JEFFERSON CITY – Many roads throughout the state remain snow-covered tonight, and the Missouri Department of Transportation is advising drivers to use extreme care if they must travel. In addition, refreezing could cause the potential for patches of black ice, and bitter cold temperatures are slowing clean up.
Multiple crashes have hindered travel on Interstate 44 in southwest and south central Missouri.
Motorists are urged to stay off roads tonight and monitor road conditions before heading out tomorrow morning. If you must travel, MoDOT officials ask that you allow extra time for your travels and slow down if you encounter slick conditions.
“Ice can be very deceptive because it’s hard to see on the road,” said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester. “It's called black ice because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, but it's actually clear. It’s easy for drivers to be caught off guard, especially if they aren’t paying attention and are driving too fast."
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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