MDOT crews out treating snowy roads

Jan 10, 2025- Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews are out in force today in north Mississippi as they continue to work around the clock to treat and clear roads and bridges affected by the winter storm. MDOT began pretreatment operations Wednesday morning in the northern and central portions of the state to help mitigate major travel impacts. Ice and snow has been reported on roadways in 31 counties in the northern portion of the state. Drivers are advised to use extreme caution when traveling in the affected areas and remain on high alert for icy patches and black ice.

With snow and ice widespread in northeast Mississippi, crews continue salting and plowing efforts as temperatures rise. Plowing operations are currently focused on the four-lane routes of U.S. 72, U.S. 45 and I-22. Once these are clear, crews will shift resources throughout the day to clear the two-lane routes as conditions allow.

In northwest Mississippi, the heaviest accumulation occurred in counties along and north of U.S. 278/State Route 6. Crews are treating roads and bridges affected with salt and slag, and plowing operations will continue throughout the day. Motorists in north Mississippi are advised to travel only if necessary.

Most central counties in the western part of the state are in good shape and remain open. However, icy conditions are present in the northern portion of Bolivar and Sunflower counties. Crews are plowing U.S. 61 and U.S. 49W in these areas.

For those who must travel in affected areas, follow these travel tips:

• Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
• Slow down. Winter weather conditions can create black ice.
• Buckle up and avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on cell phones.
• Allow more space between your car and the vehicles around you.
• Brake early and gently to avoid skidding. Never slam on the brakes.

While MDOT crews will be working to keep roads passable, sometimes conditions can overwhelm available resources and cars can be on the roadways for long periods. Here are some important items to keep in your vehicle just in case:

• Windshield scraper
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable cellphone charger and cable
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water and snacks
• Extra blankets

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit GoMDOT.com/winter. For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visit MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.