Leawood releases snow removal plans

The City of Leawood is responsible for clearing 447 lane miles of roadways, 388 cul-de-sacs, and 30 bridges. At the beginning of the season, the city is prepped with about 7,000 tons of salt in two salt domes. Leawood is committed to maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow during snow and ice events. To achieve this, the city is divided into 10 districts, each with designated snow removal priorities.

Priorities for Snow Removal:

• First Priority: Arterial roadways. 

1. 1. • • Heavily traveled north-south, east-west cross-city routes and thoroughfares (e.g., 95th St., 119th St., Mission Rd.).
        • Continuously plowed and treated with deicing material until clear.

• Second Priority: Collector streets in residential areas. 

1. 1. • • Streets providing primary access to arterial streets (e.g., Manor Road, 105th St.).
        • Snow removal begins after First Priority streets are cleared or once snow stops.
        • Plowed and treated with deicing material when temperatures are below 32°F.

• Third Priority: Local residential streets. 

1. 1. • • Snow removal starts after First and Second Priority streets are cleared.
        • Generally plowed shortly after the snow event ends and treated with deicing material.

• Hot Spots:

1. 1. • High-risk areas such as hills, steep intersections, and bridges are continuously plowed and treated during storms.

• Technology:

1. • All snow removal vehicles have GPS and AVL systems to track real-time operations so management can monitor progress.

Response Goals

• For snowstorms with 3 inches or less:

• • • 13 snowplows are deployed.
    • Crews work in two 12-hour shifts, operating 24/7, until all streets are cleared.

• For snowstorms with more than 3 inches:

• • • 17 vehicles, including Public Works and Parks Maintenance equipment, are deployed.
    • Crews also work in two 12-hour shifts, nonstop, until all streets are cleared.

• Policy Goal: All streets are cleared within 24 hours of the snow event ending.

Resident Responsibilities

• Sidewalks: 

• • • Property owners must clear sidewalks within 48 hours after the snow ends. It is not the city’s responsibility to clear residential sidewalks.

• Street Parking: 

• • • Avoid parking on streets during snow events to allow plows room to maneuver.

• Tree Branches: 

• • • Trim branches to at least 14 feet above streets to prevent truck damage.

• Safety Reminder: 

• • Ensure children play away from streets during snow removal operations.

Special Considerations

• Environmental Concerns: 

• • The use of salt and liquid deicers is carefully managed to minimize environmental impact.