Public Works
Snow Removal
Key Contact
Kerry Grassley
610-374-8273 Ext. 401
Storm Operations
As snow begins to accumulate, the Borough concentrates on certain streets. The first streets that receive attention are the snow emergency routes. As long as the snow keeps falling, the Borough’s first priority is to keep the snow emergency routes open and passable. As soon as all the snow emergency routes are clear, equipment is immediately moved into other areas.
Snow Emergency Information
Whenever the Mayor finds, on the basis of falling snow, sleet, freezing rain, or as a result of a forecast by the U.S. Weather Bureau, that weather conditions will make it necessary to expedite motor vehicle traffic, and to prohibit or restrict parking for snow plowing and other purposes, he shall put into effect a parking prohibition.
Clearing Your Driveway
As salting and plowing are difficult operations to perform safely and effectively during winter weather, residents are requested to park in their driveways or off the street if possible. Please keep in mind that it is almost impossible to keep snow from being deposited at your driveway during plowing, as the plow cannot be lifted, paused, or redirected at each driveway it passes.
Clear Sidewalks & Ramps
Residents are required to clear snow or ice from their sidewalks following a storm. Sidewalks should be cleared to a minimum of three feet wide. This includes sidewalk ramps to your property.
Basketball Hoop Stands
During the winter months please move basketball hoop stands back from the roadway. Snow plows are taller vehicles and may hit basketball stands that extend over the roadway.
Motorist Safety
Motorists should use caution around plows. Reduce your speed, keep your distance and don’t pass snow removal equipment while it is plowing and salting. Their visibility is very restricted to the rear of the vehicle.
Salting and Plowing
Please keep in mind that when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, the salt becomes less effective.
Snow emergency routes are plowed from the center and pushed to the right, while secondary streets are cleared curb to curb after the storm. Residents can help by parking off-street or close to the curb. For large snow accumulations, Public Works may use heavy equipment to haul snow, and affected streets will be posted as “No Parking.”
Reminder to property owners and residents: it is illegal to plow, shovel or blow snow onto any public street. This creates dangerous driving conditions, as well as, frustrates both the snowplow operator and residents alike.
Winter Stormwater Tips
- Shovel early, the sooner you shovel the less likely snow and ice will build up and you will not need to use as much salt. Apply salt sparingly and remove the slush once the snow melts to prevent from refreezing. Salt in our stormwater system can be harmful to aquatic life.
- Refrain from using kitty litter or sand as these could clog drains and contribute to runoff pollution.
- Always shovel storm drains from the sidewalk. Shovel snow into vegetated areas, where meltwater can soak into the ground. This reduces runoff that flows down storm drains and directly into rivers and streams.
- Mark your drains in late fall prior to snow fall to help you to see where to shovel during each snowfall. Always keep your drains clear of snow and ice to prevent flooding.
- Winterize your vehicles to prevent leaks. Cars should be washed at a commercial carwash, where soapy water doesn’t enter the storm sewer system.
- Practice good housekeeping by storing salt and other de-icers under a roof or other cover to minimize polluted runoff.
Please Be Patient
As we have not yet figured out how to stop snow from falling in West Reading during the winter months, snowplowing will be necessary. Snow removal is a difficult and time consuming job. Since snow removal crews need many hours to complete snow clearing operations, please try to limit your travel during and immediately following a snowfall. If travel is absolutely necessary, be prepared to be delayed. The less traffic on the streets during snow clearing operations, the quicker the job can be accomplished.