Snow Removal

Genoa Township is responsible for clearing 180 lane miles and oftentimes makes at least two passes on each street, doubling their mileage. The Maintenance Department stockpiles salt and brine in advance to last the entire season. The Department owns seven plow blades that are attached to trucks in advance of each winter season. 

The following methodology is used to ensure roads are cleared efficiently: 

  • Forecast
    Staff monitor the forecast.  'Main' and 'Collector' roads are pretreated with a brine solution up to 48 hours before a snow event when possible. Plowing will not occur unless there are 2 inches of snow to avoid damaging equipment as well as the road surface.

    Plowing begins at 2 inches of accumulation as follows
  • Priority 1- Main (and essential parking lots)
    Roads that are most highly traveled and those with dangerous curves/hills are the first priority for all Township plow drivers. Entrances and exits for the Police and Fire Departments are also a top priority. Main arterial thoroughfares may require repeated passes if snow continues to accumulate. If necessary, salt is applied.
  • Priority 2- Collectors
    Secondary/collector streets lead to thoroughfares and are only cleared after main arterial thoroughfares are complete. If necessary, salt is applied.
  • Priority 3- Residential
    Roads are not cleared geographically; rather, the low-traffic, residential streets will remain unplowed until all thoroughfares and secondary roadways are complete. If necessary, salt is applied. 
    • Cul-de-sacs
      During snow events with minimal accumulation, cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads are cleared last. However, when the amount of snow is too great (4" or more) for Maintenance Department staff to clear in a reasonable amount of time on their own, contractors driving smaller trucks are hired to plow cul-de-sacs. The task has clearly defined responsibilities and is the right size to delegate.  Additionally, maneuvering in a cul-de-sac is easier in smaller vehicles.  Hiring contractors helps plowing reach completion more quickly for all residents. If necessary, salt is applied.
  • Trails and Crosswalks
    Trails and crosswalks within school zones will be cleared during normal working hours by a team of staff members tasked with the maintenance of buildings and grounds. 

    State, county, and privately owned roads are not treated by Genoa Township. 

sNOW Plowing Street Priority and Status: 
snow plow priority graphic - Copy (3)

click to view plow locations and prioritized routes

Residents' Responsibility:
  • Keep street trees trimmed year-round to prevent damaging both the plows and the trees. 
  • Remove all vehicles parked along the street to help the Snow Warriors more quickly cover the Township’s 180 lane miles, avoid accidents, and fully clear the street from curb-to-curb.
  • Only drive if it is safe to do so. The Delaware County Sheriff determines whether conditions are safe by issuing "snow emergencies".
    • Level 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
    • Level 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and driving snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
    • Level 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
      Learn more at www.delcoema.org  
  • When shoveling, pile snow by the curb to the "downstream" left side of the driveway or crosswalk ramp (when viewing the home from the street).  Doing so will keep the snow from being pushed back across the driveway as the plows pass. Plows are not agile enough to avoid pushing snow across driveways or crosswalks.
    • Shoveling sidewalks is a neighborly thing for property owners to do, but not required by the Township. 
  • For fire safety, shovel around hydrants to prevent delays during an emergency.
  • In the event a mailbox is damaged by a snow plow and is unable to be repaired by the Township, homeowners are eligible for replacement. 
Snow Plow Ride-Along Video: