MoDot Travel Advisory

February 26, 2013

MoDOT/Southwest Travel Advisory:

For Tuesday Afternoon, February 26

* Travel continues to be DISCOURAGED north of Route 160 through early afternoon as crews clear heavier traveled routes and then move to lesser-traveled roads. * Storm system continues pushing out of the southwest Missouri area. Weather Conditions: In southwest Missouri, snow fall totals range from one inch in areas south and east of Joplin and Springfield to 12 inches in Bates, Henry and Benton counties. Snow showers are expected to continue throughout the rest of Tuesday, Tuesday night into Wednesday. Travel Conditions: Drivers are being discouraged traveling across much of Missouri north of Route 160 through mid-morning into early afternoon. Less traffic and fewer stranded vehicles on the roads will make it safer and easier for snowplows to keep roads open and quicker to clear them once the storm has moved out of the area. Road Clearing: This morning, MoDOT crews are making good progress with clearing major roads as the weather system moves out of the area. Already, sections of I-44 and I-49 in the Joplin area and I-44 in the Springfield area are becoming partly covered to mostly clear. Crews in Taney, Christian , Webster, McDonald and Jasper counties have been able to move to lesser-traveled roads to plow and treat them. Crews north of Joplin and Springfield will move to lesser-traveled roads just as soon as the major routes are in a mostly clear to clear condition. Please be patient: Drivers are urged to be patient. MoDOT crews will work to get to ALL state routes by the end of the day today. Winter Weather Driving Tips: * Buckle up. * Adjust your speed to conditions. * Stay at least 100 feet behind a truck plowing/salting the road. * Keep your windshield and other windows clear to help you see. * Be alert for road conditions that may change as you drive. * Don't tailgate. * Focus on driving and avoid distractions. * Allow for extra travel time if you must travel. Road Condition Information: * MoDOT Customer Service: 1-888-275-6636 * MoDOT Traveler Information map: http://maps.modot.mo.gov/timi/