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.

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