Road crews racing against the clock before snow returns

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Crews are working to clear the roads of the slushy snow that remained on the roads Tuesday.

Columbia Public Works and Boone County Road and Bridge will have crews plowing overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Greg Edington with Boone County Road and Bridge said the snow starting to melt Tuesday during the day will help crews clear the roads.

"I think once we get pile all the slush off the roads we'll be in pretty good shape for tonight," Edington said.

He said crews put down salt during the day Tuesday to help break up the packed snow which helped.

Drivers still need to look for slick spots due to refreezing and should still expect snow on the roads in some areas.

"There's always going to be something out there, because it's still dry powder on the sides of the roads so I'm not sure what the wind forecasts are but there could be a few potential drift areas," Edington said.

The county will have about 11 people out clearing routes Tuesday night.

The department is down a couple of trucks because of mechanical issues and a crash, but crews are working around that.

"We've built in two floater trucks into our routes and we're going to use those to fill in two and then we're just going to have to tag team one route out of sixteen," he said.

Crews in Columbia were focusing on neighborhood streets Tuesday afternoon, but Ashlyn Sherman with Columbia Public Works said they may have to return to priority routes once snow returns.

Sherman said drivers could see slick spots overnight Tuesday and during their morning commute Wednesday.

"With extreme temperatures tonight refreeze is a definite concern. We always recommend staying home during a winter weather event if possible. If not, definitely expect slick areas tomorrow," she said.

Crews will be working to plow the roads and get as close to the pavement as possible so they can use sand to treat the roads.

Crews with the city will return to priority routes once the snow begins.

Sherman said the city is also encouraging everyone to move off vehicles off the streets, even if they are not on priority snow routes because it allows crews to plow more safely and efficiently.