MoDOT: Travel should not be impacted by weekend weather

Most mid-Missouri roads remained clear on Saturday as winter weather moved through the area. The roads are expected to remain clear throughout the weekend, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

“The weather forecast looks pretty reasonable for traveling,” said Jason Shafer, district maintenance engineer for MoDOT.

Shafer said Sundays are typically one of the more popular travel days, even without an NFL game in Kansas City. But MoDOT has a plan in case areas in the state get bad weather.

“If we get any freezing rain tonight, we’re going to have crews out treating to minimize the amount that drivers should experience,” he said. “However, if it is cold and it is rainy and freezing, people just need to slow down and give themselves plenty of extra time.”

University of Missouri Health Care officials said they have not seen any weather-related injuries in the past 24 hours.

Shafer said he wants to keep it that way and that drivers should only go out if they absolutely need to.

“Really question the necessity of the trip,” he said.

Columbia Public Works said it was sending workers home for the weekend. However, the office is keeping workers on standby in case road conditions become worse.

As of 11am, all City plow crews have gone home for the weekend but remain on standby. PW engineers continue to monitor the forecast/current conditions. Cautious driving this weekend on all roads advised as spotty slick spots in some locations may arise.https://t.co/5oYbOwvAkI pic.twitter.com/XsYd0eZTQ3

— Columbia Pub Works (@pub_works) January 19, 2019

Drivers can check the MoDOT traveler map for road conditions before heading out on the roads this weekend.