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1. Why haven't crews cleared my street yet?

The City of Manhattan clears snow from streets based on a priority system. The primary level includes streets considered to be major traffic routes, collector and residential streets involving severe grades, and school zones. The secondary level includes collector streets, residential streets with significant grades and selected intersections. Residential streets not previously listed will be plowed when there is accumulation warranting snow removal. The levels will be evaluated during each unique storm to determine the extent of operations. A map detailing the levels is available online.

2. The snowplow just went by and plowed in my driveway. What are you going to do about it?

The City of Manhattan generally does not return to remove windrows from driveways. It is the responsibility of the property owner or resident to clear the driveway.

3. Why did the snowplow just pass with his blade up?

Snowplow operators are given routes with specific streets they plow. The operator may have just loaded up on fuel or salt and is returning to their area of operation.

4. Why are you plowing school zones when school is not in session?

Even though school may be canceled or not in session on the day of a snowstorm, our crews have found efficiencies in clearing the school zones along with primary routes. The areas surrounding schools will need to be cleared eventually anyway.

5. The snowplow damaged my mailbox, curb, yard, sprinkler heads or other item located in the right of way near the street. Who is responsible?

If a mailbox is damaged during plowing operations, city crews will make permanent repairs when weather permits. The city is not responsible for sprinkler heads, shrubbery, planters or any decorative materials located in the rights of way that are damaged as a result of plowing operations.

If a property owner’s grass is damaged in the process of snow removal, the public works department will repair the damaged area in the spring. The city is not responsible for cleaning rights of way due to buildup of sand or for dead grass due to chemical applications from city deicing operations.

6. What type of material is used to treat streets ahead of a storm?

Based on the availability of materials, the city will use salt as the main ice control agent. If salt supplies are not sufficient, the city may use a mixture of sand and salt. Temperatures may require the use of a liquid de-icing agent to assist with snow and ice control. The city uses liquid calcium chloride that includes a corrosion inhibitor.

7. Why hasn't my street been pre-treated yet?

Streets are treated in the same manner as they are plowed. Primary level streets are treated first, followed by secondary level streets — as conditions allow or indicate. Residential streets not included in the two priority levels are not pre-treated. A map detailing the priority levels is available online.

8. Where can I view real-time street conditions for Manhattan?

A traffic camera map is available online at http://bit.ly/mhktrafficcam. Click on cameras to view conditions at select Manhattan intersections.

9. When do I need to remove snow from my property?

City ordinance dictates that property owners and occupants should remove snow from public sidewalks within 36 hours of the end of accumulating precipitation. The Code Services office enforces this ordinance. For more information on snow removal, see our tip sheet.

10. I'm not able to remove snow from my property. Does the city provide assistance?

Yes. The City Snow Partners program puts residents in need in contact with volunteers in their area to help them remove snow from public sidewalks. If you are elderly or disabled and need assistance, please call the City Manager’s Office at (785) 587-2404 to be put into contact with a volunteer. Learn more about the program online.

11. Who do I contact if I have a complaint about snow removal?

For public streets, contact the Public Works department at (785) 587-4540.
For public property (parking lots and trails) and sidewalks, contact the Parks and Recreation department at (785) 587-2757.
For private property, contact the Code Services office at (785) 587-4506.

You may also report your concern online with our feature.