WayneTwp: Snow and Ice Removal

Snow and Ice Removal

WTRD Snow/Ice Removal Operations

There is no "one size fits all" process for dealing with winter weather.  There are many factors that determine the timing and extent of our response.  Add in the "impossible to predict" factors, such as vehicle breakdowns or equipment malfunctions, and every response takes on an individual character.

Where timing and weather conditions permit, our typical response is:

  • Pre-treat roadways at common "trouble spots" with Geomelt 55 (beet juice) and / or Geomelt treated rock salt
  • Pre-treat "primary" roads with Geomelt 55 (beet juice) and / or Geomelt treated rock salt
  • Pre-treat "secondary" roads with Geomelt 55 (beet juice) and / or Geomelt treated rock salt
  • Treat/Plow "primary" roads so that traffic lanes are "passable"
  • Treat/Plow "secondary" roads so that traffic lanes are "passable"
  • Plow "primary" roads so that pavement is cleared
  • Plow "secondary" roads so that pavement is cleared
  • Plow all roadways so that snow is moved back from corners, turns and cul-de-sacs and treat with Geomelt 55 (beet juice) and / or Geomelt treated rock salt 

"Primary" roads are township roads that carry more traffic, have a higher posted speed limit and connect to regional roads.  All other township roads are "secondary".

The primary roads in unincorporated Wayne Township are:

  • Fair Oaks Road
  • Saint Charles Road
  • Klein Road
  • Schick Road
  • Morton Road
  • Smith Road
  • Powis Road
  • Timber Lane

Please note that WTRD has jurisdiction only over certain portions of the above roadways, except for Timber Lane which is fully under our jurisdiction.

"Passable" means that most motor vehicles may safely navigate the roadway at reduced speed and with adequate care. There may still be snow/ice/slush present on a roadway.

On many occasions, there is insufficient time to complete the eight steps above in order. For example, snowfall may arrive before we can complete a full "pre-treatment" cycle (Steps 1-3), so our drivers may have to skip steps and combine other steps. During steady long-duration snowfalls, we may repeat Steps 4-5 multiple times before we can proceed to later tasks.

Due to severe weather conditions and/or Federal safety regulations, we may have to temporarily suspend operations and resume them several hours later. The most common delay in treating/plowing a roadway is vehicle breakdown or equipment malfunction. Although we perform pre-storm checks, these incidents still occur. Sometimes we can fix the issue "in house" while other issues require outside repairs. When a spare is available, it may be smaller or of less capability, thereby lengthening the time it takes the driver to complete their task. As drivers complete their assignment, they are re-assigned to help other drivers who need assistance.