Motorist Finding Some Slick Spots on Roads This Morning

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By By Jeff Raasch

Story Created: Dec 28, 2009 at 8:24 AM CST

Story Updated: Dec 28, 2009 at 10:34 AM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Commuters are discovering some slick spots this morning as winds blow weekend snow around.

Normal driving conditions have been reported on primary routes, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Interstate 380 in Linn and Johnson County is dry, but is mostly covered with snow farther to the north. Interstate 80 is also dry east of Iowa City, but is partially covered to the west.

In Johnson County, paved roads were being checked early this morning, and crews were expected to address gravel roads by mid-morning.

“There are a few small drifts and snow blowing over the road,” said Kevin Hackathorn, maintenance superintendent for the secondary roads department. “It’s normal winter driving conditions. You’re going to have some slick spots here and there.”

Hackathorn said none of the roads in Johnson County are impassable, but Dubuque Street between North Liberty and Iowa City is often a troublesome spot for snow blowing over the road. He said drivers need to be cautious, even if it seems like the roads are fine.

A caller to the KCRG-TV9 newsroom also reported drifting on Highway 151 between Fairfax and Walford in Linn County.

Linn County Engineer Steve Gannon said the snow actually helped provide some traction on gravel roads that froze after last week’s rain.

He said some snow was blowing onto roads Monday morning, but temperatures were low enough that it wasn’t sticking. Blowing snow shouldn’t be much of a problem on the higher-volume routes today, he said.

“The traffic will knock that stuff off,” Gannon said.

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