By 1808Delaware
As winter settles in, Orange Township’s road crews are getting ready for snow and ice. A little preparation from residents goes a long way toward keeping roads passable, neighborhoods accessible, and everyone safer when storms hit. Here is what township officials want residents to keep in mind as the season unfolds.
Mailboxes and the Reality of Snowplows
Before the first heavy snowfall, take a close look at your mailbox. Tighten loose screws, replace missing hardware, and make sure the post is solid. Snowplows inevitably throw snow, and sometimes ice, as they clear roads. Damage caused by snow displaced during normal plowing operations is not the township’s responsibility, so a sturdy mailbox now can save frustration later.
Keeping Streets Clear During Snow Events
On-street parking makes plowing slower and, in some cases, impossible. During snow events, residents are asked to limit parking on roadways whenever possible. This is especially important in cul-de-sacs and streets where curbside parking is common. When plows cannot safely maneuver around parked vehicles, those streets may be skipped until conditions improve.
Where to Put Trash Cans
Trash and recycling containers should be placed on the apron of your driveway, not at the curb or in the roadway. This small adjustment helps prevent cans from becoming obstacles for plow drivers and reduces the chance of containers being damaged or buried in snowbanks.
Fire Hydrants and Storm Sewers Matter
Clearing snow away from fire hydrants and storm sewer grates is more than a courtesy. Hydrants need to be immediately accessible in an emergency, and storm sewers help melting snow drain properly. Taking a few minutes to clear these areas near your home can make a real difference.
Smart Snow Removal at Home
Snow should never be shoveled or blown into the street. Doing so creates hazards for drivers and can undo the work plows have just completed. When clearing your driveway or sidewalk, place snow on the left side of your driveway as you face your house. This reduces the amount of snow that gets pushed back onto your driveway when plows pass.
How the Township Prioritizes Plowing
During snow events, Orange Township follows a clear order when clearing roads.
Primary roads are handled first. These include Orange Road, Bale Kenyon Road, Green Meadows Drive, Highmeadows Village Drive, Rail Timber Drive, North Road, and roads near schools.
Secondary roads come next. These are neighborhood collectors such as Abbey Knoll Drive, Abbot Downing Boulevard, Overland Trail, Pleasant Colony Drive, Bold Venture Drive, Oak Creek Drive, Mercier Street, Parklawn Drive, Blue Holly Drive, Evans Farms Drive, and similar routes.
Tertiary roads, including cul-de-sacs and smaller neighborhood streets, are addressed after primary and secondary roads are clear.
Who Handles the Big Roads
Not all roads fall under township responsibility. Major arterial roads such as US 23, Powell Road, Africa Road, Lewis Center Road, Shanahan Road, and South Old State Road are maintained by other agencies. Conditions on those routes may follow a different plowing schedule.
Winter weather is always a shared effort. A few practical steps by residents help plow drivers do their jobs efficiently and keep Orange Township moving, even on the snowiest days.
