- Home
- Departments
- Public Works
- Road Division
- Snow Removal
Snow Removal
This is an excellent opportunity to review Stafford Township Department of Public Works’ effective and comprehensive salting and/or snow removal operations pertaining to roadway management. In the event of wet, winter weather, the Department of Public Works has a tried and true Ice and Snow Removal Plan in place with a well-trained staff generating safer streets and reducing hazardous conditions throughout the township. View the 2011 Council Snow Removal Presentation (PDF).
State-of-the-Art Access
The superintendents of the Stafford Township Department of Public Works constantly monitor winter storm movement and potential threat throughout the region and immediate area. The DPW has state-of-the-art access for winter and severe weather forecasts.
Stafford Township is equipped with a reverse 911 phone communication program where residents are informed in advance of forecasts predicting a storm with snow accumulations of 4 inches or more and when snow plowing is likely. In the event of snow plow operations, this message reminds residents that pursuant to Chapter 201-36 of the Stafford Township Code parking is prohibited on all township streets prior to and during snow plow operations and to remove any portable basketball hoops from the roadway to allow for proper plowing of the street curb to curb.
Equipment
Our Public Works and Water and Sewer Department combine labor and equipment and stand ready to dispatch 10 trucks equipped with plows and salt spreaders along with 30 vehicles equipped with plows only to the 675 lane miles of township roads during the course of a snowstorm. The large capacity dump and oversized pick up trucks are preloaded with a salt/calcium mixture and applied at the onset of a winter storm to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.
The Stafford Township Department of Public Works garage functions as a central control for superintendents and foremen where roads are monitored and staffing needs are filled or reassigned. An administrative staff member is available to manage radio transmission and answer phones as well as log completed salting and plowing routes.
Be advised that once the snowfall stops, it can take up to eight hours to complete the snow removal process and township employees will work around-the-clock to ensure township roads are cleared.
Helpful Hints
There are a few steps residents can take to assist township employees and reduce resident snow shoveling.
If you have any questions, or are in need of further information, please call the Stafford Township Department of Public Works at 609-597-1000 ext. 8609.
Stafford Township Adds Anti-Icing to Its Snow Removal Plan
Last year was a trying winter for road maintenance crews around the state. Temperatures danced above and below the freezing mark, making it difficult for snow fighters to keep roads safe for drivers.
In Stafford Township, the Department of Public Works is implementing a new tool that will jump-start the melting process and make it easier to clear snowy roads faster. The department is using a liquid anti-icing process that can save money and improve road safety.
Anti-icing treatment involves spraying salt-brine solution at a rate of 40 - 60 gallons per lane mile directly onto the road surface. When the water evaporates, a fine residue of salt is left behind. If applied before a storm, the salt residue prevents snow and ice from bonding to the road.
Earlier this year, Mayor and Council approved the purchase of the Anti-Icing system from IM Supplies in Neptune, New Jersey. The system manufactured by Vari-Tech Industries consists of a salt brine maker in an enclosed building, a 5000 gallon storage tank, and a 3400 gallon distribution unit. The distribution unit is mounted to a roll-off container bottom. That way we do not need a purchase a dedicated truck for the unit.
"It's the same as snow on your driveway," says Ronald Cop, the department's Superintendent. "If you drive your car over the snow before you shovel, you find the snow that was pressed down by your tires is harder to remove because it has bonded with the pavement."
The anti-icing treatment stops that bond from forming and makes the road easier to clear. Anti-icing technology is used in many other jurisdictions like state and counties agencies, but is new to Stafford Township. Initially the program will include 45 miles of main arteries in all areas of the township. It will eventually be expanded to other secondary roads.
To make the proper solution, rock salt is added to water until 23 per cent salinity is obtained. The solution is then stored in a 5,000 gallon tank. A 3400 gallon tank and distribution unit will be used to apply the salt brine.
"Timing of the anti-icing application is the key to having it work well," says Cop. "We plan to apply it to the surface 24 hours in advance of a storm but can be applied a maximum of 48 - 72 hours in advance, and at a pavement temperature not colder than 15° F". If the predicted snow event is to start as rain and then change to snow, the anti icing application will not take place since the rain will dilute the salt brine making it ineffective.
By getting the road surface treated proactively, Stafford Township snowfighters can clear the road faster and make it safer. Also, the anti-icing mixture doesn't bounce or blow off the road when applied, so it can be used more efficiently.
Cop says other jurisdictions have reported savings of up to 15 per cent for anti-icing applications, when compared with normal salt use.
He says his staff will be monitoring road conditions carefully and record results.
State-of-the-Art Access
The superintendents of the Stafford Township Department of Public Works constantly monitor winter storm movement and potential threat throughout the region and immediate area. The DPW has state-of-the-art access for winter and severe weather forecasts.
Stafford Township is equipped with a reverse 911 phone communication program where residents are informed in advance of forecasts predicting a storm with snow accumulations of 4 inches or more and when snow plowing is likely. In the event of snow plow operations, this message reminds residents that pursuant to Chapter 201-36 of the Stafford Township Code parking is prohibited on all township streets prior to and during snow plow operations and to remove any portable basketball hoops from the roadway to allow for proper plowing of the street curb to curb.
Equipment
Our Public Works and Water and Sewer Department combine labor and equipment and stand ready to dispatch 10 trucks equipped with plows and salt spreaders along with 30 vehicles equipped with plows only to the 675 lane miles of township roads during the course of a snowstorm. The large capacity dump and oversized pick up trucks are preloaded with a salt/calcium mixture and applied at the onset of a winter storm to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.
The Stafford Township Department of Public Works garage functions as a central control for superintendents and foremen where roads are monitored and staffing needs are filled or reassigned. An administrative staff member is available to manage radio transmission and answer phones as well as log completed salting and plowing routes.
Be advised that once the snowfall stops, it can take up to eight hours to complete the snow removal process and township employees will work around-the-clock to ensure township roads are cleared.
Helpful Hints
There are a few steps residents can take to assist township employees and reduce resident snow shoveling.
- Do not park cars on the street once snow begins to fall
- Remove all portable basketball hoops from street and township easements
- Shovel snow to the right side of the driveway, facing the street to minimize the amount of snow entering your driveway on plow passes
- Wait until township trucks have completed plowing your street and snow has stopped falling before clearing your driveway
- Residents must remove snow from their mailboxes
If you have any questions, or are in need of further information, please call the Stafford Township Department of Public Works at 609-597-1000 ext. 8609.
Stafford Township Adds Anti-Icing to Its Snow Removal Plan
Last year was a trying winter for road maintenance crews around the state. Temperatures danced above and below the freezing mark, making it difficult for snow fighters to keep roads safe for drivers.
In Stafford Township, the Department of Public Works is implementing a new tool that will jump-start the melting process and make it easier to clear snowy roads faster. The department is using a liquid anti-icing process that can save money and improve road safety.
Anti-icing treatment involves spraying salt-brine solution at a rate of 40 - 60 gallons per lane mile directly onto the road surface. When the water evaporates, a fine residue of salt is left behind. If applied before a storm, the salt residue prevents snow and ice from bonding to the road.
Earlier this year, Mayor and Council approved the purchase of the Anti-Icing system from IM Supplies in Neptune, New Jersey. The system manufactured by Vari-Tech Industries consists of a salt brine maker in an enclosed building, a 5000 gallon storage tank, and a 3400 gallon distribution unit. The distribution unit is mounted to a roll-off container bottom. That way we do not need a purchase a dedicated truck for the unit.
"It's the same as snow on your driveway," says Ronald Cop, the department's Superintendent. "If you drive your car over the snow before you shovel, you find the snow that was pressed down by your tires is harder to remove because it has bonded with the pavement."
The anti-icing treatment stops that bond from forming and makes the road easier to clear. Anti-icing technology is used in many other jurisdictions like state and counties agencies, but is new to Stafford Township. Initially the program will include 45 miles of main arteries in all areas of the township. It will eventually be expanded to other secondary roads.
To make the proper solution, rock salt is added to water until 23 per cent salinity is obtained. The solution is then stored in a 5,000 gallon tank. A 3400 gallon tank and distribution unit will be used to apply the salt brine.
Key Timing
"Timing of the anti-icing application is the key to having it work well," says Cop. "We plan to apply it to the surface 24 hours in advance of a storm but can be applied a maximum of 48 - 72 hours in advance, and at a pavement temperature not colder than 15° F". If the predicted snow event is to start as rain and then change to snow, the anti icing application will not take place since the rain will dilute the salt brine making it ineffective.
By getting the road surface treated proactively, Stafford Township snowfighters can clear the road faster and make it safer. Also, the anti-icing mixture doesn't bounce or blow off the road when applied, so it can be used more efficiently.
Cop says other jurisdictions have reported savings of up to 15 per cent for anti-icing applications, when compared with normal salt use.
He says his staff will be monitoring road conditions carefully and record results.