The goal of the Streets division of Public Works is to have the streets plowed or treated as soon as possible after the end of a storm, or within 24 hours after a major storm.

During the winter months, Public Works management constantly monitors weather forecasts to identify storms that could threaten driving conditions. When staff identifies a probable threat, city crews swing into action, pre-treating target bridges and streets.

As the storm hits, crews focus on keeping intersections open and safe. As the storm lets up, crews expand their routesaccording to our policy: emergency routes first, then primary and secondary routes. Snow routes are our first priority. View the snow routes map.

As time and personnel permits, we will also be working on public parking lots,public alleyways, public sidewalks, and residential streets. Sorry, crews do not remove snow from private property.

If you have a disability or special condition that requires clearance on your residential street, call our Public Works HelpLine at 913-367-5561.If warranted, we’ll add you to our priority list following snow routes. Please do not call more than once in a 24-hour period — we’re working on it and we’ll get to you as soon as we can. Promise.

How you can help:

• Clear the sidewalk adjacent to your property. Any sidewalk located on a private property easement is the responsibility of the property owner(s) to maintain and allow public access, particularly during winter weather.
• Clear your alleyway, especially if it’s your garage access. Like sidewalks, alleyways are public thoroughfares but the responsibility for upkeep falls on the private property owner. You may consider partnering withyour neighbors to employ a plowing service to clear your alleyways during wintertime.
• If you don’t need to travel during winter storms, don’t. Stay put.
• If you are out on the roads during or after a winter storm, don’t follow too closely behind the snow plows and emergency vehicles. This can be very dangerous for both you and the driver.
• If you live on an emergency, primary, or secondary snow route, move your on-street vehicle onto your property or onto a side street as soon as the storm starts. This allows city crews to quickly and cleanly plow the entire street, giving you quicker access to good parking again and eliminating the need to dig out your car or worry about damage to your vehicle.

Questions? Contact our Public Works HelpLine at 913-367-5561.