The City of Atchison is dedicated to anticipating and responding to weather-related traffic hazards.
The primary objective of snow and ice removal is to reduce the hazards of inclement road conditions to motorists and pedestrians, and to facilitate the handling of emergencies by police, fire and medical services and to maintain safe, passable school bus routes.
The City achieves these objectives through a cooperative effort of several city departments. The plan for the coordination of personnel, equipment and materials when inclement weather occurs involves the Public Works Department and Police Department.
First Priority
- Emergency routes and primary traffic routes
- All essential municipal & public facilities and school zones
Second Priority
- Secondary traffic routes
Snow Removal Protocol
Snowfall less than 2 inches
Generally, snow removal is not necessary, and pre-treatment procedures provide for safe driving conditions.
Snowfall 2 to 6 inches
Typically, snow removal begins as soon as possible after snow fall has subsided (this also depends on the timing of the snowfall). Every effort will be made to provide safe driving conditions prior to peak traffic hours.
Snowfall greater than 6 inches
The City of Atchison has a system of primary and secondary streets (mentioned above and included in the Snow Route map) that link neighborhoods, major arterial routes and facilities such as schools. Depending on the duration of the snow fall, it may be necessary to continually clear primary streets in order to ensure public safety. Once snow fall has ceased, priority streets within the city will be cleared before snow removal begins on secondary streets.
Contact Information
Questions? Please contact the Public Works HelpLine at 913-367-5561 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). After hours, please call the Police Department Non-Emergency line at 913-367-5525.