MoDOT Braves Winter Storm

When St. Louisans woke up to a thick blanket of snow Thursday morning, the Missouri Department of Transportation had already been hard at work plowing the streets for motorists.

“Overall things have gone pretty well considering the large amount of snow that came through the area,” said Marie Elliott, community relations manager for MoDOT. 

Elliott said one of the biggest challenges was the fact that snow continued to come.

“There was not really a stopping point,” Elliott said.

Although the snow has tapered off, crews are still working. According to Elliot, MoDOT has a full staff of employees clearing the roads in preparation for the evening rush hour.

“It’s important to remind drivers that there is still some snow on the roads,” Elliott said.

MoDOT had more than 450 employees and 220 trucks available to plow and salt the roads in St. Louis. It focused first on plowing the highest-traveled interstates and regionally-significant roads, such as Lindbergh Boulevard, Olive Boulevard and Manchester Road until they are mostly clear. Less-traveled roads were plowed with attention given to hills, curves and intersections. Elliott cautioned drivers to watch out for MoDOT employees.

“Plows will continue to be out there and motorists need to stay back and give them room to work,” Elliott said. “Motorists don’t need to stay right behind them. Stay a few car lengths back.”

Motorists are encouraged to check out the online traveler information map at www.modot.org or call MoDOT’s 24-hour toll-free customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT before traveling.