In preparation for winter weather, modifications were made this fall to the City’s Snow and Ice Plan. Among them is the enforcement of Emergency Snow Routes.

During a snowstorm, when there are two inches of accumulation accompanied by continued snowfall and/or with the forecast for more snowfall in the immediate future a snow emergency may be declared by the City Manager. Under the advisement of City Staff, the City Manager may declare a snow emergency when weather conditions warrant so for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city.

During a declared snow emergency, all vehicles and trailers are prohibited from parking on Snow Emergency Routes, which are designated by signs. Vehicles and trailers parked along designated Snow Emergency Routes are subject to fines and/or towing, since the vehicles impede emergency traffic and the snow removal process.

“This ordinance was introduced in November 2001,” said Public Works Director Sam Curran. “Since then, the City has never declared a snow emergency event. Staff discussed removing the ordinance; however the City Commission felt there may be a need to have this in our tool box to handle winter storms.”

“There are efficiency and safety issues for declaring this rule,” Curran said. “Crews are faster, and road surface is cleared from curb to curb which helps with drainage and reoccurring icing problems. In the downtown area, it’s a pedestrian safety issue with ice in the parking stalls. Dodging parked cars with heavy equipment is a safety issue for operators.”

When a snow emergency has been declared, and again when it is terminated, notice will be given through the local media outlets. All vehicles parked on emergency snow routes must be removed before the snow on the route has accumulated to a depth of two inches or within one hour after notice of a snow emergency has been declared by the city manager.

Emergency snow routes include:
• Campus Drive
• Fleming Street
• Main Street, north from Kansas Avenue, and south between Kansas Avenue and the river bridge
• Taylor Avenue
• Mary Street
• Kansas Avenue
• Fulton Street
• Fourth Street (Fulton Street to Kansas Avenue)
• Downtown area, 8th Street to 7th Street on Chestnut Street, Laurel
Street and Pine Street
• 8th Street, between Fulton Street and Walnut Street
• 7th Street, between Fulton Street and Spruce Street
• Stevens Avenue, between Pine Street and 8th Street

The Snow and Ice Plan was developed to provide insight into the complexity of snow and ice control operations and to summarize policies and procedures to be followed by City personnel. The City's policy is to keep major streets, steep hills and controlled intersections passable by removing snow and sanding to counter the effects of ice build-up. The primary goal is to keep main arterials passable for public transportation and emergency vehicles. The secondary goal is to clear snow and control ice on all other arterials, collectors and steep sloped streets for general public use as quickly as possible.

For more information contact Public Works Director Sam Curran at 620-276-1260 or Sam.Curran@gardencityks.us.