Snow & Ice Removal | East Cocalico Township

Keeping Roads Safe During Winter Weather

When snow and ice arrive, the East Cocalico Township Public Works Department works to keep Township-maintained roads safe and passable for residents, emergency responders, school transportation, and other motorists.

East Cocalico Township owns and maintains approximately 60 miles of roadway. During winter weather events, Public Works crews may work extended hours to plow and treat roads throughout the Township.

Snow Plowing Priorities

During snow and ice events, roads are addressed according to a priority system designed to maintain emergency access and safely clear the Township road network.

Emergency Routes & Primary Roads: Emergency routes and major Township roads are addressed first to provide access for emergency vehicles and maintain important travel routes.
Secondary Roads: Neighborhood streets and secondary roadways are addressed after emergency and primary routes are cleared and passable.
Tertiary Roads: Cul-de-sacs and other low-volume streets are generally addressed last.

During significant or prolonged storms, crews may need to make multiple passes on emergency and primary routes before moving on to secondary and tertiary roads. We appreciate your patience while our crews work to safely clear the entire Township road system.

How Residents Can Help Keep Roads Clear

Residents can make a big difference in helping Public Works crews clear Township roads safely and efficiently during winter weather. A few simple precautions can help keep roads clear and protect both residents and snowplow operators.

Move vehicles off Township streets whenever possible during snow and ice events to allow plows to clear roads more effectively.
Keep trash cans, recycling containers, basketball hoops, and other objects out of the roadway and Township right-of-way.
Never shovel, blow, or push snow into the roadway from driveways or sidewalks.
Wait until the road has been plowed, if possible, before clearing the end of your driveway to help minimize additional snow buildup.
Be prepared for snow at the end of your driveway. Snowplows may push snow back into driveway entrances as they clear the roadway.
Keep mailboxes accessible and remove accumulated snow around them when safe to do so.
Keep children and pets away from snow removal operations. Snowplow operators may have limited visibility, especially during heavy snowfall.
Give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Avoid following too closely, passing plows, or attempting to drive around them while they are working.

Please Note: Township crews prioritize keeping roads safe and passable during winter weather. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as crews work to clear roadways throughout the Township.

Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal

Property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks adjacent to their properties clear of snow and ice.

Under East Cocalico Township Code § 189-9 – Removal Required, snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow or ice has stopped falling or forming. A clear pedestrian pathway of at least 24 inches wide must be maintained.

Keeping sidewalks clear helps ensure safe and accessible travel for everyone, including children, older residents, mail and delivery personnel, and others traveling throughout our community.

Please Remember: Snow removed from sidewalks and driveways should never be shoveled, blown, or pushed into the roadway.

View Snow & Ice Removal Requirements

Who Plows My Road?

East Cocalico Township Public Works is responsible for snow and ice removal on Township-owned and maintained roadways.

The Township does not maintain or plow:

Private streets or roadways
Roads that have not yet been dedicated to the Township
State-owned highways and roadways

Major state-maintained roads within East Cocalico Township include Routes 222 and 272. Snow removal and maintenance of state-owned roads are the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation (PennDOT).

During a Snowstorm

Residents are encouraged to use caution and avoid unnecessary travel during significant winter weather whenever possible. Fewer vehicles on the road allow Public Works crews to clear roads more safely and efficiently.

If travel is necessary, allow extra time, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and give snowplows and other winter maintenance equipment plenty of room to operate.

For winter weather updates, road closures, and other important Township announcements, check our website regularly and follow us on social media.

Thank You for Your Cooperation

Snow removal is a community effort. By keeping vehicles and objects off the roadway, clearing sidewalks, and giving our crews room to work, residents play an important role in making winter weather operations safer and more efficient.

Thank you for doing your part to keep East Cocalico Township safe this winter!