Snow Removal

About Snow Management

Springfield Township recognizes the importance of snow removal, not only to residents, but to everyone who needs to travel to or through our community. The township utilizes a snow management plan to safely clear all public roads within the township quickly and efficiently. Based on traffic flow, roads are divided into primary (main), secondary (collector and through), and tertiary (dead-end and cul-de-sac) roads. 

Plowing

Plowing will begin when it is determined that at least two inches of snow can be measured on the road. The first priority is to clear all primary roads, including bus routes. This work generally takes six to eight hours after snow stops falling. Crews begin plowing secondary roads after clearing and opening all primary roads and bus routes.

To plow the entire Township Road Network generally takes 6 to 8 hours after snow stops falling. Crews begin plowing secondary and tertiary roads after clearing and opening all primary roads. Please be patient with snow removal.

Please note: the Public Works Department cannot plow resident's drive-ways as they are considered private property. 

Snow Shoveling Guidelines

All sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice by the abutting property owner within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling (See Ordinance Code: Chapter 92-21). 

It shall be unlawful to throw and/or shovel snow into or upon any roads and streets within the Township from adjoining property with the intent of allowing such snow to remain on such roads and streets (See Ordinance Code: Chapter 92-24).

Snow Emergencies

Whenever snow falls to a depth of three inches or more in the Township of Springfield, or if the City of Philadelphia declares a Highway Snow Emergency, all parking along the streets and highways of the Township is prohibited. If a garage, driveway or other off-street parking facilities are available, all vehicles must be located off of the Township highway. If off-street arrangements are not available, parking is permitted on the odd-side of the street in an odd-numbered year and on the even side of the street in an even numbered year.

Your compliance and cooperation with these regulations will permit Township Highway crews to clear the streets of all ice and snow in a minimal amount of time.

Snow Shoveler Registry

Township ordinances require that snow and ice be removed from your sidewalk no later than 24 hours after the precipitation stops. One of the fundamental purposes of this ordinance is to ensure the safety and welfare of our elderly residents who use public sidewalks as their primary means of transportation. However, many of these same residents are physically unable to comply with the requirements of the ordinances.

At the beginning of the winter season the Township solicits the local Middle and High Schools for a list of students who will, for a fee, shovel snow from walks and driveways. The consolidated list may be picked up from the Township Administration Building or will be mailed upon request. The "business" arrangement is then made between the resident and student that he or she chooses to employ.

2024-25 Snow Shoveler List

The snow shovel registry for 2024/25 is now available. Please note: this list is for snow removal only. 

Want to be part of the snow shovel registry?

 Registration is open from September to November. Open to middle or high school students only. Registration for the 2025-26 list will begin in September 2025.

Adopt a Hydrant – Save a Life

All residents are asked to clear snow from around nearby fire hydrants. Doing so can save precious time when firefighters need additional water to fight a fire. Citizens should clear a 3-foot wide path from the street to the fire hydrant, and a 3-foot circle around the fire hydrant to provide easy access by firefighters.