Newtown Township Public Works Department has developed a formal plan of action for snow and ice control. The following excerpts are some of the areas we find most important for you, the resident, to be informed of. Working together we believe we will be able to proactively assure a smooth operating procedure for combating winter storms. Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them. Ultimately, you will be helping your Township to help you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Salt Application
Salt and/or magnesium chloride will be applied when snow begins to lie or rain freezes on road surfaces. Salting assignments shall be in accordance with snow and ice control maps and shall be distributed by priority Snow Route Class(SRC) 1,2, or 3. Salting will cease when snow reaches a depth of two inches, except when salting and plowing simultaneously.
Snow Removal/Plowing
Snowplowing usually begins when depth reaches two inches or at the discretion of the Director of Public Works or authorized representative. Each Township street will be plowed to the curb, widening the street and allowing for additional snow, unless otherwise directed. Snow will be plowed from roads in order of priority starting with primary, arterial, secondary and lastly, 153 cul-de-sacs.
Parking During Winter Storms
It is an Ordinance by law that no vehicle should be parked on any Township road once ice or snow has accumulated to one (1) inch in depth. Any vehicle in violation of this law will be towed and impounded. A fine may also be attached.
Snow Removal from Sidewalks
It is the responsibility of the property owner to clear a pathway on the sidewalk within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling. Snow is to be placed on property owner’s property. Snow should NEVER be placed in the roadway.
RESIDENTS
· Please help to insure that public fire protection is maintained by shoveling snow away from fire hydrants located on or near your property.
· During significant snow storms, Public Works Department plow trucks will maintain all primary and secondary arterial routes within the township (e.g., Route 413, Linton Hill Road, North Drive, etc.). PennDOT will maintain roads such as the Newtown Bypass, Stoopville Road and Swamp Road, for example.
· Residents with snow related concerns (i.e., extended power outages, residents with special needs, etc.) can call Newtown Emergency Management at 215-968-2800 ext. 255
· Residents are encouraged to register with Bucks County Ready Notify PA, to receive storm and news alerts. https://bucks.alertpa.org/register.php
