CLEARFIELD– With winter weather upon us, PennDOT District 2 reminds homeowners living along state roads to make sure their mailbox can withstand winter conditions.
Maintaining passable, safe roads is always PennDOT’s goal in winter. During snowy weather, clearing snow from the roadways often requires plowing the snow to the edge of the shoulder of the road. Snowplow operators maintain lower speeds when plowing in areas where mailboxes are present. Occasionally, higher speeds are required to plow heavy or wet snow.
PennDOT does not prohibit property owners from placing mailboxes within the limits of the legal right-of-way. However, it is up to the homeowner to make certain that their mailbox can withstand snow from a passing snowplow. A properly supported mailbox, located as far back from the shoulder of the road as a letter carrier can reach, should survive through winter.
The following tips can help homeowners reduce the possibility of plowing-related mailbox damage:
• Place a six to eight-inch piece of reflective tape on the mailbox to make the mailbox more visible at night.
• Remove snow from around the mailbox and avoid throwing the snow back onto the roadway.
• If the mailbox is located within the legal right-of way and damage has occurred before, consider relocating the mailbox.
Homeowners may want to install a cantilevered support that will swing a mailbox out of harms way. Plans for building the cantilevered mailbox are available at any PennDOT County Maintenance Office in District 2 or by contacting the District Safety Press Officer at 814-765-0598. PennDOT District 2 includes the following counties: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter.