JEFFERSON CITY – With winter weather once again in the forecast, Missouri Department of Transportation crews are taking stock of the amount of materials already on the roadways due to yesterday’s snow storm and treating in areas where additional salt, beet juice and other abrasives, are needed.
Light snow and the potential for freezing drizzle are forecast to hit central Missouri intermittently beginning this afternoon and lasting for several days. Freezing drizzle can result in patches of black ice, which is difficult to see on the roads, so motorists should use extra caution if they do have to travel.
“Even a slight amount of precipitation can make for slick roads,” said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester. “We encourage drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their travels and drive for the conditions, which means lowering your speeds and keeping your attention on the task at hand, which is driving.”
MoDOT crews will carefully monitor road conditions and are ready to plow and treat state routes as needed. Motorists should be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first. MoDOT encourages drivers to remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:
- Slow down.
- Steer and brake gently.
- Accelerate slowly at intersections.
- Allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Stay back 100 feet behind snow plows that may be spreading salt. Do not pass snow plows even when on a multi-lane road.
MoDOT offers a variety of tools to help drivers get where they are going safely. The department’s Traveler Information Map, located at www.modot.org, offers the latest road conditions, as well as real-time traffic flow and traffic cameras that provide a view of traffic on the interstates.
MoDOT also has a toll-free customer service line which is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
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