JEFFERSON CITY – Freezing rain, sleet and snow are possible for most of central Missouri this afternoon into the evening hours, and the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to be prepared for the possibility of slick road conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to drop into the mid 20s to lower 30s by this afternoon. Roadways are expected to quickly cool and may result in icy travel conditions.
MoDOT crews will carefully monitor road conditions and treat and plow state-maintained bridges and overpasses as needed. Motorists should be aware that bridges and overpasses generally freeze first, so they should use caution, reduce speed and brake gently in these areas.
“We encourage drivers to stay off the roads, if possible,” said MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer, “But if you have to travel, we want drivers to be aware that even small amounts of precipitation can cause slippery roads.”
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. Drivers can also download MoDOT’s free Traveler Information Map app for smartphones in Google Play and iTunes stores.
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).