TOPEKA (KSNT) – Winter weather continues to impact travel across northeast Kansas, but ongoing efforts by the Kansas Department of Transportation are helping keep major roadways as safe as possible.
KDOT crews were deployed overnight and have continued operations around the clock to maintain drivable conditions. On Jan. 24, KDOT crews focused on plowing rather than treating highways, as extreme cold keeps snow from melting, decreasing the risk of ice formation.
David Studebaker, a highway maintenance superintendent with KDOT who has worked with the department for more than 20 years, says the work is about more than just clearing roads.
“I like to provide the service that KDOT provides and to provide a security blanket of sorts for the public,” Studebaker said. “I am just one person in an army of people it takes to do what we do every single day.”
KDOT officials say crews will begin treating highways once snowfall and precipitation have ended. Even though air temperatures may remain below freezing for several days, sunshine and warmer ground temperatures are expected to help crews clean up remaining snow. It will take time, and Studebaker asks the public to be understanding.
“It just takes some patience,” Studebaker said. “Everybody that’s out there needs to understand it just takes a little bit of time. And we’re going to make the roads back to normal as quickly as we can.”
Snow wraps up early tonight with clearer conditions expected for Sunday
In the meantime, Studebaker emphasized slowing down and allowing extra time on the road.
“Biggest thing you can do is slow down,” Studebaker told 27 News. “Give yourself a few extra minutes. Understand that your stopping distance is probably two or three times, in certain circumstances, of what it would normally be, so allow for that.”
Temperatures are expected to rise by Tuesday, which could improve road conditions. However, KDOT cautions that the cold weather makes it difficult to predict exactly when all roads will be fully cleared.
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