The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that following Saturday's winter storm, motorists should expect difficult travel conditions today, tonight and during the Monday morning commute. Travel with reduced speeds, especially on untreated surfaces, is strongly encouraged.
Heavy snowfall yesterday combined with limited salt application to conserve the state's reserves has resulted in residual snow and ice on our roads. While most highways are clear, some state roads and a number of secondary roads may have slippery conditions. Many local roads are also snow covered.
The R.I. Emergency Management Agency has been working closely with RIDOT, local emergency managers and departments of public works to monitor salt supplies given the ongoing regional and national salt shortage. This recent storm has again put a strain on all resources.
RIDOT crews and vendors will be out today scraping off packed snow and applying sand for traction. With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing tonight, roads likely will refreeze and create hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, black ice is likely due to snow melt freezing tonight. RIDOT expects these conditions to continue into Monday.
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Contact: Rose Amoros 401-222-1362 x4450