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How much snow is a storm?
Whenever there is a snowfall, the City's emergency plans are put into effect by the Public Works Director. A light snowfall of less than two inches usually does not require plowing. The spreading of salt improves driving safety and aids in snow removal if the storm continues. For this reason, up to 7 vehicles and 7 workers are "on call" to begin 12-hour shifts.

Is there an established priority of streets to be cleared?
Kirkwood is divided into five sections for snow removal purposes. At the onset of a snow or ice storm, a truck (with snow plow and salt spreader attachments) is assigned to each section to salt main streets, problem hills, and special areas such as school and hospital routes. If accumulations are less than two inches, the remaining streets in their respective areas are initiated when accumulation reaches two inches or when de-icing chemicals alone are insufficient to clean the pavement. Subdivision and cul-de-sac streets are plowed after the main streets.

Are there streets that the city is not responsible for clearing?
The State or St. Louis County is responsible for providing snow removal operations on the following Kirkwood streets:

State Highways:
Kirkwood Road, Swan to North City limits
Kirkwood Road, Burlington Northern Railroad tracks to South City limits
Manchester Road
Cragwold Road

St. Louis County:
Adams Avenue
Ballas Road, Adams to West City limits
Marshall Road
Big Bend Road

Is street parking permitted during snow & ice storms?
Street parking is permitted as normal during snow and ice storms. However, street parking seriously interferes and delays effective plowing operations. With vehicles parked on the street, plows are unable to clear the full pavement width and, in some instances, cannot maneuver through narrow streets and cul-de-sacs. Whenever possible, vehicles should be parked off the street during snow plowing operations.

What about sidewalks?
Kirkwood residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their property.

How is the snow plowed?
The city's vehicles push the snow to the right-hand side of the road. Plows are required to follow the flow of traffic but, when safety permits, cul-de-sacs are plowed to push the snow away from the driveways to the center of the cul-de-sac rather than out toward private property. Drivers attempt to keep residents' driveways clear of the excess snow from the street. The city does not clear windrows that form across driveways as the city simply does not have the personnel or equipment to clean the 10,000-plus driveway approaches.