Omaha has been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures meaning snow is likely the last thing on anyone's mind, but the city is making sure it's ready when the first flakes fall.
Omaha is re-thinking the plan to keep roads clear this year. The Mayor's office has released an updated guideline for snow removal and snow emergencies.
During a press conference this morning, the Mayor's office says they plan on taking a more aggressive approach toward dealing with major snow events.
The city is using data gathered from a survey-based study by the consulting agency QEM to re-vamp their snow removal plan.
Ask most people in Omaha and they have some strong opinions about winter driving conditions.
"If there's a major snowstorm they pile the snow in the middle of the streets before they haul it out so it kind of makes it difficult for people that don't use the cross walks and cross the streets. Or even turning in or turning around," said Omaha resident Jay Gould.
That's why the city commissioned a pro bono study based on community feedback. About 2/5 of people sent the survey responded and answers ranged from - "I've not seen any major problems' to "what a mess."
"The biggest complaints are about snow plows pushing snow into driveways and sidewalks; plowing cul-de-sacs; and covering crosswalks and ADA ramps," said Mayor Jean Stothert. She added there were many positive comments as well.
Omaha is using this input to make some major changes. They're adding 16 additional employees to the Street Maintenance Department; replacing 14 single axle trucks; and they'll begin plowing residential neighborhoods when more than 2 inches of snow builds up.
They've hired 21 private contractors, which is up from 17 last year. A 90,000 gallon brine tank is installed at a new street maintenance yard and crews will begin brining roads 72 hours before a storm.
Other changes include the use of four companies to inspect residential streets, which will increase the number of inspectors from 15 to 26.
"I just think it's dedicated people coming out there everyday and giving 110 percent," said Omaha resident Matthew Will.
And while it's too soon to tell how these changes will impact your snow-day commute - one thing's for certain - it won't be long before those first flakes of the season start to fall.
The snow removal study cost the city about $4,500 dollars for administrative costs like postage. Mayor Jean Stothert says changes to the city's snow removal plan are included in the 2017 budget. The Mayor's office is working on a figure for the total cost of those changes.
Original story: Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, and Public Works Director Bob Stubbe will speak about public survey about snow removal/emergencies in the upcoming winter season.
The mayor held a news conference earlier Wednesday morning to detail the results of a new city wide snow survey and what changes she plans to make in response.
Residents told the city they expect their major streets to be passable even as snow is falling and they want to see dry pavement within a day after the snow stops.
What they don't want to see is an increased tax to pay for it
List of changes (via City of Omaha):
- 16 new employees in the Street Maintenance Division. Hiring is underway. Many will be on the job before January 1; the rest will start after the New Year.
- City purchased 14 single axle trucks. Most have been delivered; the remaining equipment is expected in November. These trucks replace old equipment and will be more reliable. City says they will have fewer trucks in the shop for maintenance during snow events.
- Plowing in residential neighborhoods will begin when snow accumulation exceeds two inches.
- City hired 21 private contractors for residential plowing. These companies will have up to 215 trucks available. Last winter: 17 private contractors
- A new 90,000 gallon brine tank has been installed at the at the new street maintenance yard at 18th and Jaynes. More brine can be produced and stored than ever before.
- The new yard will also enhance our services in northeast and downtown Omaha.
- More companies (4) under contract to provide inspections of residential streets. These companies have expertise in engineering, surveying and construction inspections. The number of inspectors will increase from 15 to 26.
- Personnel and equipment from our Parks Department and construction, traffic and sewer maintenance divisions will back-up our plows on the major streets. City says it will provide more frequent plowing on these important routes.
