Update 2:22 p.m. ST JOSEPH PD: South Belt Hwy is now open from Pickett Rd to Pear St resume normal traffic.

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The St. Joseph Police Department is blocking off traffic on S. Belt Highway near Walmart.

In a nixle alert issued drivers are urged to avoid the Belt Highway from Pickett Rd. to Pear St. due to an accident.

There is also a report of several lines down in the area due to the accident.

Police said they expect the highway to be closed down in that area until at least 2 p.m. due to the downed power lines.