Dangerous Cold and Icy Patches: Commute with Caution This Tuesday, Jan 27

Commuter Advisory: Navigating the Frigid Aftermath of the St. Louis Winter Storm

Following a significant winter storm that dumped over 10 inches of snow on the metro area this past weekend, commuters in St. Louis are facing a challenging Tuesday morning. While major highways have been treated by MoDOT crews, the extreme cold—with wind chills plunging toward -20°F—means that any lingering moisture has turned to dangerous ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Visibility is improved, but road surfaces remain unpredictable.

City Services and Delays

The City of St. Louis has announced that non-essential government offices will remain closed until 11:00 a.m. today, Tuesday, January 27. This includes the Municipal Court, where all sessions for the day have been canceled to minimize travel during the most dangerous hours of the morning. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is attempting to return to normal operating hours; however, travelers are strongly urged to check their flight status before heading out, as delays continue to ripple through the system due to the persistent arctic air affecting aircraft maintenance and ground operations.

Public Transit Alerts

Metro Transit is operating under significant weather-related delays. MetroBus is currently utilizing its "Snow Route" protocols for several high-traffic lines, including the #1 Main Street-State Street, #30 Arsenal, and #41 Lee. Riders should expect longer-than-usual wait times and are encouraged to use the Transit app for real-time bus locations. On the MetroLink, minor delays are reported across the board. Be aware that service modifications may continue into the evening. Equipment protection measures for the extreme cold may result in shortened routes or reduced frequency on the Blue Line corridor between Shrewsbury and Forest Park-DeBaliviere.

Highway Construction and Roadworks

• I-55 Corridor: Ongoing construction continues to impact southbound lanes from I-44 to Weber Road. Expect lane restrictions and potential bottlenecking as plows navigate these narrow work zones where barriers limit maneuvering space.
• I-270 Projects: In North County, lanes remain narrowed between I-64 and Olive Boulevard. Drivers should also note that the westbound exit ramp to Riverview Drive and the on-ramp from Riverview to westbound I-270 remain closed as part of the ongoing interchange reconstruction.
• I-44 Repairs: Scheduled pavement repairs between Kingshighway and 39th Street are currently on hold due to the cold, but lane closures may resume if temperatures stabilize, impacting the eastbound morning rush.

Commuter Safety Tips

If you must travel today, ensure your vehicle is winterized and that you have a full tank of gas to prevent fuel line freeze-ups. Carry an emergency kit with blankets, gloves, and a portable charger. Give MoDOT salt trucks and snowplows at least 100 feet of space to operate. Remember that at temperatures near zero, road salt becomes significantly less effective; even if a road looks clear, it may still be slick. Allow for double the normal braking distance when approaching intersections.