Snow Emergency Plan
The City of Topeka Public Works Department has prepared this information to inform you about our snow removal policies. Please read this information and use it as a reference this winter.

The Street Maintenance Section of the Public Works Department has the responsibility for treating streets when snow or icy conditions exist.

View the snow route map and emergency snow route map.

Our Goal
Our preliminary objective during any snowstorm is to keep thoroughfares open and safe for the motoring public. Thoroughfares are part of the emergency show route system. When a snow emergency is declared, priority will be given to emergency show routes. Additional priority will also be given to:

• Streets adjacent to schools
• Bus Routes
• Police, Fire, and Rescue Squad stations
• Steep graded hills, and sharp curves

Residential streets will receive service after thoroughfares, snow routes, and priority locations have been cleared.

Storm Phases
There are three (3) phases of snowstorm operations:

• Phase 1: When the snow accumulation is under 2 (two) inches or icing occurs. If snow or icing occurs and accumulation is under 2 (two) inches, the emergency snow routes and priority routes will be treated with salt. If warranted, residential streets will be treated with a salt and sand mixture. A de-icing chemical may be added to the salt and the salt mixture if temperatures fall substantially below freezing.
  
  
• Phase 2: Snow accumulates 2 (two) to 4 (four) inches. If snow accumulation is 2 (two) to 4 (four) inches, primary snow routes will be treated with salt, and if warranted, plowed. If needed, residential streets will only be plowed in the center, and treated with salt and sand. A "Snow Emergency" will be declared if warranted.
  
  
• Phase 3: Snow accumulation from 4 (four) inches or more. Emergency and priority routes will be plowed and receive treatment first during any snowstorm. Residential streets will be plowed in the center after these routes are cleared. During Phase 3 operations, every street will receive an application of deicing materials and a "Snow Emergency" will be declared.

De-Icing: A de-icing strategy involves applying salt or other chemicals that lowers the freezing point of water to the pavement before a storm hits. When sleet, freezing rain, or snow begins to fall, the freezing-point depressant will prevent ice from forming on the pavement. Instead of freezing over, the pavement stays wet or slushy - which means that snow can be removed easier and faster.

Anti-icing: Anti-icing is a program that is designed to fight frost build-up on bridges. Regularly scheduled applications of chemicals are sprayed on bridge surfaces to prevent crystallization of moisture on bridge decks.

Vehicles on Emergency Snow Routes
Whenever rain, snow or any other climatic conditions are such that serious travel conditions may result, the Director of Public Works may declare a "Snow Emergency". Appropriate notice of this event will be given to local media for broadcast and newspapers for publishing.

In the event that a "Snow Emergency" has been declared, clearing emergency snow routes will be a priority in order to return the City to normal and safe travel as soon as possible. Pursuant to City ordinance in a snow emergency:

• No one shall operate a motor vehicle on an emergency snow route in such a manner or conditions that the vehicle will become stalled due to the vehicle not being properly equipped with effective tire chains or snow tires.
• No vehicle shall be parked on any street designated as an emergency snow route.

Snow routes will be marked by "Emergency Snow Route" signs.

Driving Tips
Exercise extreme care when driving in inclement weather. Driving on snow packed and an icy road requires your full attention, and puts heightened demands on driving skills.

A few basic guidelines to remember when driving this winter are:

• Help City crews by not parking along streets designated emergency snow routes.
• Equip your vehicle with snow tires in good condition to improve traction.
• Be patient, drive at reduced speeds and allow more travel time.
• Remember to brake slowly
• During times of poor visibility, please watch for pedestrians

Sidewalk Ordinance
It is the duty of the property owner or tenant of any premises abutting or adjoining any public sidewalk to remove all snow and/or ice from such sidewalk, not more than twelve hours after snowfall.

Driveways
It is important that you clear your driveway, especially the entrance, before possible re-freezing makes it difficult to shovel it out. Pushing snow from a driveway into the street is a violation of the City Code.

Additional Information
If you wish to report a snow-related problem or have any questions regarding the City's procedures for treating snow and ice, you may call the City of Topeka's Street Maintenance Section at 785-368-3803.