Snowplowing 

Bloomingdale Township begins salting when the snow starts to accumulate and traffic safety is affected. We spread rock salt treated with a natural, organic product which will melt snow and ice when ambient temperatures are as low as zero degrees. If snow accumulation reaches 1 to 2 inches, the crews will begin snow plow operations. When this is complete, the centerline of most streets are reapplied with salt and chloride. 

Our crews do not intentionally plow in your drive, nor aim for your mailbox. Our snowplows are of the same side delivery design as all other municipalities. This is the fastest and the most efficient means to remove snow from the streets. As a result, snow is discharged to your curb, and inevitably into driveways. If possible, delay the time you clear the end of your driveway until the plows have completely cleared your street. NOTE: most of the time we initially plow several passes to open your street and then come back later to clean to the curb. 

Occasionally, heavy slush discharged from a plow will knock down a mailbox. Most mailboxes, if properly installed and maintained, will withstand heavy slush. The Township will not be responsible for damage to improperly placed or neglected mailboxes. If your mailbox meets specifications and is damaged as a result of our work, contact the Highway Department, and we will repair it or replace it with a standard mailbox. 

In order to plow the Township roads to ensure safe passage, it is imperative to get the snowplow trucks out and on the streets plowing with as little obstructions as possible. It is difficult for our drivers to maneuver around vehicles parked in the street or right-of-way and the roads cannot be cleaned properly.  Parked cars in these areas prevent plows from removing the snow properly and are subject to be towed at the owner's expense.

We also find it hard to keep the roads safe and clean when the snow is pushed from driveways and right-of-ways into the street. The snow freezes and turns to ice causing a road hazard. It is dangerous to put obstructions in the right-of-way, if our plow or another vehicle hits it, it could cause serious injury to someone or damage the vehicle. 

We would appreciate your cooperation in the following suggestions to speed up the snow removal process: 

• Do not park in the street after 1" of snow has fallen.
• Do not push the snow from your property into the street.
• Do not put any obstructions in the right-of-way (i.e. boulders, rebar, steel structures, etc.).
• Do not put trash and recycling receptacles in the street when plows may be out. Use the apron of your driveway.