Whitehall Township Public Works Department personnel ended the week Friday by responding to three back-to-back requests to clean snow or ice from township roads late Thursday, according to Public Works Director John Rackus.

"It seems like these events run into each other," Rackus said of the recent snow storms.

Subfreezing rain Sunday afternoon resulted in ice-covered streets and alleys across the township, from Egypt to Fullerton. Crews were dispatched early Sunday afternoon manning heavy duty trucks and smaller trucks, spreading salt on roads, thereby reducing the risk to motorists. While snowfall totals for this winter have not surpassed previous winter seasons, township crews have been busier than ever.

After applying salt to the roads Sunday, Rackus said crews were out 3:30 a.m. Monday, "Putting salt down on bad spots" throughout the township. Pelting rain added to poor road conditions. Rackus also said storm drains had to be checked and in cases opened for water to flow into them. He said because of freezing temperatures, storm drain covers were iced over and frozen.

While the application of salt to the roads allows for easier traveling, when the temperature drops significantly below 32 degrees, the road salt may lose its effectiveness.

"We have about 110 miles of roads in the township that we maintain," Rackus said.

The distance traveled could be more when other streets, like Grape Street, are taken into account. In addition, plow truck drivers have to make multiple passes to remove and clear the snow.

"We use only road salt," Rackus said when asked if a brine mixture consisting of water and salt is applied to the streets.

Many residents and motorists have the idea that all the roads in the township are plowed and winterized by the township.

Rackus said several major arteries, state highways and roads fall under the jurisdiction of Penn-DOT. Rackus said Penn-DOT removes snow and ice from MacArthur Road, Route 329, Fullerton Avenue, Mauch Chunk Road and Mechanicsville Road.

Rackus added township police also respond to calls. Recently they were called to assist in clearing ice-covered Route 329. Township police also assist PennDOT in certain cases.