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Winter Operations & Snow Regulations

Snow plow

Snow Removal Operations

Ferguson Township Public Works crews work hard to keep roads clear of ice and snow and respond to hazards. 

How We Work

The Ferguson Township Road Crew is a team of operators highly trained in the latest technology and procedures for snow removal.

Our snow fighting crews work 8-hour days Monday through Friday. When the Ferguson Township Police Department notifies Public Works in advance of a winter storm, our crews work hard to prepare the roads for your morning or evening commute. During winter operations, the crew is on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Occasionally, an additional two-worker crew is enlisted to help clear the main roads and snowdrifts. The Township complies with all laws governing CDL drivers. Therefore, the Township is required to give drivers 10 hours of rest after each 11-hour shift behind the wheel of a plow.

It is important to note that streets may not always be cleared to the blacktop. Some snow and slush may remain on the road surface, especially if the snow is light and powdery and there is little likelihood that the snow will refreeze. 

The Ferguson Township Snow Operations Policy provides guidance to the crew members as they work to maintain about 100 miles of roadway in the Township.

Priority is given to the main roads, such as Whitehall Road, Science Park Road, and Blue Course Drive. The crew pretreats the snow emergency routes before each storm with salt brine. Once the main roads are cleared, the road crew begins clearing the residential and connecting streets. If possible, residents are encouraged to use snow tires during the winter months to improve travel.

Map of Snow Plow Routes

Designated Snow Emergency Routes

  • Blue Course Drive
  • Circleville Road
  • Science Park Road
  • Valley Vista Drive
  • Whitehall Road
  • Pine Grove Road (SR 45)

Ensure That Township Snow Plows Have Access

No on-street parking during snowfall
Ferguson Township residents and businesses are reminded that when snowfall reaches a depth of two inches or more, vehicles may not be parked on the streets. Streets must be kept clear to allow Ferguson Township Public Works crews to salt and plow them. Help our snow plow drivers get through so they can salt and plow. You and your neighbors are depending on them. Vehicles that remain will be ticketed or towed.

In addition, please clear sidewalks of snow and ice of ANY amount within 24 hours after the snowfall has ended. We ask that residents clear the entire width of the sidewalk, as well as clear ramps and crosswalks at intersections that pose a hazard to individuals with disabilities. 

Please also review the Township's Mailbox Guidelines to ensure that your mailbox is installed at the appropriate height and distance from the road. 

In Case of Declared Snow Emergencies

The Pennsylvania Governor or his designee may declare a snow emergency, which lifts the restrictions on CDL drivers that would otherwise apply. In such cases, the road crew is not obligated to rest 10 hours after 11 hours behind the wheel of a plow. 

The Ferguson Township Manager is authorized by ordinance §15-601 to declare a snow emergency at his discretion. When the Township Manager declares a snow emergency, parking is prohibited on designated snow emergency routes, and vehicles are prohibited from driving on snow emergency routes without chains, snow tires, or all-weather tires. 

After any snow emergency is declared, it shall be unlawful at any time during the continuance of the emergency, for any person:

To park a motor vehicle or to allow that vehicle to remain parked anywhere on any snow emergency route designated in Chapter 15 §15-603. (Ferguson Township Ordinance)

To drive any motor vehicle on any such snow emergency route, unless that vehicle is equipped with all weather tires, snow tires or chains.

    Winter Maintenance of Our Shared Use Paths

    Public Works performs winter maintenance on nine Shared Use Paths in the Township

    Thank you for your patience and understanding during snowy winter months

    Please direct any questions or concerns about snow removal to the Ferguson Township Public Works Department by calling (814) 238-4651 or by completing our Contact Us form.

    Winter Weather Fact Sheets