Full Notification

Byram Township strives to provide effective and efficient snow and ice removal to allow motorists to travel safely within the Township during winter weather events.  Each event is unique, and the snow and ice control operation changes depending on several factors including but not limited to the amount, type and intensity of precipitation forecasted.  Motorists should always use caution and drive appropriately for the road conditions.

The township requests residents minimize travel during a winter weather event and only venture out when absolutely necessary.   This will assist both DPW and Public Safety with operations.  Also, please keep in mind that while we would like to make sure that the roads are cleared quickly, we must also look out for the safety of our employees.

Snow and Ice Control
 
In response to most winter weather events, the streets and roads may be treated with salt and grit.  If conditions and accumulations warrant, the Township switches to plowing operations.
 
Primary Streets and Roadways

During a winter weather event, particularly during the height of the storm, the Public Works Department makes every effort to maintain passage of primary streets and roads that link Byram communities to the County and State Highway system.  Once the storm subsides these roads are cleared of snow and ice as soon as possible, and operations continue after the end of the storm.  Primary roads are defined as commuter routes and collector streets under the Township jurisdiction.

Secondary Streets and Roadways
 
Secondary roads will not be treated until primary roads have been cleared.  Residential Streets, cul-de-sacs and courts that are not high volume streets are considered secondary streets and roadways.
 
State and County Highway Systems
 
Removal of snow and ice from Route 206 is handled by the NJ Department of Transportation North Region Office, 609-588-6211, or at http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/directory/northregion.  Removal from Lackawanna Drive, Lee Hill Road and Parts of Amity Road are handled by the Sussex County Division of Public Works, 973-579-0430.
 
Placing Snow on Streets
 
Township Code 213-37 prohibits anyone from shoveling, blowing, or plowing snow from private property onto streets and roadways of the Township. 
  
Parking on Street Prohibited
 
According to Township Code 230-30, Designation of snow emergency no-parking areas,
A. No vehicle may be parked on either side of any street or part of any street in the Township of Byram whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway, except as provided in 230-56, Schedule XXIII: Snow Emergency Parking Areas.
[Amended 11-20-2000 by Ord. No. 11-2000]
B. The above parking prohibitions shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

According to Township Code 230-56, Schedule XXIII: Snow Emergency Parking Areas,
[Amended 11-20-2000 by Ord. No. 11-2000]
In accordance with the provisions of § 230-30, parking a vehicle on either side of any street or part of any street in the Township of Byram is prohibited during any snow emergency, except Brookwood Road. Vehicles may be parked on the north side of Brookwood Road, subject to the following snow removal limitation: Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon all vehicles must be removed from the road or be moved and parked at an area on the north side of the street that has already been plowed to the edge of pavement.
 
With the cooperation of residents in compliance with the above noted Township codes, it will allow crews to move more efficiently and effectively around town to clear the streets and roads without concern for vehicles that may be in the rights of way and can be a significant hazard to drivers. 
 
Please Clear Your Sidewalks
 
Township Code 213-36 requires that property owners remove snow and/or ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm ceases.
 
Roadway obstructions
 
Township Code 213-14 prohibits dumping or placing obstructions on roadways.  For continued safety, we also ask that you remove any basketball stanchions away from roadways to allow DPW plow and sanding crews to safely and effectively perform their duties without concern of roadway obstructions.

 
Mailboxes and Fire Hydrants
 
Curbside mailboxes may become blocked by plowed snow.  The US Post Office has a policy regarding access to mailboxes.  The US Postal Service does not require all snow to be removed but that enough snow is removed to allow the mail delivery vehicle to drive up to the mailbox for delivery.  This is the responsibility of the postal costumer.
 
Byram Township strongly encourage residents to assist the Byram Township Fire Department by removing and clearing snow around fire hydrants.  Your assistance with this could help saves lives in an emergency.
 
Mailbox Replacement Policy
 
Each winter, mailboxes are damaged during winter maintenance operations. More often than not, damage to mailboxes is caused by snow pushing against weakened posts or hardware. If you can shake your mailbox, it probably needs maintenance. Take time now to make any repairs needed so your mailbox will be strong enough to survive the winter. Flying snow makes it look like snowplow trucks are traveling much faster than they are, but the average speed of travel is about 15 m.p.h. Even at this speed, the force of the snow being pushed off the road can damage mailboxes and other roadside items.  Byram Township Department of Public Works policy allows for repair or replacement only if a mailbox is struck by road department equipment.
 
Snow Plowed on Sidewalks and Driveways
 
Snow on Township streets and roads will be plowed to the curb or shoulder, for areas without curbs.  Previously cleared sidewalks and driveways may be re-covered with snow.  The Public Works Department asks for property owner’s cooperation in removing snow should this occur.  Cleared sidewalks provide a safe walkway for pedestrians, including school children.
 
Individual Assistance
 
The Township cannot address individual requests to be plowed out due to occupational preference as this is inefficient and ineffective.  Arrangements should be made in advance with your employer.
 
Additional Information
 
For additional information, visit the Township’s website at www.Byramtwp.com and access the Township Code and the Public Works Page.
 
Good Neighbor Policy
 
Many people require assistance following a snowstorm.  The elderly and disabled often need help in removing snow from their sidewalks and driveways.  Many organizations are looking for volunteers to assist those in need during and after snow events.  Please look out for each other.
 
Byram Township thanks you for your assistance and cooperation.