Butler County communities gear up for weekend weather
CRANBERRY TWP — Local municipalities are preparing for a blast of winter weather this weekend, and are asking residents to help with snow removal efforts.
According to Jason Dailey, public works director, township officials have been planning for several days for the storm, which was expected to dump several inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday. He said estimates as of Friday afternoon were that the heaviest snow would hit between 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday.
While the duration isn't much, Dailey said forecasts call for about an inch per hour.
“It looks like it is going to be a relatively short event for how much snow we're getting,” he said.
Because of that, crews will complement regular snow removal routes with an additional vehicle, essentially doubling up coverage. Additionally, Dailey said a contractor is on standby to assist with the clearing of cul-de-sacs on Sunday.
“The challenge is managing the cul-de-sacs,” he said, adding the goal is to clear them to allow garbage trucks, school buses and fire trucks enough room to turn around.
“Doubling resources should keep us in good shape throughout the bulk of the storm,” he added.
The township maintains 130 miles of roads, but does not maintain state roads such as Freedom, Callery, Franklin, Glen Eden, Rochester, Rowan and Plains Church roads. They also do not maintain Route 19.
According to information from the township, residents are asked to clear the roads of any vehicles, sports equipment and garbage cans to allow crews to plow efficiently. Additionally, officials recommend checking to make sure mailboxes are secure.
Additionally, the township requires the sidewalk in front of a home to be cleared within 48 hours of a snow event, according to township code.
In Seven Fields, Mayor Michael Baer on Friday declared a state of emergency which prohibits all on-street parking in the borough. The emergency is effective from 11 a.m. Saturday until 4 p.m. Monday to allow crews to keep roads clear. Violators are subject to being towed at the owner's expense.
In Zelienople, borough officials have the option of declaring a snow emergency, which would prohibit parking on designated streets.
Additionally, borough code prohibits parking on any street or borough lot for a period of time after three or more inches have accumulated, continuing until the snow has been removed.
Declarations are made through the borough's notification system.
In Mars, ordinances exist prohibiting the dumping of snow on township streets when clearing driveways and sidewalks. However, there are special allowances made for the downtown area, where there may not be a location to deposit snow.
Public works officials have been working to make sure there is enough salt on hand and vehicles are ready to go.
According to Public Works Foreman Ed Dorsey, crews will begin plowing roads as early as possible, and will work to maintain clear road throughout the weekend.
