Public Works Prepared for Winter Weather Ahead

Peters Township residents had their first taste of winter recently, which for many brought the realization that it may be several months before they can enjoy going outside without coats and hats.

Although many may not have been ready for the change in seasons, the Public Works department has been planning for snow and ice for months. It's now just a matter of performing their duties.

"We're totally ready for winter," said Township Manager Michael Silvestri. "We spent a lot of time over the summer having all of our plows redone and all of our equipment upgraded. I think we're in good shape from the equipment standpoint."

Silvestri said plows especially took a beating during the heavy snows of last February and were in need of renovation.

The township has also stocked up on road salt in anticipation of such storms in the weeks and months ahead, and has been able to secure a contract with suppliers that enable it to order some 5,000 tons of salt without any extra cost.

Speaking of cost, Silvestri said the salt budget alone for this coming winter is $300,000.

Adding to the ability to fight winter weather this year is the addition of a brine- making machine and brine tank at the Public Works garage on Bebout Road. The mixture of brine and road salt is especially valuable during very cold temperatures that create icey roads. Another advantage, according to Silvestri, is that brine reduces the impact on salt supplies.

Four of the township's trucks have been equipped to spray the brine along with salt that controls the spreading of the mixture with computer-like precision.

Even the most casual observer might agree that taking care of snow and ice on the Peters Township roads is no easy task. Silvestri said Public Works crews are responsible for 106 miles of township roads, plus an additional 19 miles of state roads that the township maintains under contract with PennDOT. State roads included under the agreement that are covered by Peters Township are: East McMurray, Thomas, Churchill and Bebout.

Township crews are responsible for everything except Route 19, West McMurray Road, West Valley Brook Road, Waterdam Road and certain roads in Venetia.

Silvestri said the goal of Public Works is to salt the entire township within three and a half hours and plow within six hours. He added that, in all cases, crews are on duty early on snowy mornings and are ready for students, and buses, on their way to school.

"We usually hit that unless it's a very unusual situation, like the 24-inch snowfall of last February," said Silvestri.

It was that storm that will be remembered by township road crews for many years to come, he said.

"We treat every snow like an emergency," Silvestri said. "We had everyone working, in some cases, up to 30 hours. Guys would take breaks at the station and go right back out. Whatever we need to do, we'll do."

Silvestri said the township monitors severe weather advisories and puts all 14 Public Works department employees on alert. Public Works Director Peter Overcashier and Road Foreman John Agostinella round out the department. 

"We take a great deal of pride in what we do," said Silvestri. "Keeping the roads clear and safe are part of it."

For more information on the public works visit the township website.