Check road conditions before heading out
(KBSI) – Be sure to know the road conditions before you travel. Check out these links from transportation departments in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.
Freezing rain brings the potential for black ice that can create slick roads. State highway crews in western parts of Kentucky have begun pretreating routes and all are monitoring conditions to develop regional response plans to keep Kentucky highways safe. Drivers are advised to drive with caution and allow more time to travel on their Tuesday morning commute.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 Snow and Ice Team reports accumulations of ice across Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties have created hazardous driving conditions across the region.
KYTC engineers continue to urge drivers to limit their travel. Several rounds of a wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and freezing drizzle overnight have made walking and driving difficult on untreated surfaces.
District 1 crews were out treating and plowing on “A” Snow Priority Routes overnight, with most crews focusing on Interstates and parkways. Many “B” and “C” Snow Priority Routes remain untreated and therefore remain ice-covered.
KYTC recommends to avoid travel. If you do choose to venture out Tuesday morning, allow for extra travel time and reduce speed during the morning commute.
While a number of KYTC District 1 personnel rotated home for rest during the overnight hours, crews will be returning early Tuesday morning to ramp up ice-fighting activities.
KYTC District 1 is responsible for 2,835 miles of highway in McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, Fulton, Graves, Calloway, Trigg, Lyon, Crittenden, Livingston, and Marshall counties.
Additional rounds of wintry mix are in the forecast for the next few days, creating additional challenges for highway crews and travelers alike.
“Tonight (Monday) we’re expecting a wintry mix across most of Kentucky with the prospect for more precipitation to fall throughout the week,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “Our state roadway crews will be doing their part to keep roads passable and safe, but ice always poses a unique challenge to travel. Slick roads are likely, especially on bridges and overpasses that freeze faster than roadways. Please do your part to be safe by slowing down, giving yourself more time to get to your destination, and drive alert.”
Crews in parts of the state will brine high-priority routes ahead of the winter weather. Freezing rain and ice are more resistant to snow melting chemicals like salt and additive materials.
“Our crews and contractors are closely monitoring weather forecasts and responding to the threats this round of weather will bring,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. “While we’re not bracing for a lot of snow or ice, cold temps will make ice stick around which can cause slippery roads. If you see plows out, give them plenty of room on the road to work.”
While light ice accumulations are expected limiting impacts of widespread power outages and downed trees, motorists are reminded to treat any dark traffic signals at intersections as four-way stops. Crews are equipped with chainsaws to help clear roads of downed trees caused by ice.
Missouri:
Check current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones.
You can also call 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Illinois
- Illinois – IDOT Winter Conditions Map
- GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed to GettingAroundIllinois.com through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.
Kentucky
Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, safety tips and highway district updates. Download the free WAZE app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. The map also offers access to view live traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.
Tips on putting together a winter travel kit for your vehicle can be found at ready.gov/Winter. Snow Priority Route maps and additional tips for winter driving are available at SnowKY.KY.Gov.
Drivers are encouraged to prepare and to stay safe by following these tips:
- Alter travel plans to avoid driving during the peak of weather activity.
- Drive with a full tank of gas and pack an emergency car kit that contains essential items like blankets, ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit should you get stranded on the road.
- Winterize your vehicle. Check your car battery, tire pressure and tread, and brakes. Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in poor weather, so brake early and slowly.
- Pay attention to weather advisories and allow more time to travel for routine commutes. Expect delays.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing “black ice” – a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, such as using a phone and or eating.
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