Ferguson Twp. outlines snow removal plan

As cold weather, and a winter weather advisory, make their way into Centre County, Ferguson Township outlined its winter operations plan.

“Last winter took a toll on residents as well as snow removal crews, who were fighting snowfall after snowfall, icy roads, whiteouts and bitterly cold temperatures,” a township news release said. “These conditions didn’t stop our Public Works road crews from working day and night to clear your roads of snow and keep them safe for driving.”

Planning is essential in preparing for any emergency, the release said, including snow and ice removal. Following a township plan can provide the best snow removal services as efficiently as possible.

During the winter months, Ferguson Township divides the snow removal crew into two teams, the release said, each scheduled to work 12-hour shifts with an overlap in the morning to prepare for the morning commute.

“It’s the township’s goal to reasonably clear roads and other areas of snow and ice as efficiently as practical in accordance with our plan,” the release said.

Crews are dispatched when snowfall reaches 2 inches, the release said, and focus on snow emergency routes — Blue Course Drive, Circleville Road, Pine Grove Road, Science Park Road, Valley Vista Drive and Whitehall Road. Once the main routes are clear, crews can begin clearing the residential and connecting streets.

According to CDL requirements, the township must give drivers 10 hours of rest after an 11-14 hour plowing shift, the release said.

“Without their services, vehicle crashes multiply, congestion causes lost work time, school closings and delays, emergency operations are hampered, and businesses suffer the loss of profits,” Ferguson Township Public Works Director Dave Modricker said in the release.

Centre County municipalities have been preparing for winter since a brief brush with the cold during the fall. As previously reported by the CDT, State College Borough Public Works has already outfitted two of its 12 trucks with salt spreaders, and up to six of the trucks can be equipped to help spread.

Philipsburg began servicing trucks in the summer in preparation for the winter season, borough Manager Joel Watson said, checking fittings, replacing hoses and recutting plows.

According to PennDOT, motorists planning to make any winter trips should carry an emergency kit of nonperishable food and water, first aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, a cellphone charger and a snow shovel.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Ferguson Twp. outlines snow removal plan."