Snow and ice control plan

Prioritization of roads for snow and ice removal is based on traffic volume with consideration for access to public transportation, emergency services, and schools. 

Streets & Roads will pretreat roads and strategically position plows when a snow or ice event is anticipated. When plows mobilize, ranked streets will be cleared within 24 hours of the end of the snow event. In ongoing snow events or when snow is drifting, plows may need to revisit higher-ranked streets to keep them clear. This may mean a delay in plowing lower-ranked roads. Only ranked roads will be plowed in a typical snow event. Additional roads may be added for snow events of 5” or greater. These additional roads will be prioritized with the goal of maximizing access to school, work and services for the greatest number of citizens. 

Workers can plow more quickly when there are fewer obstacles to navigate. Help us serve you faster by keeping the ranked roads clear of cars. 

Vehicles stalled or disabled on the normally traveled portion of any public roadway may be removed to facilitate snow removal and traffic flow. Additionally, vehicles parked along snow emergency routes may be removed if the Mayor declares a snow emergency. Car owners can retrieve their cars by calling the Police reports desk at (859) 258-3563. 

• Rank 1 streets are the main roads in and out of the city. Examples include Main St., Harrodsburg Road and Newtown Pike. Most Rank 1 roads are also snow emergency routes. 
• Rank 2 streets, such as Rosemont Garden and Bryan Avenue, connect Rank 1 roads and provide access to large commercial areas with offices and stores. 
• Rank 3 streets are the main collector routes that connect residential areas to Rank 1 and 2 roads. Examples include Zandale Dr., Appian Way and Buck Lane. 
• Rank 4 streets are local collector streets within subdivisions, which allow residents access to main roads.

Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property. Sidewalk clearing is required per city ordinance when more than four inches have fallen, and your street has been plowed. Help keep Lexington moving by clearing your sidewalk regularly and helping your neighbors who cannot clear their own sidewalks.

The City has a plan for clearing city-managed sidewalks. Prioritization of sidewalks for snow and ice removal is based on volume of pedestrian traffic with consideration for access to public transportation, emergency services, and schools.

Crews to clear sidewalks will mobilize when street plows mobilize. Rank 1 sidewalks will be cleared within 24 hours of the end of the snow event. Rank 2 sidewalks will be cleared within 48 hours. In ongoing snow events or when snow drifts, crews may need to revisit higher-ranked sidewalks to keep them clear. This may mean a delay in clearing lower-ranked sidewalks. 

• Rank 1 sidewalks are focused on main corridors, in-service parks, and city facilities. 
• Rank 2 sidewalks are city thoroughfares and connectors in high density areas with high pedestrian traffic volumes. 
• Rank 3 sidewalks are in lower density areas. These sidewalks will be
  cleared after road plowing operations.
• Rank 4 sidewalks will be activated for snow events greater than 4-
  inches in depth and follow after road plowing operations.

There are simple actions you can take to help the city keep vehicles and people moving in a snow or ice event.

• Don’t park along ranked roads.
• Keep your sidewalk clear.
• Clear hydrants and bus stops on/near your property.
• Clear the sidewalk for a neighbor who is physically unable to do their own.

General snow and ice event tips:

• Preparing for a snow storm 
• What to do during an ice storm 

Frequently asked questions

Why do you put snow in my driveway? 
This is not done intentionally. Snow pushed into driveways is an unfortunate result of plowing a street. We know that it is frustrating to have to shovel out the end of your driveway a second time, but it is unavoidable. To avoid extra shovel work, try to shovel after the snow plow has driven by, and shovel the snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road. See diagram below.

                                                                                                                                 Graphic from www.sandwichmass.org

Why did you push the snow into my driveway and not those across the street? 
Most residential streets that are plowed receive one center pass. Each pass pushes the snow to the driver’s right. That is why one side gets the pushed off snow and the other doesn’t. Which side gets the pushed off snow is determined by where the driver started. 

Where do I put my refuse carts when snow is piled at the edge of the street? 
Carts should be placed in your driveway opening or an area cleared of snow between the sidewalk and street.