MoDOT official speaks on winter road conditions

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – As the snow covers the roads of the Heartland, Missouri Department of Transportation officials are warning travelers about the road conditions.

“Our customers have to understand that with these kinds of temperatures it will take us longer to get that stuff off the roads,” Tammy Hefner said.

Tammy Hefner is the Southeast District Maintenance Engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation. She said the winter temperature has made it difficult for crews to clear the roads.

“We’re in the single digits so we’re out there trying to use the abrasives, trying to use sand, trying to use a little bit of the smaller rock to help get some traction out there,” said Hefner.

As the snow continues, Hefner said drivers should give MoDOT crews space to their job.

“They’ll be out there in the middle of the night trying to get everything ready for in the morning for morning rush,” said Hefner.

She said that crews are ready to move locations if certain areas see more snow than others.

“Right now, our northern areas are not getting hit as bad as our southern areas,” said Hefner. “So if we need to shift crews, we’re ready to do it and we’ll do it as necessary.”

Hefner said people should have a full tank of gas and blankets in their car while traveling. There’s one important tip if you get stranded.

“At least if you’re staying in your car, that’s the safest place to be until the emergency personnel can get there to help you out,” said Hefner.

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