RANDOLPH COUNTY -- While most areas south of Interstate 70 experienced cold rain during the day on Tuesday, icy conditions hit parts of Randolph County.
Missouri Department of Transportation crews said they were in babysitting mode as freezing rain pounded areas of Randolph County near Moberly. Ten Randolph County MoDOT plow truck drivers were on the edge of a rain and snow mix.
During the daylight hours, a thin layer of ice accumulated on Randolph County’s overpasses and bridges. Crews melted that ice with salt and chemicals. MoDOT officials said they would rather see foot of snow than a quarter inch of ice.
“Snow, even when you plow it down, you have a little bit of traction," Regional maintenance supervisor T.K. Brenner said. "Ice is ice. It’s the same as glass. There is no traction. With snow, at least you can get some traction. You can get some abrasive mix down into the snow and kind of hold it where your tires have a little traction on it until you can get it burned off with the chemical. With ice, you can shoot it on there. If it’s cold enough, it’s not going to melt through and the first car that comes through, it is pretty much going to blow it off the side of the road, anyway where it’s not doing much good.”
Randolph County state troopers want motorists to slow down and allow for extra time when traveling in slick conditions.
“As the roads become slick, they sneak up on people a lot of times," Missouri highway patrol corporal Frank Riley said. "Obviously, you need to watch for the glassing and glazing on the highways. Slow down appropriately. The rain may turn to ice and you will be off in a ditch before you know it.”
Riley said it’s very important for motorists to have at least one car length between themselves and the driver in front of them. That gives you plenty of time to slow down and stop without crashing.
MoDOT crews will continue to work throughout the storm to make sure roads and highways are as drivable as possible.
For maps giving up-to-the-minute viewing of weather-related road conditions for major Missouri highways, click here.
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