SNOW & ICE
Vincennes Street Department Snow Removal
The Vincennes Street Department utilizes thirteen vehicles in its snow fighting efforts: two salt brine applicators, 3 ¾ ton pickups, 2 one ton trucks with salt spreaders and plows, and 3-6 heavy duty trucks with salt spreaders and plows. The Vincennes Street Department has 25 designated snow routes divided into 5 zones.
During a snow event the Vincennes Street Department will first concentrate on the designated snow routes in each zone. Hills, overpasses, and bridges are also considered a first priority. After snow routes are cleared and passable for traffic, the street department will clear roads around schools and began to make passes through neighborhoods.
Designated Snow Routes
Route # 1- Washington Avenue to Brenda Drive
Wheatland Rd. (6th Street to city limits)
St. Clair Ave. (2nd Street to Kimmell Road)
Bruceville Rd. (Wheatland Rd. to Hillcrest Rd.)
Route # 2- Willow St. (2nd St. to 6th St.)
2nd St. (Willow St. to Niblack Blvd.)
Niblack Blvd. (2nd St. to Washington Ave.)
Red Skelton Blvd. (2nd St. to Oliphant Drive)
Route # 3- 6th St. (Vigo to US 41 N.)
Main St. (6th St. to Bauer Dr.)
Vigo St. (6th St. to 10th St)
Bayou St. (9th St. to 17th St.)
Route # 4- College Ave. (2nd St. to YMCA)
Hart St. (2nd St. to Bauer Dr.)
7th St. (Vigo St. to Washington Ave.)
10th St. (Willow St. to Hart St.)
13th St. (Willow St. to Ritterskamp Ave.)
15th St. (Willow St. to Hart St.)
Route # 5- Niblack Road (Willow St. to city limit)
19th St. (Main St. to Hart St.)
17th St. (Bayou St. to Hart St.)
Forbes Rd.
McDowell Rd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pre-treat?
This material is called salt brine. It is made by Street Department by mixing water with salt to create a solution of water with a 23% salt concentration. Under certain weather conditions pre-treat is applied to the city streets before a snow event. Pre-treat puts a brine solution underneath the snow reducing the snow and ice from bonding to the pavement thus allowing the plows to better remove the snow. Salt brine is most effective until temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
 Who clears sidewalks and driveways?
Both are the responsibility of residents and property owners. Residents should shovel snow into the yard if possible, not onto the street. Putting snow onto the street causes dangerously slippery conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. City crews try to avoid putting large piles of snow in front of driveways; however, this is not always possible.
Why do the snow plow operators plow my driveway shut?
It is impossible for the snow plow operator to plow the windrow from every driveway. Snow plows push snow, it is not a bucket with which you can pick up snow and deposit it elsewhere. To avoid having to double shovel, simply wait until after your street has been plowed to clear your driveway. If you must shovel before the snow plow gets to your street, shovel the snow to the passing side of your driveway (the left side when entering your driveway). The plow will be past your driveway when it hits the snow pile.
Other Helpful Tips
Do not park on snow routes during a snow event.
Please stay off the streets if you do not need to be on them. Traffic on the street increases the difficulty in plowing streets.
If you meet a snow plow on the street please pull to the side, giving it plenty of room to pass.
If you are following a snow plow please stay back a minimum of 75 feet.
