Workers from the Township (or PECO, Verizon, etc) are digging something up near the road in front of my property. Are they allowed to do that without my permission?

Generally speaking, the Township “right-of-way” extends 15 feet on either side of your street. Government agencies, such as the Township, and utilities, do not need permission to access their infrastructure located in the right-of-way. However, as a matter of policy, the Township makes every effort to notify affected property owners prior to doing work in a right-of-way.