City of Joplin to use snow plows in residential areas

Because of the heavier amounts of snowfall and the need for emergency vehicles to be able to have access, the city of Joplin has announced it will change its usual procedures for clearing snow off roads. From the news release:

With 16 to 18 inches of snowfall on the ground due to the recent blizzard, the City of Joplin continues its work to clear the main arterial and collectors streets and will begin addressing the compacted snow along residential collector streets.


“The first priority is to clear the main roads in order for emergency response vehicles to maneuver safely through the City,” said Mark Rohr, City Manager. “As we complete the work on these roadways, we will start to move to the residential areas to compact the snow in an effort to create a path to allow passage in emergency situations.”

The City typically does not snow plow along residential streets due to creating large snow banks along the driveways and parked cars on these streets, as well as because of the significant number of linear miles of streets (approximately 400, in which 75% are residential) in Joplin. However, under this unusual circumstance, City officials have recognized the need to provide some effort to compact the snow to address emergency vehicle access, as well as to assist residents in moving out of the residential areas onto the main streets that have been plowed.

Public Works Director David Hertzberg noted that this work in residential areas is a new approach in addressing specific needs in the neighborhoods. “Our usual procedures are being adjusted to address the needs identified by this large snowfall,” said Hertzberg. “Because of the amount of streets needing to be plowed, as well as the freezing temperatures forecast, this strategy may take some time.”

“We do appreciate everyone’s patience in this effort,” said Rohr. “We do remind citizens to stay off of the streets, unless there is an emergency, to allow for efficient recovery from the storm and to allow for the safety of emergency response vehicles and snow removal. The main arterial and collector streets are partially snow covered so it is advised that people use extreme caution in the event that they must travel.”

Rohr’s statement refers to the Emergency Declaration by Mayor Mike Woolston. The Declaration remains in place, and gives the City Manager broad authority to provide directions and guidelines in such a situation.

Joplin’s Public Safety personnel worked throughout the blizzard assisting stranded motorists and other needs of travelers. Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts reported that 122 vehicles were stranded along I-44 on Tuesday, with JPD and other emergency agencies providing rescue assistance to the motorists and passengers.

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, Joplin emergency management personnel reported no injuries, deaths or building collapses had occurred in direct relation to the blizzard.