Snow, then ice, for crews battling storm

Like many towns and communities in the region, Mantua was battered by heavy snow and ice on Jan. 25 that resulted in extreme cold, icy roads and two days of school closures.

The township got about 10.5 inches of snow, according to nj.com, followed by a wintery mix that left unplowed roads icy and dangerous. Police announced in the storm’s immediate aftermath that no parking would be allowed on Main Street in the area of Chestnut Branch Park and that residents should stay indoors.

Road crews were hampered somewhat by sleet and rain that accompanied the snow.

“Mantua Township Public Works is working hard to treat and clear the roads,” police said in the snow’s aftermath, “but the severity of this storm is making conditions difficult and dangerous. Our public works department is still out clearing our roadways and will be working throughout the day.”

Mayor Robert Zimmerman updated the community the day after the storm, on Jan. 26.

“It’s been a tough storm to stay ahead of with the sleet and rain and constant freezing temperatures,” he explained. “Please expect driveway aprons to be plowed in and snow and ice to be pushed onto sidewalks. This is unavoidable.”

Residents were still shoveling and plowing two days after the storm. Mantua and Clearview district schools were closed on Jan. 26 and 27 and reopened on Jan. 28 with a two-hour delay.

Several residents took to social media to locate residents who needed help with plowing.

“Really hope the plow trucks are coming through again,” said one of them, who asked to remain anonymous. “I know the storm was terrible, and I know they are working so hard, but the township used to do a better job in the past. I live in a cul de sac, and they would definitely plow closer to our curbs and plow all the snow in the center. Now we have to shovel past our driveway at least 10 feet into the road, and they could just do another round around the court.

“Sincerely appreciate all they do, but hoping for another round,” the resident added. “The snow is just too heavy and icy for residents to shovel the streets on their own.”

Resident George Gaughan, a plow operator for 40 years, offered some context.

“Nobody wants their driveway plowed in,” he noted, “but everyone wants their street cleared. If there’s a way to plow streets without putting snow in front of driveways, I’m sure the township would love to learn how.”