Vincennes city officials are crediting a coordinated, citywide response following last month’s heavy snowfall.
City Engineer John Sprague said the cleanup required extended hours, with crews working 12-hour shifts to keep emergency routes open. He said the effort went beyond the street department, with city policy requiring department heads to maintain plow-equipped trucks so they can assist during major weather events.
“That approach allowed multiple departments to join snow removal operations,” Sprague said. “All of his department heads have three-quarter-ton trucks, and when the snow comes in, he says, ‘Go get your plows on and join the team.’ So Parks was out, Cemetery, Engineering, Inspector. All of his department heads have three-quarter-ton trucks for that very reason.”
Mayor Joe Yochum said he is proud of the work done by city staff, noting the challenges created by the total snowfall.
The heaviest snow fell Saturday night during the weekend of January 24. Sprague said once primary routes were cleared, crews moved into residential neighborhoods, with progress by Sunday exceeding expectations.
“By the end of the day on Sunday, when I left, we had the emergency routes opened up really well,” Sprague said. “Sunday night, the night crew came in and started on the side roads. By the time I came back Monday morning, I was shocked at how many side roads were opened up and drivable, passable, and in really good shape.”
Sprague said crews used recent sunny days this week to treat main emergency routes to help prevent additional icing.
