MoDOT, St Joe Streets Dept prep for snow event

With a winter weather advisory posted for much of the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the St Joseph Streets Department are gearing up for snow removal and road treatment. In Northwest Missouri, MoDOT has almost 500 employees and more than 180 vehicles ready to work.

Kevin Schneider, The City of St Joseph’s assistant superintendent of streets and sewers, says their team is ready.

“The spreaders are loaded on the trucks and ready to go,” Schneider says. “The trucks are ready, they’re fueled up and plugged in. So, the guys have gone home but they all know they’re on call for Wednesday night.”

The first change motorists may notice will be on ramps, bridges and overpasses. Cold air is able to circulate above and below these structures, making them the first to have slick spots. Travelers should take their own precautions, as motorists’ winter driving skills may be a bit rusty. Slow down and make your braking or steering gradual, rather than sudden or extreme.

One of the best ways to prepare for winter travel is to check road conditions before you go. MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, at http://www.modot.org/, provides current road conditions for Missouri’s interstates and major highways. Conditions for these routes are color coded to give you the information you need at a glance.

For smartphone and tablet users, the Traveler Information App brings the same information to mobile devices. The app is available for free from iTunes or the Google Play store by searching for “MoDOT.”

Remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:
* Slow down.
* Steer and brake gently.
* Accelerate slowly at intersections.
* Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
* Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt. Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road.
* Be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first.

MoDOT also provides road conditions information through our Customer Service Center. Dial 888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak to one of their expert customer service representatives. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.