Lakewood Township officials on Tuesday reflected on the recent winter storm, describing it as one of the most complex weather events in recent decades and crediting the coordinated response of the Lakewood Department of Public Works for limiting disruptions to daily life.

“This has been the most challenging storm I have ever dealt with,” said Ray Coles, who has served on the Township Committee for more than 25 years.

The storm produced an official snowfall total of 10.3 inches, which officials noted was significant but not unprecedented. Challenges intensified, however, when the snowfall was followed by sleet and freezing rain, and then by more than two weeks of sustained sub-freezing temperatures. After roads were largely cleared, a layer of hardened ice, estimated at nearly two inches in depth, formed on roadways and sidewalks throughout town.

Despite these conditions, township leaders said municipal operations returned close to normal within several days of the storm’s onset. Trash and recycling collection was restored within a week.

Officials credited DPW Director Phil Roux and the department’s 182 employees, along with contracted crews, for managing the response before, during, and after the storm. Planning efforts included coordination among the Township Committee, Township Manager Pat Donnelly, emergency services, and volunteer agencies.

Preparations included pre-treating roads ahead of the storm and maintaining continuous snow removal operations as conditions evolved. At peak periods, as many as 112 snow-clearing vehicles were deployed simultaneously, with crews working 12-hour shifts.

According to township officials, more than 11,000 tons of snow—approximately 22 million pounds—were removed from roadways and transported to ShoreTown Ballpark for disposal. Crews continued clearing operations for weeks, addressing both main roads and residential areas.

The response also required significant material resources. Officials reported that approximately 2,000 tons of salt and 2,000 gallons of calcium chloride were used to improve ice-melting effectiveness during periods of extreme cold.

In areas inaccessible to standard plows, including locations blocked by parked vehicles or curbside trash containers, front-end loaders were deployed to remove snow and ice.

Township leaders said they are evaluating additional specialized equipment to improve access in future storms.

Mayor Coles noted that the DPW has expanded its operational capacity in recent years and now functions on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis throughout the year. He described this approach as essential for maintaining services in a growing and active community.

“Our guiding philosophy is that Lakewood is the ‘city that never sleeps,’” Coles said. “Our government must be prepared to keep the township running, even under complex circumstances.”

Township officials said they will continue reviewing the response to identify improvements for future severe weather events.