Why did the snowplow leave a ridge in front of my driveway, and why is it my responsibility to get rid of it?

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.

Show All Answers

1. When is it okay to park on my street during a snow event?
2. Whom may I call if I have a suggestion, complaint, or request?
3. Why did they plow only half of the street, and when will they plow the other half?
4. Why did the snowplow leave a ridge in front of my driveway, and why is it my responsibility to get rid of it?
5. What if they missed plowing my street?
6. Why don’t City drivers put the blades down and plow all the snow off down to the pavement?
7. It seems like we’re always plowed last. Why can’t we be first sometimes?
8. I am elderly or disabled and can’t shovel snow. What can I do?
9. Can the City’s snowplow operator plow my driveway if I am elderly, disabled, or not physically able to shovel?
10. Why does it take so long for my road to be plowed?
11. What if it snows on trash day?
12. When do the snowplows get deployed and how long are they out?
13. What if I have an emergency and can’t get out of my house?
14. How can citizens help during the snow season?