Public Works – Snow Removal

Snow Removal Overview

The Eldred Township Public Works Department (“ETPWD”) staff and equipment are engaged in operations well before winter precipitation starts falling until well after accumulation has ended. Snow and ice removal operations can span an 18 to 36 hour period depending on conditions. Each storm is different.

The ETPWD is responsible for the Township’s snow and ice removal operations which includes 34.4 miles of roadway and 4 parking lots. PennDOT is responsible for 25.5 miles of State highway in Eldred Township. State maintained roads are Kunkletown Road, Silver Springs Boulevard, Upper/Lower Smith Gap Road, Chestnut Ridge Road, Fiddletown Road, Weir Mountain Road and Molasses Valley Road.



Snowfall Operations

• Pretreating roads begins 48 hours prior to a storm with liquid salt brine (when conditions allow).
• Salting operations begin as soon as precipitation starts accumulating on the roadway.
• Plowing begins when 2” of snow accumulation occurs on Township roads. Priority 1 roads will be kept open and passable, priority 2 and 3 roads will be plowed secondarily.
• Township-owned parking lots will be cleared last as the crew will focus on keeping roads passable.

Township Road System

• Priority 1: Main arterial roads with higher amounts of traffic.
• Priority 2: Roads that connect main roads to main roads.
• Priority 3: Interior development roads and cul-de-sacs.

General Guidelines to Follow

• Do NOT park in cul-de-sacs, or in/on the streets.
• DO NOT shovel or plow snow into the roadways.
• DO NOT place garbage or recycling cans in the streets or the Township right of way.

Residential Driveways

Please keep in mind that it is impossible to keep snow from being deposited in your driveway during plowing operations. The plow cannot be lifted or stopped at your driveway as it passes. If you have your driveway plowed before the street is completed, clear an area to the right of the driveway entrance (facing the house).

Prevent the Second Shovel





Mailboxes All mailboxes must be installed according to the USPS guidelines.


Mailboxes are to be securely fastened to a sturdy post which is firmly anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow. Snowplow operators make every attempt to exercise care and maintain lower speeds when plowing. The Township will only assume responsibility for damage to a mailbox if some part of the plow or snow removal equipment hits the mailbox or the post.

Please be patient

Snow plowing is a difficult and time-consuming job. Township crews need many hours of intensive labor to complete snow removal operations. Travel during or immediately after a snowfall should be delayed unless absolutely necessary. The less traffic on the roads, the sooner the snow removal process can be completed