How many drivers does the city have on the streets during a winter storm?

The city operates two 12-hour snow shifts (7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) when conducting snow and ice removal operations. When fully staffed, there are approximately 97 vehicles out on the streets.

There are 69 different routes: nine priority (arterial and bridges) routes, 27 area (residential and commercial) routes and 35 cul-de-sac routes. The average route is 50 lane miles.

More than 120 city employees are involved in snow removal.

Approximately how many miles of streets are salted and/or plowed?

The Public Works Department has approximately 1,757 lane miles of streets designated for salting and plowing. That is almost a one-way trip to Disney World! Materials used for snow removal include rock salt (two barns can hold 7,000 tons), sand and calcium chloride for pre-wetting (two tanks hold 10,000 gallons). The average snow event consumes more than 1,000 tons of rock salt and more than 500 tons of sand.

Who plows cul-de-sacs?

This year, city trucks and employees will plow all cul-de-sacs north of Interstate 435. The Public Works Department hires approximately 30 private contractors to plow all cul-de-sacs south of I-435. There are more than 1,698 cul-de-sacs in the city. Cul-de-sacs are plowed only if there is more than two inches of snow on the street. City staff may spread de-icing materials in cul-de-sacs if there is less than two inches of snow and the weather conditions are right.

What is the city's budget for snow removal?

The city budgets almost $900,000 each year for snow removal.

How does the department decide when to execute operations?

Weather forecasts are reviewed from two different sources and if a storm is evident, anti-icing will begin on designated bridges before the storm hits if the weather is conducive (20 degrees or above and no rain). Crews normally are alerted two to three hours before the precipitation is expected to start.

How long does it take to clear the streets?

The average route has more than 50 lane miles. It takes, on average, about four to five hours to salt and eight to 10 hours to plow an average route for one cycle. However, depending on the intensity of the snow event, the number of parked cars and the traffic volume, it can take several cycles to complete the entire operation.

What do I do if I have a medical emergency?

If you have a medical emergency please contact 911. A public safety official will assist and determine the need for a snowplow truck.

What happens after a winter storm?

• Emergency repairs to pavement and/or bridges damaged by snow/ice removal are made.
• Response to slick calls from citizens begins.
• The equipment is prepared for the next storm.
• Materials are replenished as needed to maintain needed supply levels.
• Damages caused by snow plow trucks [sod, sprinklers, mailboxes] are logged.

What do I do if a snow plow truck causes damage to my property?

Unfortunately, damage does occur sometimes to yards and mailboxes. Damage reports can be called into either PW Maintenance District. Sod and sprinkler damage are logged and repaired in the spring. If a mailbox is damaged, a temporary mailbox is installed and permanent repairs are generally made within 48 to 72 hours.

Who plows the highways?

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plows highways and ramps such as I-435, I-35, US 69 and Shawnee Mission Parkway. Many streets in the Kansas City metro area are part of the highway system and plowing for them is KDOT's responsibility.

What should people do during a snowstorm?

If you don't have to drive, don't! However, if you must drive in severe winter weather, be prepared for the worst.

• Leave earlier so you can drive at a safe speed.
• Allow extra distance between your car and the one ahead of you in case something unexpected happens.
• Do not assume because you are exercising caution that other drivers are driving sensibly.
• Have some protective supplies (flashlight, blanket, jumper cables) in your car in case of a breakdown or an accident.
• Try to limit your driving in winter storms if at all possible; the fewer cars there are on the roads, the easier it is for snow removal to be done successfully.

You also can help operations by not parking on the street and by removing all portable basketball goals from the street (more information on Winter Weather Precautions)

How do city crews prepare for snow throughout the year?

The city has refresher training for all drivers/operators, including snow truck training in September and dry-run rehearsals in October. All equipment is inspected annually.

A snow advisory committee also provides guidance to ensure snow operations go smoothly.