The job includes a mix of plowing snow and salting roads, with municipalities purchasing hundreds of tons of salt each year to keep things running smoothly.
On icy, windy nights, while most are asleep, road crews throughout Lebanon County spring into action to prepare roads for morning traffic.
“Their efforts in plowing and salting help prevent accidents, keep businesses and schools open, and ensure emergency responders can reach those in need,” explained Myerstown borough manager Michael McKenna over email.
North Lebanon public works director Jared Balsbaugh said the township has sent its crew out to salt the township’s 60+ miles of road 19 times so far this winter. He added that the township usually uses around 40 tons of salt per winter weather event.
And with Uni having seen his shadow — predicting six more weeks of winter — we’re in store for a few more weeks of winter weather.
Read More: Uni sees his shadow during 44th annual Union Kanaal Grundsau Lodsch forecast
In the event of large snowfall, hail, or frozen rain, road crews are often called to work additional hours late at night and early in the morning.
“They work long hours, often through the night, battling freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions, all to ensure we can travel safely,” said East Hanover township manager Erik Harmon over email.
North Cornwall township manager Justin Thompson said the township has used around 600 tons so far this winter. In monthly meetings, residents have thanked road crews for clear roadways.
“The number of hours spent to make this happen can be grueling at times, but their efforts are appreciated by our residents, Township Supervisors and me,” said Thompson over email.
Balsbaugh noted that due to the frequency of snowy and icy weather this winter, American Rock Salt, which supplies much of the county with salt, has had delays in salt deliveries.
Cornwall borough manager Cody Rhoads said the borough has been affected by the salt shortage, but that the public works department has persisted nonetheless.
“As always, they’ve done a great job keeping the roads safe and passable for our residents,” said Rhoads over email. “This winter they’ve had the added challenge of doing so with a scarcity of salt, as most municipalities were impacted by a region-wide shortage.”
Rhoads voiced appreciation for the public works crew’s efforts to take care of the borough’s roughly 33 miles of road both in winter and throughout the year, noting that road crews “are truly the ones who allow our municipalities to thrive on a day-to-day basis.”
Throughout the county, residents and municipal officials alike have thanked road crews for their efforts, whether in monthly meetings or directly.
To the people working to keep Lebanon roads safe, Harmon wrote: “Your hard work and commitment to clearing snow and keeping us safe do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate all that you do.”
Your responsibilities during a snowstorm
Pennsylvania and municipalities have laws governing winter weather and the responsibility of residents.
The City of Lebanon snow information webpage reminds residents not to park along snow emergency routes during a snow emergency, also noting that it is illegal to shovel snow into the street.
A North Lebanon Township newsletter article reminds residents to avoid street parking to allow plow trucks to easier navigate and clear accumulated snow.
Pennsylvania law dictates that drivers remove snow and ice from their vehicles within 24 hours of a winter weather event. Property-owners are also generally expected to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm.
While road crews salt and plow roads, it is still important to drive cautiously during or after winter weather.
A PennDOT article advises drivers to drive slowly, use headlights, use defroster and wipers, and not to stop in the flow of traffic.
When encountering a plow truck, that article advises drivers to stay at least six car lengths behind the truck, keep lights on, and never to travel next to a plow truck.
For more guidance, look to your municipality’s website or the state guide to winter driving.
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