With almost 200 lane miles of public roads in Nutley, the Township’s Department of Public Works (DPW) takes snow removal seriously. Long known for its ability to get the Township’s roads clear in record time, Commissioner Dr. Joseph Scarpelli says their success is due to strategy, teamwork and dedication.

“We thoroughly plan ahead for winter weather, and continuously work to improve our snow removal operations, with the understanding that every snow event is different and procedures may change based on the nature of each storm,” he says. “When it snows, we work around the clock to keep our roadways clear for residents, local businesses, and first responders. We take pride in our responsibility and are committed to doing an excellent job in the face of changing and often challenging weather conditions.”

Well before the first snowflake hits the ground, the DPW is busy behind the scenes working months in advance preparing equipment and training and retraining crews and their supervisors.

A frequent question the Commissioner hears is: “Why hasn’t my street been plowed yet?” Scarpelli explains the Township’s policy. “Not all roads can be plowed at once, which is why we prioritize the streets in Nutley’s entire road network to ensure safe travel conditions as quickly as possible.” The different categories of road priorities are:

• Primary Roads: Major roadways that provide for high traffic volumes over medium to long distances. These are also the most important roads for first responders, who need to get to homes quickly. It also allows every resident to only travel a couple of blocks in order to find a clear street during the height of a storm. 
• Secondary Roads: Collectors that distribute traffic between major and local roads, serve as main connectors to primary roads. 
• Tertiary Roads: Local roads, dead ends and cul-de-sacs.
• Municipal Parking Lots

“We organize the town into 20 sub-areas,” Scarpelli explains. “No neighborhood is assigned to be last. Plowing equipment is assigned to each of these sub-areas at the start of the plowing shift, and crews all begin their plowing duties at the same time.”

As the Nutley DPW gears up for an expected harsh winter, Commissioner Scarpelli is confident the DPW is up to the task of maintaining the well-earned reputation. 

“The men and women of the DPW take extreme pride in their work and do an outstanding job,” he says. “Many times working through the night, to assure Nutley roads are safe. It is gratifying to hear from our residents that travel outside our borders that there is a stark difference between our roads and the surrounding communities. Those comments are very much appreciated by myself and the entire department.”