Florence Township Public Works
711 Broad Street, Florence, New Jersey 08518
(609) 499-2444
Fax: (609) 499-1186

Richard Pendle
Superintendent
609-499-2444 x501
Email: rpendle@florence-nj.gov

David Wright, CPWM
Superintendent
609-499-2444 x502
dwright@florence-nj.gov

Florence Township plows roads, cul-de-sacs and circles throughout the community, along with public facilities including the parking lots, fire & police departments, and municipal complex. The snow plan divides the community into multiple plowing routes. The Township has multiple vehicles and equipment used for plowing and snow removal and staff is scheduled for storm coverage on the basis of community need and extent of the storm.

The goal of the Township’s snow removal plan is to have all of the streets cleared, as close to curb as possible.  High winds may delay this goal as the equipment is diverted back to busier roads. Icing, mechanical problems, snowfalls of long duration, and other public emergencies may also interfere with this goal. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Public Works Department’s snow removal efforts.

Florence Township plows roads, cul-de-sacs and circles throughout the community, along with public facilities including the parking lots, fire & police departments, and municipal complex. The snow plan divides the community into multiple plowing routes. The Township has multiple vehicles and equipment used for plowing and snow removal and staff is scheduled for storm coverage on the basis of community need and extent of the storm.

The goal of the Township’s snow removal plan is to have all of the streets cleared, as close to curb as possible.  High winds may delay this goal as the equipment is diverted back to busier roads. Icing, mechanical problems, snowfalls of long duration, and other public emergencies may also interfere with this goal. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Public Works Department’s snow removal efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Are ​Streets Plowed?

Plowing generally begins when snow accumulation reaches three inches, but the Public Works department may begin sooner . If there is a light snowfall and the afternoon sun is melting the fallen snow, removal efforts may not be necessary, with exception to salting areas of concern.

Why is Snow Piled on my Corner?

Snow that accumulates across the side road at the street corner needs to be pushed back onto the corner. This is done to properly clear the street radius and allow cars to turn. The snowplow driver typically pushes snow back onto the corner in the direction the truck is traveling. This is why a particular corner may get more snow on it than another. It is not practical to require that the large snowplow truck attempt to maneuver around the intersection to equally distribute snow on opposite corners. This is difficult to accomplish and is also time-consuming during significant snowstorms.

Snow piled at the street corner is of particular concern where there may be school bus stops. If there is an accumulation of snow at the corner of a bus stop, children may have to move up the street in order to board the school bus. Please instruct children not to climb on the piles that have accumulated at the corners. If a snow pile on a particular corner becomes a sight distance problem , please call the Public Works Department and the snow can be removed as time permits.

When are Sidewalks to be Cleared?

The owners or tenants of lands abutting or bordering upon any sidewalks in the Township are required to remove all snow and ice from the travel portion of said sidewalks, or in the case of ice which may be so frozen as to make removal impracticable, cause same to be thoroughly covered with sand or ashes within 24 hours* after the snowfall or formation thereof. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove snow or ice from any private property and place the same onto the sidewalk or roadway of any street.

*Exception: In the event of a State or Federally declared emergency, the 24-hour clock will commence once the emergency is lifted.

Why is my Street Always the Last one to be Plowed?

There are many miles of streets and cul-de-sacs within the Township. Typically, the snowplow will concentrate on the major streets within each particular subdivision. Once the main streets have been plowed, trucks will move to the secondary streets.

If a truck is out of service for any period of time, it adversely affects snow removal within your area.  Public Works makes every effort to reduce the potential for breakdowns; however, breakdowns do occur. If the snow is a heavy and sustained storm, the trucks may have to make several passes in an effort to keep roads passable.

Why is Snow Always Left at the End of my Driveway?

Although crews do not place snow in driveways on purpose, there is no practical way for the snowplow operator to cut off the window of snow when crossing a driveway. This problem is especially acute in cul-de-sacs because this is a very confined space. Cul-de-sacs require that all of the snow that is on the roadway within that confined space be placed along the outside of the circle. The problem is compounded by the fact that each homeowner then must clear their driveway, which places large piles on the corners of the drives.

One thing you can do to reduce the amount of snow that is plowed in front of your driveway is to place as much of the snow as possible to the right side of your drive, as you face the street. This reduces the chance of snow previously removed from the driveway being pushed back onto your drive. This suggestion, however, may not work in cul-de-sacs that have driveway openings placed close together.

Why Can’t Plows Push Snow to Side of Road Without Mailboxes or Toward Center Islands?

Every effort will be made to take unique street circumstances into account. However, it is extremely difficult and time consuming to push at a reverse angle, particularly around turns, circles, and cul-de-sacs. Trucks are not built to be articulated into an angle that would allow this type of plowing, and centrifugal force causes the snow to move off of the plow toward the outside of the turn. Public Work’s goal in clearing all streets is to maintain as much of the normal pavement width as possible, while at the same time, allowing acceptable access to the mailboxes by the postal carriers.

Is it the Residents’ Responsibility to Dig Out Fire Hydrant?

The Burlington County Public Safety Department officials are asking residents who live near fire hydrants to dig out the snow from around the hydrants to allow firemen and emergency personnel access when responding to fires. Snow hinders response to fires and having access to the nearest hydrant can dramatically help firemen.

What can I Do to Help?

One major problem that works against snow removal operations is people shoveling or blowing snow back onto the street after it has been plowed and salted. Township ordinance prohibits placing snow back onto the roadway once it has been plowed. Snow that has been deposited onto the street could refreeze and cause a hazardous condition for you or your neighbors. Please place the snow that you shovel off of your driveway and sidewalk onto the adjacent parkway and not back onto the street.

When it starts to snow, park your vehicle off of the street. This protects the car from being splashed with slush and salt and prevents the car from being plowed in.  Check that your mailbox and post are in good repair and that they are behind the curb, not leaning out over the street.  If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home, please try to clear the snow around the hydrant. It is there for your protection and that of your neighbors.  Please remove portable basketball hoops from the street right of way.  If they are left in an area where they can be damaged by our snow removal operations, we will not be responsible for any damages.
Please be patient. This is particularly important during blizzards and extended storms when the Township has to stagger crew hours and/or assist the Police Department, Fire Department, or Rescue Squad with snow-related accidents and emergencies.​

Florence Township Public Works
711 Broad Street, Florence, New Jersey 08518
(609) 499-2444
Fax: (609) 499-1186

Richard Pendle
Superintendent
609-499-2444 x501
Email: rpendle@florence-nj.gov

David Wright, CPWM
Superintendent
609-499-2444 x502
dwright@florence-nj.gov

Florence Township plows roads, cul-de-sacs and circles throughout the community, along with public facilities including the parking lots, fire & police departments, and municipal complex. The snow plan divides the community into multiple plowing routes. The Township has multiple vehicles and equipment used for plowing and snow removal and staff is scheduled for storm coverage on the basis of community need and extent of the storm.

The goal of the Township’s snow removal plan is to have all of the streets cleared, as close to curb as possible.  High winds may delay this goal as the equipment is diverted back to busier roads. Icing, mechanical problems, snowfalls of long duration, and other public emergencies may also interfere with this goal. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Public Works Department’s snow removal efforts.

Florence Township plows roads, cul-de-sacs and circles throughout the community, along with public facilities including the parking lots, fire & police departments, and municipal complex. The snow plan divides the community into multiple plowing routes. The Township has multiple vehicles and equipment used for plowing and snow removal and staff is scheduled for storm coverage on the basis of community need and extent of the storm.

The goal of the Township’s snow removal plan is to have all of the streets cleared, as close to curb as possible.  High winds may delay this goal as the equipment is diverted back to busier roads. Icing, mechanical problems, snowfalls of long duration, and other public emergencies may also interfere with this goal. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Public Works Department’s snow removal efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Are ​Streets Plowed?

Plowing generally begins when snow accumulation reaches three inches, but the Public Works department may begin sooner . If there is a light snowfall and the afternoon sun is melting the fallen snow, removal efforts may not be necessary, with exception to salting areas of concern.

Why is Snow Piled on my Corner?

Snow that accumulates across the side road at the street corner needs to be pushed back onto the corner. This is done to properly clear the street radius and allow cars to turn. The snowplow driver typically pushes snow back onto the corner in the direction the truck is traveling. This is why a particular corner may get more snow on it than another. It is not practical to require that the large snowplow truck attempt to maneuver around the intersection to equally distribute snow on opposite corners. This is difficult to accomplish and is also time-consuming during significant snowstorms.

Snow piled at the street corner is of particular concern where there may be school bus stops. If there is an accumulation of snow at the corner of a bus stop, children may have to move up the street in order to board the school bus. Please instruct children not to climb on the piles that have accumulated at the corners. If a snow pile on a particular corner becomes a sight distance problem , please call the Public Works Department and the snow can be removed as time permits.

When are Sidewalks to be Cleared?

The owners or tenants of lands abutting or bordering upon any sidewalks in the Township are required to remove all snow and ice from the travel portion of said sidewalks, or in the case of ice which may be so frozen as to make removal impracticable, cause same to be thoroughly covered with sand or ashes within 24 hours* after the snowfall or formation thereof. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove snow or ice from any private property and place the same onto the sidewalk or roadway of any street.

*Exception: In the event of a State or Federally declared emergency, the 24-hour clock will commence once the emergency is lifted.

Why is my Street Always the Last one to be Plowed?

There are many miles of streets and cul-de-sacs within the Township. Typically, the snowplow will concentrate on the major streets within each particular subdivision. Once the main streets have been plowed, trucks will move to the secondary streets.

If a truck is out of service for any period of time, it adversely affects snow removal within your area.  Public Works makes every effort to reduce the potential for breakdowns; however, breakdowns do occur. If the snow is a heavy and sustained storm, the trucks may have to make several passes in an effort to keep roads passable.

Why is Snow Always Left at the End of my Driveway?

Although crews do not place snow in driveways on purpose, there is no practical way for the snowplow operator to cut off the window of snow when crossing a driveway. This problem is especially acute in cul-de-sacs because this is a very confined space. Cul-de-sacs require that all of the snow that is on the roadway within that confined space be placed along the outside of the circle. The problem is compounded by the fact that each homeowner then must clear their driveway, which places large piles on the corners of the drives.

One thing you can do to reduce the amount of snow that is plowed in front of your driveway is to place as much of the snow as possible to the right side of your drive, as you face the street. This reduces the chance of snow previously removed from the driveway being pushed back onto your drive. This suggestion, however, may not work in cul-de-sacs that have driveway openings placed close together.

Why Can’t Plows Push Snow to Side of Road Without Mailboxes or Toward Center Islands?

Every effort will be made to take unique street circumstances into account. However, it is extremely difficult and time consuming to push at a reverse angle, particularly around turns, circles, and cul-de-sacs. Trucks are not built to be articulated into an angle that would allow this type of plowing, and centrifugal force causes the snow to move off of the plow toward the outside of the turn. Public Work’s goal in clearing all streets is to maintain as much of the normal pavement width as possible, while at the same time, allowing acceptable access to the mailboxes by the postal carriers.

Is it the Residents’ Responsibility to Dig Out Fire Hydrant?

The Burlington County Public Safety Department officials are asking residents who live near fire hydrants to dig out the snow from around the hydrants to allow firemen and emergency personnel access when responding to fires. Snow hinders response to fires and having access to the nearest hydrant can dramatically help firemen.

What can I Do to Help?

One major problem that works against snow removal operations is people shoveling or blowing snow back onto the street after it has been plowed and salted. Township ordinance prohibits placing snow back onto the roadway once it has been plowed. Snow that has been deposited onto the street could refreeze and cause a hazardous condition for you or your neighbors. Please place the snow that you shovel off of your driveway and sidewalk onto the adjacent parkway and not back onto the street.

When it starts to snow, park your vehicle off of the street. This protects the car from being splashed with slush and salt and prevents the car from being plowed in.  Check that your mailbox and post are in good repair and that they are behind the curb, not leaning out over the street.  If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home, please try to clear the snow around the hydrant. It is there for your protection and that of your neighbors.  Please remove portable basketball hoops from the street right of way.  If they are left in an area where they can be damaged by our snow removal operations, we will not be responsible for any damages.
Please be patient. This is particularly important during blizzards and extended storms when the Township has to stagger crew hours and/or assist the Police Department, Fire Department, or Rescue Squad with snow-related accidents and emergencies.​