MoDOT adjusts
its practices to deal differently with each storm and tries
to return roads to near-normal driving conditions as soon
as possible after a storm’s end. But, because MoDOT doesn’t
have enough workers or trucks to clear every highway immediately
after a snowstorm, the department has set priorities for which
roads to clear first.
Priority 1: Roads with the
highest traffic volumes are cleared, or treated, first. These
include interstates and other major routes, which receive
continuous treatment throughout a storm.
Priority
2: Next to be cleared are the heaviest-traveled sections
of state numbered and lettered routes. These roads remain
a priority until they’re opened to two-way traffic.
Priority 3: Lower-volume, lettered or numbered
routes are cleared next. MoDOT pays particular attention to
school-bus and commuter routes. Traffic on these routes may
be impeded until higher-volume routes are open and clear.
Priority 4: Even after all the roadway surfaces
are as clear as possible, MoDOT’s work is not done. Workers
now must clean up the accumulation on shoulders, bridge edges
and at interchanges. This work is usually completed during
normal working hours.
For 24-hour winter road conditions on major
routes across the state, call the Missouri State Highway
Patrol at 1-800-222-6400.
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