The Bloomington plows have been out since Tuesday [Feb 1] night, but they are facing a big challenge today. In fact 3-4 feet big challenges…snow drifts. The Bloomington Public Works Director said the plows haven’t been using salt, but now that the precipitation has subsided you can expect ice to melt.
“We’ve been working to get all of the main roads in passable conditions,” said Kevin Kothe, the Bloomington Public Works Director. “During the event we have no been using salt, expect sparingly. As far as residential streets go, we have gotten to a few. People seem to be out more today and they’re getting stuck and hampering our efforts to get streets plowed. We are spending a quite of time to get people out of the way in order for our plows to get through. If travel is not needed just stay home.”
Kothe said intersection getting overwhelm with some major snow mounts building up. This is because of timing and coordination between state plows and city plows.

Veterans Prkwy on Wednesday, Feb. 2
“An intersection like Washington and Veterans, the state is plowing Veterans and the city is plowing Washington…when the plows come through there is timing issues. People need to realize because of the amount of snow we got, those piles of snow that come off the end of the blade can be pretty deep. We have seen cars get stuck in that,” said Kothe.
Kothe said there’s a lot of snow in the bigger intersection, which is why there’s huge mounds.
On the city website, which is where the police update areas that are completed…that is communicated to the police by the drivers.
Cities has gotten reports of severe snow coverage in more rural areas like Colfax and Rt 136 near LeRoy and Bellflower and Rt 165 by Cooksville. These areas are dangerous, as 3-4 foot drifts are sending semi trucks into ditches.
Reports of semis in ditches along the route from Mainsfield to Champaign, South of Bellflower is reported to be impassable
Normal roads are reported to be more clear.
“People need to be aware that with these winds, it seems like we are going to be dealing with drifting. Rural areas are really drifting badly,” said Kothe. “Right now because of all the efforts to keep main roads clear. I think we got to about four areas. Weather permitting, we will get back at it.”
Kothe also said drivers do have to sleep as well.
“Our folks have been out…we have got to give credit to those on the front lines. Fox Creek, Hamilton, Fort Jesse, 6 Points Road…those are concerns,” said Kothe.