City Snow Removal Efforts

The City’s priority during a snow event is clearing the main streets. Roughly 1/3 of the streets carry 95% of the traffic. The speeds are higher and the consequences much greater if the main streets are not in the best condition that can be achieved. During a typical winter snow event crews are plowing and spreading anti-icing material on main streets as soon as precipitation begins. They remain on these routes as long as necessary. After the snowfall stops, crews will re-treat these routes before morning and afternoon rush periods.

The attached map titled “Major Snow Routes” shows these main streets. The State of Nebraska plows the interstate, the West Dodge Expressway, the North Freeway, and the Kennedy Freeway. The City of Omaha plows all other streets.

Residential streets are not plowed down to bare pavement. In areas where shadows from trees or buildings are present, conditions for melting and re-freezing are often present. Drivers should be alert for these areas.

On busy, high volume streets, traffic helps to melt and evaporate snow. Lower traffic volumes on residential streets do not provide that assist. Therefore snow, snow-pack and ice can remain on residential streets for days after major streets are clear and dry. It is not cost effective to continue to plow and apply chemicals to residential streets after the initial snow clearing operation is complete. Residential streets that are partially or completed snow covered can be safely driven at appropriate speeds.

City crews will treat residential streets after a snow event where steep grades or other conditions make it necessary.