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1. When do you declare a snow emergency?

A snow emergency is declared after a snowfall of more than three inches. Plowing starts on the snow emergency routes first and then goes to side streets.

2. What can residents do to help during a snow emergency?

There are numerous ways that individuals can help during a snow emergency. Help your neighbors and co-workers: check in with them, especially the elderly or disabled. Check to see if neighbors need assistance with groceries, clearing sidewalks, rides to work, etc. For everyone’s safety; stay off the streets unless it is absolutely essential for you to travel.

3. Can I park my car on the street during a snow storm?

Yes you can; however doing so will restrict the snow plows from accessing all areas of the street so please assist with the snow removal effort by not parking vehicles on city streets whenever possible.  In addition, cul-de-sacs are nearly impossible to plow when vehicles are parked in them.

4. Where can I get storm updates?

Local radio stations that may provide weather updates include -WBGZ 1570 a.m. (Alton, IL) and KMOX 1120 a.m. (St. Louis, MO). In addition, St. Louis area TV Stations 2, 4 and 5 do an excellent job in covering storm events. 

5. If I have a specific request for help or a question about local road conditions who do I call?

You may contact the Edwardsville Public Works Department at 692-7535 during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can provide useful information regarding local road conditions and can also help with any specific service request.

6. Should I be driving on City streets during a winter snow storm?

For everyone’s safety, residents are asked to only drive on city streets for essential travel as conditions permit.

7. How do I get emergency medical or police assistance?

Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Edwardsville Police Department at 618-656-2131.

8. Do I have to clear sidewalks around my home or business?

Snow should not remain on any sidewalk along any lot, house or building within the city for over a period of 24 hours. During major snow storms officials will be lenient regarding enforcement of the snow removal ordinance and sidewalks should be cleared as soon as possible. Listed below are the ordinances regarding snow removal:

• Section 74-114 - Removal from sidewalks abutting multifamily dwellings.
• Section 74-115 - Removal from sidewalks abutting businesses.
• Section 74-116 - Removal from private parking lots.
• Section 74-117 - Snow Deposits
• Section 74-118 - Failure to remove snow or ice
• Section 74-119 - Exemptions
• Section 74-120 - Removal in other areas

These ordinances can be found on the Municipal Code site.

9. What are the priorities for snow removal on City streets?

Priority Number 1 & 2

Priority 1: The primary objective and first priority of the City of Edwardsville Street Department during a snow event is creating safe passage for first responders. Priority areas include but are not limited to: Emergency routes, primary traffic routes that are maintained by the City, all essential municipal and public facilities, and school zones. Priority Number 2: Serves higher traffic arterial and collector streets not categorized as Priority Number 1.

Priority Number 3 & 4

Priority 3: Residential areas, subdivisions and recreational areas. The City of Edwardsville makes every effort to clear all roads within 24 hours after snow has ceased. Priority Number 4: Cul-de-sacs and alleys are typically cleared last and will be addressed on an as needed basis.

10. How many miles of streets are located within the city limits of Edwardsville?

The City of Edwardsville has approximately 174 miles of roads within our corporate limits.  Total lane miles (length that gets plowed) come out to about 381.

11. Why doesn’t the City have more equipment they can use to plow neighborhood streets?

Based on the frequency and number of snow events in a typical season, it is not economically feasible to own and maintain additional pieces of equipment that are designated for snow removal only. Our available equipment corresponds with the number of employees who are available for snow removal.

12. Why are front loaders and graders used on residential streets?

During the most extreme snow events, heavy construction equipment may be necessary to clear large amounts of snow or ice that has become hard packed to the roadway.

13. During major storms, the post office has not been able to deliver mail because residential streets have too much snow. What is the city doing about this?

The City responds to all requests from the Post Office and coordinates plowing in areas where mail carriers are having problems delivering the mail.