SNOW REMOVAL

Removing snow from Township roads is one of the most important jobs performed by our work crews.  The Muddy Creek Township Road Department keeps township roads clean and safe following a snowfall by plowing roadways and using chemical treatments that melt snow and ice on the pavement.  The township makes every effort to keep all township roads clean, but in cases of unpredicted or quickly falling snow it may take some time for crews to make it to residential roads. 

Important things to keep in mind to ensure the winter season is safe and enjoyable for everyone:

ROADSIDE VEHICLE PARKING – If a storm/inclement weather are anticipated, remove vehicles from the roadside shoulders.  This allows plows to clear the area the first time through, making return trips unnecessary.

DRIVEWAY TO ROADWAY – Do not shovel snow into the road or have your driveway plowed into the road.  This can cause a serious traffic hazard.  If possible, it is best to place snow on the side of your driveway opposite the direction the plow is traveling.  By implementing this technique, the plow will push snow away from your driveway rather than back into it.

If possible, wait until the road has been plowed before clearing out the end of your driveway.  There is no practical way to plow the road without depositing snow into your driveway.

Township snow removal crews do not clear private driveways or driveway entrances of accumulated snow.

MAILBOXES AND MAILBOX POSTS – The Township is NOT responsible for damage to mailboxes caused by snowplows since mailboxes are erected on the right-of-way at the property owner’s risk.  Mailboxes should be placed as far from the right-of-way as possible and still permit access by mail carriers.  Mailboxes should be placed on a “firm support.”  PENNDOT offers suggestions to help reduce the possibility of your mailbox being damaged by routing winter maintenance operations.

PENNDOT SUGGESTIONS

Homeowners should make sure their mailbox is firmly supported and placed as far beyond the shoulder of the highway as the postal carrier can reach.

Place a 6 to 8 inch piece of reflective tape on the mailbox to help snowplow operators see the mailbox at night or during a storm.

Remove snow from around the mailbox, but avoid throwing snow back on the roadway.

Posts should be checked for deterioration to reduce damage from the weight of snow.

If the mailbox is located within the legal right-of-way and damaged was experienced in the past, you may want to consider relocating your mailbox.  Any installation in the right-of-way is placed there at the owner’s risk

Homeowners can also consider installing a cantilevered mailbox support that will swing out of

harms way.

Plans for building a cantilevered mailbox support can be obtained from the township office.

Please remember that snowplow operators are instructed to maintain lower speeds when plowing in the area of mailboxes are present.  However, higher speeds are often necessary to contend with heavy, wet snow.  Taking steps to ensure the visibility and stability of mailboxes will help snowplow operators and postal carriers continue to deliver quality service this winter.

MUDDY CREEK TOWNSHIP SHALL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE MAILBOXES OR POSTS DAMAGED BY THE FORCE OR PLACEMENT OF PLOWED SNOW.