ST. LOUIS – MODOT and IDOT are monitoring the roads Tuesday morning amid the ongoing snow. The departments face unique challenges due to the extremely cold temperatures.
Both transportation departments are concerned that pre-treatment chemicals could worsen road conditions by causing snow to melt and refreeze. MODOT engineer Bob Becker explained that the cold could help keep snow from sticking to the roads, allowing it to blow off the highways. Meanwhile, IDOT is treating highways with chemicals but anticipates some problem areas.
“With these extreme temperatures, we’re not expecting a whole lot of sticking on the roads initially,” said Bob Becker, an engineer with MODOT. “We’re not treating ahead of this storm because we’re trying to avoid it starting to melt right away as it hits the pavement.”
MODOT and IDOT crews are actively working as the storm moves in, with plows seen on major roads. As the storm continues, both MODOT and IDOT are adapting their strategies to the frigid conditions, emphasizing caution for drivers on potentially slick roads. Drivers are advised to take things slow on snow-covered lanes to avoid sliding.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.