USC Public Works

Snow and Ice Control

The Public Works Department is responsible for salting, plowing and removal of snow and ice from streets and highways within Upper St. Clair. This includes the regular maintenance of over 110 miles of paved Township roads and "as needed" service to 5 miles of unimproved, private roads for access of emergency vehicles. The Township also provides, under contract, snow and ice control services for the School District's parking lots and driveways.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and The Township of Upper St. Clair offer the following snow removal tips for business owners and residents:

It is not only illegal but unsafe to shovel snow into the street. Keep the snow on your own property.
Avoid covering drainage inlets or "damming" runoff ditches.
Be careful not to pile snow in such as way as to block a driver's view of the road and oncoming traffic.
For fire safety, hydrants should be cleared of snow.
Be safe…be aware of traffic when shoveling snow near the roadway.
If you know of someone who has difficulty shoveling his/her driveway or sidewalks, be kind and lend a helping hand.

Snow Removal Information for Residents

Do not shovel or blow snow from sidewalks or driveways into the street. This is a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and the Code of the Township of Upper St. Clair.
Chapter 112 of the Township Code entitled "Streets and Highways" prohibits the "casting of snow, ice, grass, and other debris upon Township streets."
Do not call the Public Works Department or Police Department to find out when your street will be cleared. The phone lines should be kept open for emergencies only. Major roads are cleared prior to the residential neighborhoods.
The Township is not responsible for snow being plowed into driveways.
Do not park vehicles on the street.
Residents with sidewalks are requested to clear their sidewalks of snow.
The Township is not permitted to assist residents by clearing driveways, sidewalks, or paths to mailboxes.
Do not call the Township during snow emergencies to ask about garbage collection. Refer to Cable 7 for information.

Township Snow Removal Procedures

The Public Works Department is on call 24 hours a day for emergency and snow removal.
Public Works must be alert to air temperatures and road surface temperatures. Rock salt is effective to about 23 degrees F. Below that, application of liquid calcium chloride is required.
Traffic causes salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results sooner than less traveled roadways.
Peak traffic problems are between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Plowing is generally done when accumulation reaches 2 inches or above.

Department of

Public Works

Department of

Public Works

Street Maintenance

Snow and Ice Control

Snow Removal Information for Residents

Township Snow Removal Procedures