Columbia Public Works continues to clear roadways, but clearing sidewalks is up to property owners and their occupants

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

When winter storms hit, the City of Columbia Public Works Department's primary focus is maintaining heavily used and emergency routes first.

Once those roads are cleared, the department will shift its focus to residential streets. Winter weather rolled through Mid-Missouri on Jan. 5 and 6, and again on Friday. Both snow storms resulted in several inches of snow falling in the area. Crews were out clearing roads during each storm.

City of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan said the cold stretch has presented crews with additional challenges.

"The recent very low temperatures have limited the effectiveness of salt," Ogan said in an email. "And snowplows have had a harder time breaking through the packed layers."

Ogan said in an email that crews can still treat icy areas with salt, and as temperatures rise, residents should begin to see improved conditions. The ABC 17 News Stormtrack Weather Team is predicting highs in the 40s on Thursday and Friday, but has issued a Weather Alert Day for Sunday because of dangerous, cold temperatures.

But the build-up of snow and ice can be difficult to clear.

"As cars drive over the snow that accumulates on residential roads while we are focused on priority routes, the snow becomes packed down," Ogan said in an email. "By the time we shift our efforts to residential streets, this compacted snow and ice can be difficult to remove."

Ogan said in an email that after clearing and treating roads, bare pavement is not always visible.

"However, it still meets with our definition of passable: at least one travel lane is accessible for a front-wheel-drive vehicle traveling at reduced speeds and using prudent winter driving techniques," Ogan said in an email.

Columbia Public Works is encouraging people to report any road concerns, whether snow and ice related or not.

Ogan said in an email that this feedback can help the department identify and address issues faster.

"Every report received is promptly forwarded to our streets department, which dispatches a crew to investigate and respond," Ogan said in an email.

Sidewalks

While the City of Columbia Public Works department works to remove snow and ice from roads, it is property owners and their occupants who are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks in front of and adjacent to their property.

The city reminded residents of this responsibility in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

In the post, the city referred to section 302.3 of the International Property Maintenance Code and City of Columbia Code of Ordinances 24-12. The city's ordinance requires sidewalks to be free from "snow, ice and other hazards."

"The City is actively enforcing these rules to ensure safety for all," the Facebook post says.

People who do not comply will be penalized for violation by up to $500 per day, according to the Sidewalks section of the city's Snow and Ice Management Plan.

Tenants who are not sure if they are responsible for their own snow removal can ask their landlord.

"If you are expected to do the shoveling, see if your landlord will provide you a shovel and ice melt," the city says on its website.

For help clearing sidewalks, the city says nonprofit Services for Independent Living can get people connected with volunteers. To receive assistance from SIL services, call 573-874-1646, Ext. 22 or email ncrespi@silcolumbia.org.

To report a road concern, call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email PubW@CoMo.gov. Ogan said in an email that residents can also voice concerns by interacting with Public Works on social media.