The snow plows clearing the roads around Butler Township have been taking some different routes this winter.

Dave Meeder, director of public works, said the department broke the 92 miles of township roads into eight zones instead of six this year, and he will review the data after the winter to see which method was more efficient.

The township has 11 public works employees who drive the snow plows, which is a shorthanded crew compared to previous years, according to Meeder. They respond to emergency 911 calls to treat snowy roads and can work up to 14 hours per shift.

“As soon as I get that call from 911, that is their main priority,” Meeder said. “Generally, they're not out for that long, but at times they could be out every bit of that 14 hours.

“If it continues snowing or it's really bad from the get go, we'll send them all out and they will work on keeping them clear.”

The Butler Township Commissioners at a Feb. 7 meeting commended the work of the public works staff for its work during heavy snowfalls over the past month. They also asked township drivers to be patient with the department if roads are not clear 100% of the time.

“These guys have got to go home and get rest and then come back out to another call,” said Commission President Dave Zarnick. “Just like everyone else, we’re shorthanded too, so we are doing the best we can.”

Meeder said the township sent out plows 14 separate times in January, and calls came at almost every time of the day. At times, the drivers could complete their route, but then got called out on the same day if more snow fell.

“You get out ahead of it because if you wait it would be twice as hard to clear,” Meeder said. “It can be taxing at times, especially when they are out for those long stretches.”

Meeder said the drivers have been adjusting to the new eight-route system, and depending on its success, it could be the regular system in ensuing years.