City prepares for winter

Although it's something we don't want to think about, slick, snow- and ice-covered streets are inevitable in northwest Missouri in the winter months.

Most residents of the City of Maryville are aware that certain streets have been set aside as emergency snow routes. These specific streets are key to the city's snow removal strategy while maintaining safe routes for emergency vehicles.

Public Works Director Greg Decker said the emergency snow routes are the primary targets for snow removal during heavy snows and slick conditions. These routes will be the first to receive treatment for such conditions when it is deemed necessary by the city.

In the case of a snow or ice storm, an Emergency Snow Ordinance notice may be issued. In such a case, the notice will be publicly addressed on local radio stations and through break-ins on the local cable service.

If such a situation should arise, residents who live on emergency snow routes are asked to remove vehicles from the street. Removal of vehicles from these streets allows crews to quickly remove all the snow from a street, which in turn allows for a safer route for emergency vehicles when needed.

An updated map of the city streets with snow routes highlighted is available by going to the city's Website at www.maryville.org or by stopping in at the Public Works Office at City Hall.

Decker said vehicles remaining along the streets designated as emergency snow routes will be in danger of being blocked in after the snow plow goes through.

"We generally plow around the cars along those streets, which of course can cause them to be blocked in by the snow," Decker said. "If there is an emergency such as a fire or something where we have to get through, we will be forced to tow the vehicle."

The city further prepares for wintery streets by purchasing road salt throughout the year as it becomes available. Prior to the beginning of the winter season, the city is most generally equipped with a maximum capacity of 350 tons of the salt.

This year the salt has not been readily available for the city to purchase. Requested deliveries have either not been made or requests for salt have been denied by the supplier.
Cost is yet another factor in the preparation for winter. In summer 2007, the city paid an average of $47 per ton for the road salt. At this time –– when it is available –– the cost is more than $95 per ton.

The city hopes to have enough road salt for the winter season,  but will have to be more conscious of its use. While the city will take every step to ensure the streets are safe for vehicle travel, crews will be using rock salt more sparingly than in past seasons.
Decker said he hopes those driving during the winter season will be mindful of slick conditions and take extra time and use caution when traveling throughout the city this winter.

Those streets designated as emergency snow routes include:
•  Jenkins Street from Buchanan Street to Market Street;
•  1st Street from Buchanan Street to Depot Street;
•  2nd Street from Fillmore Street to Vine Street;   
•  3rd Street from Fillmore Street to Vine Street;
•  4th Street from Dunn Street to Vine Street;
•  5th Street from Fillmore Street to Vine Street;
•  6th Street from Fillmore Street to Vine Street;
•  7th Street from Depot Street to four hundred fifteen (415) feet west of Walnut Street;
•  Fillmore Street from 2nd Street to 7th Street;
•  Buchanan Street from Lincoln Street to 7th Street;
•  Vine Street from 1st Street to 5th Street;
•  College Avenue from Dunn Street to Country Club Road;
•  Prather Avenue from Walnut Street to North College Drive;
•  Edwards Street from Munn Street to Laura Street;
•  Halsey Street from Laura Street to Depot Street;
•  Lincoln Street from Main Street to Walnut Street;
•  Country Club Drive from 1st Street to College Avenue;
•  Munn Avenue from College Drive to Route V;
•  Market Street from South Avenue to 7th Street;
•  North College Drive from 16th Street to Northwest Missouri State University;
•  Laura Street from 7th Street to Halsey Street;
•  Depot Street from 1st Street to Halsey Street;
•  Davis Street from Edwards Street to 7th Street;
•  Market Street from South Avenue to 7th Street;
•  Main Street, in its entirety;
•  South Avenue, in its entirety;
•  Walnut Street from Lincoln Street to South Avenue.