clear within:

• 6 to 10 hours after snow has stopped for a 3-inch to 6-inch snowfall
• 10 to 14 hours after snow has stopped for a 6-inch to 10-inch snowfall
• 14 to 20 hours after snow has stopped for a 10-inch to 16-inch snowfall

With your cooperation, this plan will ensure the best use of time, Township resources, equipment and manpower during snow removal emergencies.

Professional weather services such as the National Weather Service provide the Township with periodic reports that predict the impact of approaching storms.

This allows the Township to prepare in advance by notifying staff, readying plowing equipment and loading salt and anti-icers. The Township maintains standby crews all winter long that can be called to work after normal work hours, weekends and holidays.

Timing is critical with a winter storm. As the storm approaches, Township Public Works crews begin applying salt to all collector roads. Then, they salt hills, intersections and trouble spots on all dedicated Township roadways.

The Public Works Department begins plowing when it is determined that 2 inches of snow have accumulated on the roadways. Plowing is ineffective and inefficient for lesser snowfalls.

The Public Works Department plows 117 streets consisting of 47 miles of Township roadways. The first priority is to clear all Snow Emergency Routes and Collector Streets. Crews then begin plowing residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Plowing crews are linked with the Township via two-way radios to assist police, fire and emergency personnel.

Crews attempt to clear all streets to the curb line during snow removal. This may not be possible for properties when branches hang over the street or when trash cans, vehicles, etc. obstruct plowing operations. Trees must maintain a clearance of 11 feet near the curb line to allow plowing equipment to pass.

Please do not throw or deposit snow onto roads. This is in violation of Township Code 189-42.  Make sure your mailbox is secured to a strong post that can withstand snow coming off plows.  The Township will only replace a mailbox when struck by a plow truck and not one that was hit by snow coming off the plow.

Please remember there is no parking of any motor vehicle, trailer, boat or camper on any public roadway within the Township at any time from the beginning of the accumulation of any frozen precipitation (snow or ice) until the precipitation stops and the roadway is cleared by the Public Works Department.

The cooperation of residents and businesses is critical to the success of snow removal efforts. The Public Works Department appreciates the patience of the community during storms.