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The Borough equipment uses "gravity" plows that are mounted on the same trucks used for public works in all seasons. These plows do not have the ability to put pressure down; therefore, they are incapable of cutting ice or packed snow. Further, the collision-force of a moving plow against an irregular street, curb, protruding manhole, etc. can severely damage the frame of a vehicle.
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Lansdowne Borough's parking limits do not change before, during, or after a snow event. However, if you have access to off-street parking option you are encouraged to take advantage and use it. Doing so will enable a more thorough and effective plowing. A more thorough plowing pass will increase the available on-street parking after the snow event.
For normal snow plowing operations call 610-622 -6318. For medical, fire or police emergencies, call 911.
The goal of the overall plowing service is to open an accessible path on all streets. It is not possible to plow curb-to-curb during a storm. Plows will return as time, manpower, and the storm permits. Subsequent passes to widen the pathway will happen as is reasonable given typical obstructions of parked cars, packed ice, the volume of snow, temperatures, and the forecast of future snowfall.
The ridge left behind from a snowplow pass is called a windrow. The windrow is typically higher than the undisturbed snow level. A windrow cannot be avoided. The Borough does not have resources to remove windrows, therefore, it becomes the property owners' responsibility to create access to the driveway. In doing so, property owners should pile snow onto their own property and not in the right-of-way.
Windrows can be minimized by the strategy depicted in the cleared roadway diagram (PNG). That is, clearing the space in the area before the driveway will drain the volume of snow that is in the plow before it reaches the driveway. This will eliminate or minimize the end of driveway windrow.
The Borough's Snow Removal Policy requires that main arterial roadways and major collectors be plowed first, and remain passable. Therefore operators may not begin plowing residential streets for several hours after the snow has stopped falling, and may not be substantially completed for up to two days after the storm ends. If all other streets in your area have been plowed and yours has not, please call 610-622 -6318.
In addition to the aforementioned priorities, operators follow a pattern of clearing the most highly used streets first in combination with most efficient routing through the existing pattern of streets.
If possible, connect with and hire a neighbor or some other temporary help to clear the sidewalks, or call local service groups, or churches for help with private property snow removal. Be prepared and do this early in the season and call to confirm each year who you have delegated this responsibility to.
Unfortunately, the Borough does not have the resources to plow driveways of those who are unable to do so. Our primary goal is to use the resources we have to provide safe and reliable roadways in the most efficient manner possible. We encourage those who are not able to shovel to ask neighbors for assistance or hire a private snowplow service.
The Borough’s snowplow program is prioritized on a “greatest impact” basis. A typical storm does not provoke prioritization. When the impact and/or prediction of a significant storm provoke prioritization the following streets will be plowed:
Of note, Lansdowne, Stewart, Marshall, and Baltimore Avenues are state roads and the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This allows residents some mobility within the community and ensures emergency services are as accessible as possible. Once these routes are accessible and the snow has completely or substantially subsided the smaller and less traveled side streets are plowed. During a prolonged and heavy snow event, it may be necessary for the snowplow to remain on the arterial and collector roads for longer periods to keep up with the snow, which can cause a significant delay in getting to the residential streets. Also, your road may be plowed in the middle of the night and, when you wake up in the morning, more snow may have accumulated.
Do not assume the Borough sanitation services are closed during or after a snow event. However, unless a clear and dry path to your normal trash can area has been made residents must bring containers to the curbside. The Borough will work until all streams of sanitation collection are collected, regardless if the street was plowed or not. Due to snow conditions, regular starting points on the routes could change due to accessibility and routes may be continued the next day if unsafe conditions exist.
The Borough monitors the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. If inclement weather is forecasted, a snow removal crew is activated to monitor and adjust to actual conditions. If there is a high probability of a snow event, a base crew will be mobilized to prepare equipment, etc. When the snow starts falling a full cadre will be deployed. This means we may have up to 5 snowplow operators on the streets. Crews remain on 12-hour shifts for 24-hour coverage until the storm is over. After the storm, the crews conduct "clean-up" operations to increase the passable lane and to make room for snow from future storms.
In the event of an emergency, call 911. If the Police Department determines you have a qualifying emergency, a plow will be dispatched to help emergency crews get access.