City Update: Emergency Cold Weather Protocols and Major Traffic Advisories

Code Blue Emergency Shelter Extension

The City of St. Louis has officially extended its Level 4 Code Blue activation through the morning of Sunday, February 1, 2026. Due to the persistence of dangerously low temperatures and sub-zero wind chills following recent winter storms, the Department of Human Services has activated more than 600 emergency shelter beds. These beds are available both day and night to supplement the city's baseline capacity. Public service officials have also confirmed that city-sponsored transportation to these warming centers will continue to operate through the end of the advisory period to ensure the safety of unhoused residents.

Health Advisory: Influenza Activity Spike

The City of St. Louis Department of Health has issued a high-priority advisory following a significant surge in influenza cases across the metropolitan area. Recent surveillance data indicates that Influenza A now accounts for approximately 97% of all reported cases, with a notable concentration of illness among adults aged 25 to 49. Health officials are urging residents to stay up to date with vaccinations, particularly those in high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Preventive measures, including frequent hand hygiene and isolating while symptomatic, are recommended to mitigate the impact on local healthcare facilities.

Ongoing Road Construction and I-55 Lane Closures

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds motorists of extensive long-term construction projects active this Sunday. Major work on the I-55 corridor includes the following traffic impacts:

• I-55 Southbound: One lane is closed from I-44 to north of Bates, with two lanes closed from north of Bates to Weber through early 2026.
• I-55 Northbound: Significant lane reductions remain in effect from north of Reavis Barracks to Virginia.
• Ramp Closures: The Virginia on-ramp to southbound I-55 and the ramps at Germania and Lafayette/Truman remain closed. Motorists are advised to utilize the Gateway Guide for real-time traffic updates and to allow extra travel time.

Administrative Notice: Unified Pay Structure Timeline

City officials have announced an adjustment to the implementation schedule for the new citywide employee compensation and classification plan. While the city previously targeted February 2026 for enactment, the revised timeline now sets an implementation goal for March 2026. This extension is necessary to ensure the plan remains sustainable and accurately accounts for mandatory pay parity triggers between the Metropolitan Police Department and city firefighters. The Department of Personnel is currently recalibrating the unified pay structure to reflect these public safety adjustments.

Public Service Reminders

• Property Assistance Deadline: Residents seeking private property assistance are reminded that the official application deadline is February 14, 2026. Applications must be submitted to the Recovery Office by this date for consideration.
• Civic Calendar: Municipal offices will remain closed this Sunday. The next scheduled public hearing for the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee is set for Tuesday, February 3, at 11:00 AM at City Hall.