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CITY OF SHAWNEE
PUBLIC WORKS
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Back to: Public Works
Street
Maintenance | Traffic Control | Snow
Removal Policy
The
Street Maintenance Division, maintains
more than 350 miles of streets and roads. Pothole patching,
crack sealing, concrete slab replacement, curb repair, ditch and creek
cleaning, maintenance of unpaved roadways are some of the services
provided. The division also is involved in an aggressive program of
resurfacing. During the last five years, a new asphalt concrete overlay
was placed on more than 26 miles of streets and more than 22 miles of
roads received a chip seal application. The division is also responsible
for de-icing streets and bridges and for snow plowing.
The
Traffic Control Division, with a staff of four, maintains traffic
signals at 29 intersections and is responsible for the installation and
maintenance of hundreds of traffic signs and pavement markings. During the
last five years the division was responsible for replacing $159,000 worth
of street signs and striped 74 miles of streets. Staff also provides work
zone controls at all construction areas involving the Public Works
Department
Snow
Removal Policy
Goal | Overview
| Considerations
During the winter months, Snow and Ice Removal from Shawnee streets is one of the most visible programs provided by the City of Shawnee. This service affects virtually every household resident and visitor and is essential for safe and continued vehicular movement in our community. Careful planning of these operations is essential in order to assure timely response to winter conditions. The Public Works Department is charged with planning and performing snow and ice removal functions and must balance these activities with sensitive environmental concerns. fiscal consciousness, and an ever increasing concern for employee safety. This planning process is made considerably more difficult due to the variable weather conditions encountered during each storm. Rate and accumulation of snowfall. moisture content, temperature, time of day, wind direction and velocity, storm duration, and most importantly, the availability of rested personnel are all factors that interact to create a unique aspect for each storm.
The goal of the Public Works Department is to make all Arterial, Collector and Business District Streets safe and accessible for vehicles and pedestrians during and after winter storms, in accordance with the following guidelines.
The Public Works Department will make every effort to treat Arterial, Collector and Business District Streets at all times during a snow removal operation and insure that these have achieved "bare pavement" conditions within 12 hours of the storm's completion. Noted curves, hills, bridges and other known trouble spots will be addressed as needed. When snow fall accumulations reach the set threshold plowing of road areas will commence. When ice storms are encountered all prioritized streets will be deiced. Operations will continue with all available personnel and equipment until the hazardous conditions have been eliminated with operations proceeding based on traffic volumes of a roadway.
The Public Works Department is prepared to conduct snow and ice removal operations on three separate fronts. These are Arterial and Collector roadways, Central Business District, and Bridges.
Many factors influence snow and ice removal planning and operations. A brief overview is provided in the following text.
Employees' Safety
The Public Works Management Staff has
intensified its efforts to preserve the safety of the public by insuring
the safety of snow removal employees. Past procedures have required
employees to work in excess of 24 hours straight. The City of Shawnee
believes that rested employees are more alert, productive and safer
drivers. Therefore, employees are to be rested after snow removal shifts
of 12-14 hour duration.
Alerting Snow and Ice Removal Personnel
Operation Planning
All Public Works personnel have a part
in these operations.
Roadway clearance personnel are assigned to twelve hour shifts that continue to alternate until the snow or ice emergency has been eliminated. Maintenance personnel are divided equally to provide continued service to the community on a 24 hour basis.
The Public Works Management Staff shall institute operation planning that evaluates weather forecasts and efficiently utilizes available manpower and equipment to accomplish the stated overall goals of this policy.
Weather Forecasting
A key element in implementing an efficient
snow and ice control program is receiving and acting on timely weather
information. Accurate weather forecasting is imperative In deciding which
of the various operational procedures will be initiated. It is recognized
that forecasts will occasionally be in error and operation plans may
change.
Plowing Operations
The City of Shawnee snow removal operations
(plowing) will commence when the accumulation of snow on streets reaches
one (1") inch. or more as determined by Snow & Ice Supervisory
Staff on duty.
Ice Control Threshold
The City of Shawnee ice control operation
will commence upon notification by City personnel of developing hazardous
conditions with operational level based on the severity of the icing
conditions as evaluated by Public Works supervisory Staff.
Property Damage and Repair
Although all efforts are made to avoid any
damage during snow and ice removal operations, it does, and will occur,
with even the most cautious drivers. In cases where turf damage has
resulted from the plow jumping the curb, restoration will be done as soon
as weather conditions allow. Under only extreme circumstances will damage
resulting from salt related turf injury be restored or treated as some
degree of salt related injury is experienced along every foot of roadway
within the State.
Unfortunately, mailboxes are occasionally damaged during snow removal operations. In cases of boxes knocked down by plow contact, a replacement box will be installed at the earliest possible time by City personnel. Replacements will be the standard rural route box, properly installed per US Postal and City standards.
Assistance to Private Property Owners
At no time during or after snow removal
operations will City equipment be used to clear snow or ice from areas on
private property, except where it can he shown that snow was
disproportionately placed in the driveway of a resident, in exceptional
circumstances of a life threatening nature, a medical necessity, or as may
he directed by the City Manager or Director of Public Works.
Alley Operations
The City does not plow or salt alley
rights-of-way outside of the Central Business District.
Operational Emergencies
In the event that a police, fire, or medical
emergency requires snow removal assistance, such operations shall he given
the highest priority. Such operations shall be directed through the on
duty Snow and Ice Supervisor.
Private Snow Blowers/Plows
Snow blown or deposited from private
property driveways into the public roadway is not only an added hazard to
the motoring public, but can also cause the City to perform an additional
removal and deicing operation. The city shall through the Police
Department and Public work Department undertake all necessary warning and
enforcement measures to minimize these occurrences.
Departure From Policy
The City recognizes that conditions may be
so unusual or unexpected that a departure from these general policies may
be authorized. When conditions warrant the Public Works Director in
consultation with Snow and Ice Control shift supervisor may order a
departure from these general rules when in their opinion conditions
require such action.
Policy Date - This policy dated January 2, 1997.