Full Notification

Winter Weather Operations and Safety Reminder
 
A Message from the Byram Township Department of Public Works
As winter weather approaches, the Byram Township Department of Public Works (DPW) would like to share several important reminders to help keep our roads safe and passable throughout the season.
The cooperation of our residents plays a significant role in allowing DPW, emergency services personnel, and public safety officials to respond efficiently during snow and ice events. By working together and following a few simple guidelines, we can help ensure safer travel conditions for everyone in our community.
 
During winter storms, residents are encouraged to limit travel whenever possible and venture out only when necessary. Reducing traffic during active snow and ice events allows plow operators and emergency responders to perform their duties more safely and effectively.
While we understand the importance of clearing roads as quickly as possible, the safety of our residents, motorists, and employees must remain a top priority throughout all winter operations.
The following information is provided as a courtesy reminder to Byram Township residents.
 
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 North Region, Directory, About NJDOT (state.nj.us).  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 perform their duties safely and effectively 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.

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.org 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.