How We Keep Lebanon Moving in Winter Weather

When winter weather hits, the City of Lebanon works hard to keep the streets safe and passable. Our top priorities are:

• Making sure emergency vehicles can respond when needed
• Keeping schools open and accessible
• Helping people get to work safely

How We Prepare for Snow and Ice

Before a storm arrives, our team monitors the weather and plans ahead. We work with the Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to get the best possible forecast. Since every storm is different, we adjust our plans as needed to deal with changing conditions.

How Snow and Ice Are Removed

We use both machines and special treatments to clear the roads. Here’s how:

• Pre-treatment – Before a storm, we spread salt as pre-treatment when conditions facilitate it being helpful. This helps prevent ice from sticking to the pavement.
• Plowing – Once snow begins to accumulate, plows are sent out to remove it.
• Chemical Treatment – Salt is spread to help melt snow and ice.

Why Chemicals Don't Always Work

While salt and other chemicals help melt snow and ice, they become less effective when temperatures drop below 15°F. In extremely cold weather, roads may stay slick even after treatment. That’s why plowing remains the primary method of clearing snow.

What Does “Cleared” or “Plowed” Mean?

• Cleared: 75% of the pavement is visible.
• Plowed: Most of the snow is removed from the driving lanes, but some packed snow may remain.

Which Streets Get Cleared First?

We divide our roads into two phases:

Phase 1 Streets 

These are the most important roads, including major streets, roads leading to hospitals and schools, and other high-traffic areas. These streets are cleared first.

Phase 2 Streets 

These are neighborhood streets that connect to Phase 1 roads. We clear these after the major roads are passable.

Our goal is for everyone to be within two blocks of a cleared road.

If conditions worsen during a major storm, we focus all resources on Phase 1 streets until conditions improve. Hospitals, emergency services, and health care facilities will be given priority. Once the storm weakens, we return to normal snow removal schedules.

Who Clears State Roads Like Jefferson Avenue?

Some major roads in Lebanon are maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) rather than the city. This includes Jefferson Avenue and other state highways that run through town.

To check road conditions and see which streets are cleared by MoDOT, visit their MoDOT Road Conditions Map.

What You Can Expect

• If the snow is less than 4 inches, Phase 2 streets will be plowed only once in each direction.
• If the snow is more than 4 inches, we will plow Phase 1 streets curb to curb before moving to Phase 2 streets.
• If a major storm is expected, we will schedule 12-hour shifts to keep the roads as safe as possible.
• During heavy snowfalls, we ask residents to avoid parking on the street and wait to clear driveways until plows have passed.

Dealing With Snow Piles

Plowing moves snow off the road, but this can sometimes create piles (also called windrows) at driveway entrances. We know this can be frustrating, but it’s a necessary part of keeping roads open.

To avoid having to shovel your driveway twice, follow these tips:

• Shovel to the right (when facing the street) so plows don’t push snow back into your driveway.
• Wait until the plow has passed before clearing the last few feet of your driveway.

Who Clears Sidewalks?

Property owners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice. This helps keep pedestrians safe, especially children walking to school and people with mobility challenges.

Special Areas

• Cul-de-sacs – These are plowed with special equipment after 2 inches of snow or more.
• Downtown Parking Areas – Cleared after a storm ends.
• Floyd W. Jones Lebanon Regional Airport – Runways and taxiways are plowed after most city streets have been cleared.

Our team will keep working until the streets are safe to travel! Stay informed by following our updates on the City of Lebanon Facebook Page and on the city website.