Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the City of Lenexa's winter weather operations.

When does the City start plowing after a storm begins?

Our winter storm operations begin long before the snow and ice actually falls. Our crews are constantly monitoring the weather when a winter storm is predicted.

Plowing on major streets begins after approximately two inches has accumulated. However, based on the type and severity of the storm, we may start on the major arterial and collector streets before that time. We will begin plowing residential areas once the major streets have been addressed, and if conditions worsen, we may temporarily stop residential plowing and salting to return to the major streets.

Because safety is our top priority, we will also temporarily stop plowing operations to assist emergency vehicles in reaching their destination during a winter storm.

When will my street be cleared?

In order to provide the most effective and efficient snow and ice control routes, we prioritize our streets to enable emergency service providers such as fire, ambulance and police safe access to protect the public. 

We place the highest priority on major streets such as arterials (87th Street Parkway or 95th Street, for example) and collectors (main roads that lead to arterials and have many side streets – 83rd Street or Loiret Boulevard, for example).

After those roads are cleared, crews will then start clearing residential streets. The severity of the storm will dictate when crews begin clearing residential streets. Each winter storm is unique and various levels of activities may be required based on storm severity, temperatures prior to storm event, predicted temperatures and winds during and after the event, and equipment availability. In all cases, we aim to have snow and ice removed from all city streets within 48 hours after the storm has ended.

How long does it take to clear all the streets?

We aim to have snow and ice removed from all city streets within 48 hours after a winter storm has ended.

Does the City only plow streets or does it salt them, too?

Our approach to plowing and salting streets is largely based on the severity of the storm and the predicted storm totals. All winter storm events will begin with treating streets with salt. Crews will begin plowing streets when two inches is accumulated.

Does the City plow and salt private streets?

No, we are not responsible for clearing snow and ice from private streets.

Does the City remove snow from trails?

Snow removal on trails will begin after a snow event has ended and all streets and City-owned buildings are cleared. Trail snow removal take places during normal working hours on weekdays. 

If forecast weather conditions indicate the snow will melt on its own with 48 hours of a snow event, the City will likely not remove the snow. 

Do City workers work around the clock?

Yes, crews work 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts.

How many snow removal vehicles does the City have on the streets during a storm?

We have seven tandem-axle trucks and 13 single-axle trucks equipped with spreaders and front and wing plows. There are an additional seven 1-ton trucks equipped with spreaders and front plows that can be deployed to City-owned parking lots and residential areas as needed.

Approximately how many miles of streets are plowed?

We are responsible for removing snow from 820 lane miles. This includes residential streets, which contain approximately 735 cul-de-sacs. We are also responsible for removing snow from City-owned parking lots.

How do I report a missed street?

Report a missed street using our service request system. Please allow 48 hours following the completion of a winter storm before reporting your street as missed.

Why do the plows push a pile of snow onto my driveway?

When snow plow trucks pass by your home, a windrow of snow can be pushed up against the curb and in front of your driveway. This is unavoidable and is due to the plow removing snow from the center of the road. You should clear the windrows from your driveway before the snow re-freezes and becomes more difficult to remove.

To help reduce the appearance of windrows, pile snow on the left side of your driveway (facing your home), and shovel an inlet on the right side. This allows a large portion of the windrow to be pushed into the inlet, reducing the amount of snow pushed on your driveway.

If a snowplow blocked your driveway in a way that makes it impassable, please email [email protected].

Why are there large piles of snow in my cul-de-sac?

Because several homes and driveways are concentrated in one area in cul-de-sacs, there is little curb space available where our crews can push the snow.