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1. When is it okay to park on my street during a snow event?

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.

2. Whom may I call if I have a suggestion, complaint, or request?

For normal snow plowing operations call 610-622 -6318. For medical, fire or police emergencies, call 911.

3. Why did they plow only half of the street, and when will they plow the other half?

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.

4. 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.

5. What if they missed plowing my street?

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.

6. Why don’t City drivers put the blades down and plow all the snow off down to the pavement?

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.

7. It seems like we’re always plowed last. Why can’t we be first sometimes?

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.

8. I am elderly or disabled and can’t shovel snow. What can I do?

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.

9. Can the City’s snowplow operator plow my driveway if I am elderly, disabled, or not physically able to shovel?

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.

10. Why does it take so long for my road to be plowed?

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:

• Essex Avenue East of Lansdowne Avenue
• Highland Avenue south of Stratford Avenue
• Nyack Avenue
• Owen Avenue
• Plumstead Avenue
• Scottdale Road
• Shadeland Avenue
• Union Avenue

State Roads

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.

11. What if it snows on trash day?

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.

12. When do the snowplows get deployed and how long are they out?

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.

13. What if I have an emergency and can’t get out of my house?

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.

14. How can citizens help during the snow season?

• Prepare for the snow season - get the necessary equipment, including snow shovels, snow blower, and tire chains.
• Be aware of weather forecasts; The National Weather Service reliably predicts winter storm activity. Be sure to obtain prescription medications, groceries, and other necessities prior to the arrival of the storm whenever possible.
• If you live on a private street, get together with neighbors and have a plan for plowing.
• Know what is too much. If a significant storm is approaching and you have a job that requires you to be there, arrange to have your driveway plowed by a private contractor. In the event of heavy snowfall, you may need to have the contractor plow more than once to keep up with our plows, which are also trying to keep up with the snowfall.
• If possible, please help neighbors who are elderly or disabled by shoveling their driveway.
• Do not shovel snow back onto the roadway. It is dangerous and you could be held liable in the event of an accident.
• Don't take it personally, Borough plow operators are doing their job and not intentionally trying to create a hardship for you. Remember, they too wake up or come home to a driveway and sidewalk that needs clearing.
• Avoid unnecessary travel in winter driving conditions.