Most highways in Mid-Missouri, including Interstates 70 and 44 and U.S. Highways 63, 54 and 50, will likely remain snow covered when motorists head to work tomorrow morning, the Missouri Department of Transportation stated in a press release Sunday evening.
Missouri Department of Transportation crews have been out in force plowing state roads since Saturday night, but drifting snow caused by blowing winds, coupled with extremely cold temperatures, have made clearing roadways difficult.
"Driving could still be slow-going and difficult when motorists head out tomorrow morning, so they should allow extra time for their commutes and drive according to the conditions," MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur said in the press release. "We're working as hard as we can to clear the roads, and we ask drivers to be patient with us while we battle this latest winter storm."
While crews have been working around the clock, the bitterly cold temperatures make it difficult to treat roadways with salt and other snow-melting materials. Even in areas where crews have made progress, it's possible motorists may encounter slick spots where refreeze has occurred or blowing snow has covered an already-plowed roadway, the press release stated.
"We will stay with it until we can restore state routes to near-normal conditions," said Aulbur. "I would encourage everyone to be very careful, give our snow plows plenty of room, and check on road conditions if you do have to travel."
MoDOT encourages drivers to not travel if they can avoid it.
The latest road conditions can be found at www.modot.org or 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636).
MoDOT offers the following tips for driving in inclement weather:
- Slow down.
- Steer and brake gently.
- Accelerate slowly at intersections.
- Allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
- Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt. Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road.
- Be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first.