St. Joseph Streets Department completes phase 2 snow response after winter storm

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The city’s public works department lifted its Phase 2 snow emergency early Sunday morning after crews worked through the weekend to clear major roadways following the winter storm that began Saturday.

According to Superintendent of Streets & Infrastructure Jackson Jones, the last emergency snow route was released at 5:15 a.m. Sunday, marking the end of Phase 2 operations.

The phase, activated once snow accumulation reaches about two inches and is still falling, requires all vehicles to be removed from designated emergency snow routes to allow plows to clear lanes efficiently.

“Once we call for Phase 2, two hours later it is in full effect,” Jones explained. “That means anybody parked on the emergency snow route needs to move their cars. There could be a possibility they’re going to get towed.”

Crews began treating roads with salt shortly after snow started falling around 1 a.m. Saturday.

By 6:45 a.m., with two inches on the ground and more expected, Phase 2 was officially declared.

“We started plowing emergency routes yesterday at 9:15 a.m. and they were completed this morning at 5:15 a.m. a shift and a half,” Jones said.

He emphasized that plowing continues during snowfall. “We don’t not plow while it’s snowing.”

The process is more complex than it may appear to residents.

Trucks often run in pairs: one plowing ahead, another plowing and salting behind to prevent pushing salt off the road.

Jones noted that urban plowing is hard on equipment, as plows are often damaged, differentials stressed, and streets can sustain wear.

With primary and secondary routes largely cleared, crews moved into residential districts Sunday afternoon.

Jones credited experienced staff and refined operations for an efficient response.

“We have some rock stars out there,” he said. “It really impresses me to see how they can get a street cleaned up.”

The department continues to seek experienced CDL-holding operators, though entry-level positions are mostly filled.

Despite low temperatures, Jones said salt treated with beet juice remained effective, and sunlight Sunday aided melting. He called the city’s response “a very successful snow storm.”