HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With dangerously cold temperatures and snow expected across central Kansas throughout the weekend, the Kansas Department of Transportation is urging motorists to stay off the roads unless travel is essential, warning that standard pretreatment methods are largely ineffective in extreme cold.
Nick Gosnell, public affairs manager for KDOT District 5, said road pretreatment generally is not effective when temperatures fall below 20 degrees. With wind chills dipping below zero and powdery snow forecast, pretreating roadways could actually worsen conditions by causing melted snow to refreeze.
“You might see some bridges pretreated, but road surfaces generally will not be,” Gosnell said during a Friday morning interview on BW Morning Show with Marc Jacobs. “The treatments just really are not effective when it is this cold.”
Bridges are handled differently due to their tendency to freeze faster, Gosnell said, but most KDOT roadways will rely on plowing operations once snow begins to fall.
KDOT crews have been preparing for winter weather since early fall, with all equipment tested and ready by Oct. 15. As the storm moves in, KDOT will shift to 12-hour plowing rotations, with crews working around the clock as needed, potentially through the weekend.
“We plan for this,” Gosnell said. “When a storm like this starts in the afternoon, our day crews go home at noon and our night crews take over.”
Gosnell said dozens of plows will be operating across District 5, which covers 18 counties and more than 4,200 miles of state highways, nearly half of Kansas’ total state-maintained roads.
While road crews will be out in force, Gosnell emphasized that motorists should avoid travel unless they absolutely must be on the road.
“If you are not in the group that has to go to work, stay home,” Gosnell said. “That helps everybody.”
For those who must drive, he urged motorists to slow down, allow extra following distance and give snow plows plenty of room.
“Do not crowd the plow,” Gosnell said. “Drivers flying past plows at near speed limits create dangerous conditions, especially with powdery snow and visibility issues.”
Gosnell also warned that motorists could face extended delays if they slide off the road, especially in rural areas. He encouraged drivers to prepare emergency supplies before traveling, including blankets, extra clothing, food, water and a full tank of gas.
“If you end up in the ditch, it could be a while before someone can get to you,” Gosnell said. “Fill your tank. That full tank can make a big difference.”
KDOT crews have been instructed to carry emergency “go bags” while plowing in case they become stranded themselves.
For the latest road conditions, Gosnell directed the public to Kandrive.gov or the KanDrive mobile app, which provides real-time updates using reports from KDOT crews and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
“It is the best place to find the most accurate information,” Gosnell said.
Gosnell said road conditions may not return to normal until Monday or later, depending on snowfall totals and how long the storm lingers. He encouraged residents to use the weekend to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“The best plan is to stay home,” Gosnell said. “Stay warm, stay safe and check KanDrive before you go anywhere.”