Snow removal in West Richland can be a hit-or-miss affair. The city only has two snow plows, which is somewhat charming to think about … except when we’re dealing with more than a week’s worth of snow, and you’d really like it removed from your streets!
Here’s a look at how our fair city handles snow removal.
West Richland Snow Removal Policy
Icy street conditions or snowfall to a 3-inch depth will initiate mobilization of sanding and/or plowing equipment in accordance with the following priority:
- Priority 1 - Main Arterial Streets
- Priority 2 - Collector Streets and School Zones
- Priority 3 - Residential Streets on Hillsides
- Priority 4 - Remaining Residential Streets
Please be patient, the amount of equipment and staff the City has is limited.
USE OF LIQUID DEICER
The principle for liquid deicer is to apply to the roadways prior to the storm. This proactive approach, called anti-icing, keeps roads ice-free and makes it easier for snowplows to remove snow.
The liquid deicer is used in intersections, bridges, hills and other know problem spots throughout the City. The liquid deicer used is environmentally friend and allows for less sand to be used on City streets.
CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITIES
Snow is beautiful, but it also comes with hazards. When residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the result can be a treacherous ice patch. We need your help to protect our pedestrians from possible injury.
Residents are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their property. Please pile the snow on your yard not the street. If your sidewalk is icy try appling a thick layer of sand.
The city is creating a list of individuals and organizations who will aid the handicap, elderly or they are individuals unable to clear snow from their sidewalks and driveways. Please contract the Public Works Department at (509) 967-5434 if you are interested in volunteering or if you need assistance.
COMMON QUESTIONS?
Can’t the City remove the snow they put on my driveway and sidewalk?
If you consider the large number of driveways and sidewalks in the City, it is just too costly and time consuming to use additional people and equipment to perform this service. Our primary duty is to open and keep open the main roadway system.
Why not plow to the center?
Piling snow to the center of a street can create a hazardous situation. Traffic flow is restricted by eliminating a portion of a lane. The freeze-thaw cycle creates problems when the melting snow freezes on the road surface in the evening. This practice can also create sight obstructions for low vehicles and cause problems for residents entering and exiting their driveways.
Can I park my car on the street?
Sure, but when snow begins to accumulate we ask you find an alternative parking place. Having to swerve a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles is dangerous. We cannot do an efficient job clearing the roadway with parked vehicles on the street. Also, your vehicle may be plowed in with a snow banks. So, please do not park on the street when there is snow or ice.
Why are residential streets seldom cleared?
With the miles of streets to maintain and only two snowplows it is not possible to clear all streets. When you consider most of the network of priority 1 streets are to four lanes, plus turn lanes, you can see why our equipment is busy 24-hours a day, even after the snow has stopped falling. We make every effort to clear the lower priority streets when conditions allow.
So, now you know. I wonder, if we held an election right about now, how many people would vote some extra tax money to be used for buying another snowplow or two? 
The policy details above are from the city web site.
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