Welcome to

Bath Borough

Northampton County, PA

Snow Emergency & Removal Tips

Snow Emergency Procedure

In order to facilitate the movement of traffic and to combat the hazards of excessive snow and ice on the highways or portions of highways in the Borough, the Mayor, may declare an emergency due to such hazards.  Snow Emergency Routes are a matter of local concern, which Council establishes by Ordinance.

The Borough of Bath may find it necessary to declare a Snow Emergency during inclement weather events. Snow Emergency declarations may be publicized via television (WFMZ – Channel 69 News), radio (WAEB – 790 AM, Cat Country – 96.1 FM), the Borough website, social media or other media as is available. During the time when a Snow Emergency is in effect, no parking is permitted along the designated Snow Emergency route. Vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed.

It is extremely important to adhere with Snow Emergency Route procedures.  Road crews with PennDOT and the Borough of Bath rely upon citizens complying with Snow Emergency Declarations in order to clear roads of ice and snow in an efficient manner.  Be familiar with the street that you live on!  If it includes being on a Snow Emergency Route, you should make an alternate parking plan with you, your family and visitors.  You need to be aware that your vehicle must be moved in the event of Snow Emergency Declaration and you live on a Snow Emergency Route.  If you fail to comply with this Ordinance, you will face a fine and your vehicle will be towed at your expense!

The Borough of Bath appreciates your cooperation and hopes that all residents understand that a declaration of a Snow Emergency is not intended to inconvenience but rather be helpful in promoting the most effective and efficient removal of snow and ice from Borough roads.

Check back to this webpage for further information.  There will be additional information regarding Road Hierarchy that Public Works will be following for this winter season.  Roads will be listed on a hierarchy chart for the snow removal crews to follow.  Public Works does not accept complaints from citizens on what roads should be cleared over others!

Please check under the ‘Government’ Menu, select ‘Public Works Department’ for further information regarding snow removal operations.

The current Major Snow Emergency routes in the Borough of Bath are as follows:

  • Christmas Avenue
  • East Main Street
  • East Northampton Street
  • North Chestnut Street
  • South Chestnut Street
  • Walnut Street
  • West Main Street
  • West Northampton Street

Snow Removal Tips & Facts for Borough of Bath Residents

Here are some helpful tips and facts for Borough residents to follow in order to help ease the snow removal process for both residents and Public Works personnel. It is the goal of the Borough to keep its roadways safe for residents and emergency responders during the course of the 2014/2015 winter season.

How to Shovel a Driveway Apron

As you are standing in your driveway facing the street, shovel the snow to the right of your driveway. This will help the plow truck to avoid pushing the pile back into your driveway apron on the next pass. Please remember that the plow will always deposit some snow at the end of your driveway; this is unavoidable. (See Diagram Below)

When Should I Start Shoveling My Driveway?

To avoid clearing a driveway apron repeatedly, wait until the plow truck has completed clearing the roadway curb to curb and the weather event has ended before you start removing snow from your driveway.

Where Should I Pile Snow?

Shoveling, blowing or plowing snow into the street is a violation of local ordinances. Where physically possible, the Borough asks that its residents please attempt to pile snow in the yard space behind the curbing/sidewalks.

How Much Time Do I Have to Remove Snow/Ice from Sidewalks?

Borough Ordinances require that all snow/ice is removed from the sidewalks located in the public-right-of-way within twenty-four (24) hours after the storm has ended.

Residential Streets

When snow is falling or when heavy snowfall is predicted, Public Works plows one pass on residential streets and around cul-de-sacs, which allows for a drive lane down the center of the street.  Once snowfall stops or one pass is complete, crews will return and plow streets open as much as attainable.

Private Streets, Driveways, and Sidewalks

Plowing snow on private property is the property owner’s responsibility.  Shoveling snow to the side of your driveway will lessen the amount of snow left at your driveway entrance and/or sidewalks during plowing. (See diagram above)

Where Should I Park During a Snowstorm?

Utilize off-street parking (driveways, parking lots, etc.) whenever possible even if your street is not along a designated snow emergency route. When plows have to negotiate around parked vehicles, the overall time required for plowing is increased. Snow gets packed tightly around parked vehicles, and that will make it more difficult for you to shovel your vehicle out. Parking off-street also protects your car from being splashed with slush and salt, which can corrode the parts of your vehicle over time.

Can Portable Basketball Hoops/Bicycles/Personal Property Stay in the Street?

Basketball hoops, bicycles, soccer nets and all other personal property should be removed from the street right-of-way before snow removal activities begin. Leaving basketball hoops and personal property in the street presents a safety hazard for residents and Borough personnel. Vehicles left parked on the roadway, basketball hoops, and trashcans also left on the roadway will create snow removal delays.  The Borough is not responsible for damage caused to personal property left in the street.

Fire Hydrants

If a fire hydrant is located on your property, please remember, by local Ordinance, it is the responsibility of the property owner- not the Borough of Bath Public Works Department or the Bath Volunteer Firefighters- to clear out the hydrant. Please remove the snow surrounding the hydrant and create a point of access to the hydrant from the street.

Children Playing Near Roadways

Do not make snow tunnels on or near the street and driveways.  Snowplows and other drivers may not see these and could accidently injure someone playing inside them.

FAQ

Click on the arrow next to each question to reveal answers.

When does snow plowing begin?

Crews may be scheduled to report before the winter storm arrives.  In many cases, crews are pre-treating roads ahead of winter weather.

When will my street be plowed?

Public Works is considering a time-based goal for snow control in the upcoming 2015-2016 winter season.  The goal is to have all streets plowed and treated once precipitation ends within the timeframe, which is determined by the severity of the winter weather and can range from 24 to 48 hours.

Can emergency vehicles access roads safely when responding to an emergency?

Plow trucks are dispatched along with emergency services to assist during fire or police emergencies, as necessary.

If I call the Borough Offices, will a snow plow come down my street sooner?

The Borough is considering a new Snow Plan for this upcoming winter season.  The Snow Plan will have a route schedule system.  Snow plows are only redirected to assist police and fire emergencies; they are not otherwise pulled off of their established routes.

What does the Borough use to treat the streets?

The Borough can use a Salt Brine (anti-icing, saltwater solution) used to prevent winter precipitation from bonding to the pavement.  Rock salt is used as an anti-icing material and also as a de-icing material.  The Borough also uses ClearLane (a liquid Magnesium Chloride) mixed with rock salt is used when temperatures drop into the teens.  Most materials are ineffective when the air temperature drops below 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

What can I do if my mailbox or yard is damaged by snowplows?

Mailboxes are sometimes damaged during snow control operations when there is a wet and heavy snow rolling off the plow onto the right-of-way.  Trucks also occasionally scrape sod near the curb line because it is difficult to distinguish between the curb and road during heavy snowfall.  Unless a plow operator was involved in a crash resulting in damage, the Borough is not responsible for these types of incidental damages.

Why is my street still covered with snow after a Borough truck plowed it?

Snow packed onto the roadway becomes difficult to remove especially on residential streets.  The Borough of Bath does not have a bare pavement policy.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email