Operations UpdateThe City of Wichita’s snow storm response continues today, March 3, with crews continuing to plow and treat Wichita’s 1,500 snow emergency roadways. All of the City’s 50 snow plowing trucks remain deployed in 12-hour shifts to clear roads.
Crews are currently plowing and spreading salt/sand material and driving conditions are improving but motorists are encouraged to drive with caution. The salt/sand mix is melting through remaining snowpack, while the sand provides traction for motorists. That traction allows for a mechanical breakup of snow and ice, through the force and weight of moving vehicles.
Road Conditions ForecastSnowfall ended around 11:30 p.m. Sunday night. As expected, many Wichita roads contained a small amount of snowpack during this morning’s commute. This was due to the late evening snowfall and the subzero temperatures experienced overnight.
Driving conditions should continue to improve throughout the day. Sunnier weather, warmer temperatures, and increased traffic volume will combine with the salt/sand mix to improve the condition of the roadways. Single-digit temperatures overnight will refreeze any remaining moisture in advance of Tuesday’s morning commute. Above-freezing temperatures are forecast for Tuesday. That will help melt remaining moisture along City snow routes.
Maps of the snow routes can be found on the City’s website, under the Public Works & Utilities page. The maps are accessible directly at the following link.
http://wichita.gov/Departments/PWU/Streets Documents/Snow and Ice Routes.pdf
