If winter weather forecasts indicate major snow conditions, the City Manager may declare a Winter Storm Emergency. This may require removal of vehicles from downtown streets, as well as changes in trash and recycling collection schedules. In this event, stay tuned to the City website and other communication outlets for updates.
As plowing is a difficult operation to perform, residents are asked to park in their driveways when snow is anticipated rather than on the street, where possible. This will allow operations to be performed in a more safe and time-effective manner. Please keep in mind that it is nearly impossible to keep snow from being deposited at your driveway entrance during plowing, as the plow cannot be lifted or stopped at each driveway. Residents are asked to try to wait until plow equipment has come through before clearing driveways.
When shoveling or plowing snow from your driveway, please do not push snow into the street. This only slows the plowing operation, and if pushed snow left in the street freezes, it can create a hazardous situation. While shoveling, City safety officials ask that residents not obstruct fire hydrants with snow pile. Additionally, residents can increase Fire Department efficiency and safety by shoveling a 3-foot circumference around any fire hydrant.
As snow begins to accumulate, the City of Lexington concentrates on certain roads, which referred to as the Main Drag and includes Main Street, Nelson Street, Washington Street and others. These roads are focused on first because of the significance (i.e. hospital route). As the snow keeps falling, the City's first priority is to keep the main roads open and passable. As soon as all major streets within the city are clear, equipment is immediately moved into residential areas.
The City of Lexington requests that residents please be patient during snow operations. Snow removal is a difficult and time-consuming task. Please try to limit road travel during and immediately following a snowfall unless absolutely necessary. The less traffic on the roads during snow clearing operations, the more effective the job can be performed.