City of Columbia Missouri

P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2013

CONTACT: Columbia Public Works
(573) 874-6280 or (573) 874-6289

Snow Plowing in Cul-de-sac's; additional information

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Are there special policies concerning snow plowing in cul-de-sacs (dead ends)? A common question asked during snow removal.

Our policy is to plow all streets including cul-de-sacs or dead ends while plowing in the area. Cul-de-sacs do present challenges.

  • Large plow trucks can not maneuver well in cul-de-sacs. An operator of a large truck may call snow operations and ask that a smaller plow respond to plow a particular cul-de-sac and then continue on the way giving the appearance we have "skipped" the cul-de-sac. A smaller plow in the area is dispatched and should be on the way.
  • Vehicles parked in cul-de-sacs or in the approach can hamper plow efforts as there is truely no place to push the snow unless we push it against vehicles and block them in.
  • Cul-de-sacs have little or no area to push snow to which does not block a driveway or mailbox. This is especially true after today's storm when we had 6-8 inches on top of the 11 inches from last week.
  • Cul-de-sacs take time. For the reasons mentioned above, cul-de-sacs take more time to plow. And, there are over 1,100 cul-de-sacs in Columbia. 

We hope this addresses some questions and concerns our customers have had. And, we thank you again for your patience while we work to make Columbia's streets safe and passable after this last round of winter weather.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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