Departments & Services
Snow Removal & Ice Control
Public safety is the top priority of Medford Township's snow and ice policy. Medford is committed to providing residents and visitors a safe winter travel experience, and strives to provide effective and efficient snow and ice removal to allow motorists to travel safely within the Township during winter weather events.
Each event is unique, and the snow and ice control operation changes depending on several factors, including but not limited to the amount, type and intensity of precipitation forecasted. Township crews will work 24/7 until all roads within the Township are passable. Passable does not mean bare pavement. Passable means that a road can be traveled with caution. Motorists should always use caution and drive appropriately for the road conditions. To make roads passable we plow every street in the Township for two-way traffic. We have a list of almost 700 roads, equaling almost 160 miles. (not including Route 70 which is maintained by the State)
We will pre-treat major roads with brine if conditions warrant (no initial rain) We will salt at the onset of every storm. We do not salt every street in the Township, as in order for salt to be effective there needs to be a high volume of traffic on the roadway. Secondary roads do not receive enough traffic for salt to melt the layer of snow left behind after plowing. Also be aware that salt is dramatically less effective in temperatures below 30 degrees. In temperatures below 20 degrees, salt is basically not effective at all. In the hours or day following a snowstorm, we will throw salt on inclines and curves to help improve traction. Further, salt needs be used responsibly as it can have a negative effect on waterways, pets and lawns. Due to NJDEP stormwater management regulations, we can no longer use sand on roadways.
The Township requests residents minimize travel during a winter weather event and only venture out when absolutely necessary. This will assist both the Public Works Department and Public Safety staff with operations. Also, please keep in mind that while we would like to insure that the roads are cleared quickly, we must also look out for the safety of our employees.
Snow and Ice Control
In response to most winter weather events, the streets and roads may be pre-treated with brine and/or treated with salt. Salt Brine is used to break the bond between the snow and the road surface. Brine is applied to the roadways in anticipation of a winter storm that is forecast to start as snow. This may be done several days before the storm is predicted to arrive. Crews will brine all primary and secondary roads first. If time permits, courts and cul-de-sacs will also be brined. Minor accumulations of snow (less than 2 inches) can be treated with an application of salt. If conditions and accumulations warrant (usually more than 3 inches), the Township switches to plowing operations. Roads are plowed and then salted to reduce further accumulation.
Primary Streets and Roadways
During a winter weather event, particularly during the height of the storm, the Public Works Department makes every effort to maintain passage of primary streets and roads that link Medford communities to the County and State Highway system. Once the storm subsides these roads are cleared of snow and ice as soon as possible, and operations continue after the end of the storm. Primary roads are defined as commuter routes and collector streets under the Township jurisdiction.
Secondary Streets and Roadways
Secondary roads will not be treated until primary roads have been cleared. Residential Streets, cul-de-sacs and courts that are not high volume streets are considered secondary streets and roadways.
State Removal of Snow and Ice
Route 70 is handled by the NJ Department of Transportation South Region Office, 609-588-6214, or at South Region.
Placing Snow on Streets
Township Code 129-3 prohibits anyone from shoveling, blowing or plowing snow from private property onto sidewalks, streets and roadways, and fire hydrants of the Township. Please report violations to 609-267-8300.
Parking-Off Street
If off-street parking is available to property owners, the Township asks that vehicles be parked in such locations. This will allow crews to move more efficiently and effectively to clear the streets and roads without concern for vehicles that may be in the rights of way and can be a significant hazard to drivers. This also prevents vehicles from being plowed in. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Please Clear Your Sidewalks
Township Code 129-1 requires that property owners remove snow and/or ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours of first daylight after the storm ceases.
Mailboxes, Fire Hydrants, Irrigation, Landscaping, etc.
Curbside mailboxes may become blocked by plowed snow. The US Post Office has a policy regarding access to mailboxes. The US Postal Service does not require all snow to be removed but that enough snow is removed to allow the mail delivery vehicle to drive up to the mailbox for delivery. This is the responsibility of the postal customer. Removing snow around fire hydrants greatly assists the Fire Department. Township Code 129-1 requires that property owners remove snow and/or ice from any hydrant located on the property within 24 hours of daylight after the storm ceases.
- Railroad ties, sprinkler heads, curbing, etc., by the road edge should be marked with reflective markers that are 24" to 36" in height so they can be seen by the snow plow driver. The Township is not responsible for damage if area is not properly marked.
Snow Plowed on Sidewalks and Driveways
Snow on Township streets and roads will be plowed to the curb or shoulder, for areas without curbs. Previously cleared sidewalks and driveways may be re-covered with snow. The Public Works Department asks for property owners' cooperation in removing snow should this occur. Cleared sidewalks provide a safe walkway for pedestrians, including school children walking to school and bus stops throughout the Township.
Helpful Advice
Our Public Works Department is working hard to make driving safer and easier in snowy weather. Depending on the duration and amount of snowfall, Township trucks may plow your street several times. As snow rolls off our plows, it will accumulate in driveways. Please understand that this is unavoidable and it is the homeowner's responsibility to clear it. Here are some helpful hints to make "snow" business less frustrating:
1) Shovel snow to the right side of your driveway (facing the street) to minimize the amount of snow entering your driveway.
2) If possible, wait until the township trucks have made at least two passes on your street before clearing your driveway.
3) Shovel and/or blow snow onto the curb or edge of your yard, not into the street.
4) In the event of deep snow, please shovel around your mailbox and fire hydrants near your house – for your safety and your neighbors'.
Individual Assistance
The Township cannot address individual requests to be plowed out due to occupational preference as this is inefficient and ineffective. Arrangements should be made in advance with your employer.
Good Neighbor Policy
Many people require assistance following a snowstorm. The elderly and disabled often need help in removing snow from their sidewalks and driveways. Many organizations are looking for volunteers to assist those in need during and after snow events. Please look out for each other.
Medford Township thanks you for your assistance and cooperation!