Boone County road crews using sun’s help to clear roads

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County Road and Bridge crews used the sun's help Tuesday to clear snow-covered roads.

"We have a full crew out there," Road Maintenance Superintendent Bryan Boyce said early Tuesday afternoon. "That includes eight motor graders that are clearing the gravel roads."

A 4:30 p.m. update on road conditions is available in the player below.

The full crew also includes 16 tandem dump trucks, two single-axle trucks and seven 1-ton trucks.

Boyce said Tuesday's sunshine helped activate the salt to melt the ice leftover from Monday's rain and snow, but a refreeze overnight Tuesday was a concern.

"It's always nice to have that sun to clear away the ice, but once it gets dark we'll have to watch for black ice," Boyce said.

While the concern of a refreeze is there, Boyce said the department is not planning to bring in a full nightshift crew.

"We want to get back to regular maintenance duties Wednesday morning if at all possible," Boyce said. "Our nightshift will be on call to respond to any slick spots if they need to."

Boyce said drivers should use caution on any shaded roads because the sun isn't offering as much help to melt everything away. Boyce said his crews hope to clear those areas before the sun goes down.

Check back for more on this developing story or watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.