The Highway Department is the Borough’s public-works crew — the people who keep Tyrone’s streets safe and passable year-round. Its mission is to ensure motorists, pedestrians, and the traveling public a safe transportation experience. Here is what the department handles and what residents are responsible for.
Last Updated: June 5, 2026
The Highway Department maintains the Borough’s streets and the public right-of-way: paving and street repair, snow and ice control, street signs and line painting, storm drains, and seasonal cleanup. By Charter and Administrative Code, it is one of Tyrone’s core departments, headed by a Superintendent who reports to the Borough Manager (Chapter 3, § 3-23, § 3-31).
When it snows, the Borough plows and salts the streets. Sidewalks are the property owner’s responsibility. Under the Borough Code, owners and occupants must clear a path of at least 32 inches wide from the sidewalk in front of their property within 24 hours after snow, sleet, or freezing rain stops (Chapter 172, Streets and Sidewalks). And when you clear your walk or driveway, do not push the snow into the street or against a fire hydrant — that is also prohibited by the Code.
The Highway Department collects yard waste on a seasonal schedule: every Monday in April, May, October, and November. To be picked up, yard waste must be placed in brown paper yard-waste bags and set at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Yard waste can also be dropped off the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m.–Noon. And after the holidays, the Highway Department collects live Christmas trees curbside in January.
This one surprises people. Before anyone — a homeowner, contractor, or utility — opens, excavates, or disturbs a Borough street, alley, or right-of-way, the Borough requires a street-opening (excavation) permit (Chapter 172, Article II, Street Openings, updated by Ordinance No. 1496). The permit ensures the cut is properly restored so the street is not left to fail. Apply at the Borough office before work begins; restoration standards and fees apply.
In certain situations the Borough Code provides that the cost of curb reconstruction and of sidewalk or driveway-apron work tied to Borough projects is borne by the Borough (Chapter 172, § 172-19, § 172-20). If your curb or sidewalk is affected by a street project, ask the department how the costs are handled.
Highway Superintendent: Eric Desch — edesch@tyroneboropa.com
Phone: (814) 684-7333
1500 Lincoln Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686
After-hours road emergencies: call 9-1-1.
In the Code: Chapter 172, Streets and Sidewalks (incl. street openings & snow removal) · Chapter 3, § 3-31 (Department of Highways). Recent action: Ord. 1496 (street openings). Full code: ecode360.com/TY1357.
The Borough office is glad to point you to the right department or explain how a procedure works.
