Pettis County is making history as the first county in the nation to implement state-of-the-art snow removal technology, just in time for the season's first major winter storm.

With heavy snowfall and icy conditions expected this weekend, the county’s road crews are equipped with an innovative GPS-based system designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and communication during snow removal operations.

“This weekend, Pettis County is ready for the anticipated winter weather,” said Eastern Commissioner Israel Baeza. “Our crews have been preparing by outfitting vehicles with new technology, including adding plows to smaller pickups to better reach subdivisions and tight areas. We're also launching a GPS system that not only ensures our drivers' safety but provides the public with updates on road conditions and plow progress.”

Pettis Co Commission
Pettis Co Commission
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Revolutionizing Snow Removal
The newly implemented technology offers:

• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Residents can track which roads have been plowed and view current road conditions online.
• Data Collection: Crews will use the system to monitor routes, track salt usage, and analyze operational efficiency.
• Turn-by-Turn Guidance: The GPS feature ensures no routes are missed, streamlining the plowing process for both new and experienced drivers.
•Optimized Routing: Supervisors can reallocate vehicles to assist with incomplete routes, minimizing delays and maximizing coverage.

“By using this technology, we can adjust routes, address problem areas more efficiently, and provide updates to the public,” Baeza explained. “It’s all about improving service for our residents while using resources more effectively.”

Pettis Co Commission
Pettis Co Commission
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To ensure roads remain clear throughout the storm, Pettis County has expanded its snow removal operations, ensuring a second shift to provid continuous coverage. This will prepare them to handle the challenging conditions predicted by the National Weather Service.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Pettis County from 6 p.m. Saturday, January 4, through 3 a.m. Monday, January 6. Forecasts predict 4 to 13 inches of snow and up to a third of an inch of ice, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions.

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Residents can monitor real-time snow removal progress on the County of Pettis Facebook page. For state highway conditions, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s traveler information site at traveler.modot.org.

“This groundbreaking system is just another way Pettis County is leading the way,” said Baeza. “We’re proud to be a proving ground for this technology and look forward to serving our community better than ever.”

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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