Snow Removal
816-969-1870
 The Public Works Operations Division is responsible for the snow removal on City streets.
Clearing our streets during the winter months is a top priority for the City's Public Works Operations Division. The division monitors weather events closely in order to be ready to plow and treat all 976 lane miles of City streets within 32.5 hours after the precipitation ends - an even faster clearing time than in years past. Crews prioritize the removal of snow from streets in the following manner:
- Arterial routes within the first four hours after the precipitation ends
- Collector routes within 12 hours after the precipitation ends
- Residential streets and cul-de-sacs within 32.5 hours after the precipitation ends
Crews will be staffed 24 hours a day during snow and ice events and work on 12 hour rotating shifts during the week, weekends, and holidays. A new feature, this year, is that during daylight hours additional crews of office staff will plow cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets during and following precipitation. This was made possible by the upgrade of eight compact trucks to 3/4 ton pickup trucks equipped with snow plows. City crews are able to maneuver in and out of cul-de-sacs easier than with the larger snow plow trucks. The City has 998 cul-de-sacs to plow and treat per snow or ice event. Two salt domes are stocked with 6,000 tons of salt in preparation for this year's winter weather. The City primarily uses 100% salt to treat ice and snow events, but may also use a salt/sand mix if conditions warrant. Salt is also used to make salt brine to place on the pavement before a winter storm arrives. The brine acts as a barrier between the pavement and snow and ice.
There are opportunities for residents to help the City improve its snow removal operations.
- Although the City doesn't have an emergency snow ordinance that prohibits parking on the street, it is helpful to remove all vehicles from streets to prevent a delay in clearing roadways.
- Residents should shovel snow to the side of the driveway and not the street. This will lessen the amount of snow left at the entrance of your driveway by the snow plow.
- Make sure to have the proper snow or all-weather tires on your vehicle to prevent you from getting stuck.
The City does not put down any materials or plow private streets, shopping ares, and certain private neighborhoods and will not remove snow deposited by driveways and mailboxes caused by snow plows. Snow removal on parking lots and sidewalks is the property owners responsibility.
Slick area calls are handled as quickly as possible. City crews will not break from the priority routes unless a Police or Fire emergency arises. If a citizen has a true emergency they should call 911 to get the proper response to the situation.
For more information about the City's Snow Removal Policy, contact the Snow Desk at (816) 969-1870.
Weather terms to remember:
- Travel Advisory: Driving conditions might be hazardous.
- Blizzard Warning: Snow with winds greater than 35 MPH and visibility of one quarter mile or less is expected.
- Winter Storm Warning: Snowfall of 4 to 6 inches expected during the next 12 hour period.
Where to call for snow & ice related information and assistance:
During & after storms:
Snow Desk 969-1870 (24 hour number during removal operations) after operation is completed calls are answered during normal work hours (7:00 am to 3:30 pm).
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