Roads in KC became slick even after crews treated them. Here’s why that happens
In preparation for freezing rain and drizzle Wednesday, crews from state transportation departments were out overnight treating roads to mitigate dangerous driving conditions.
Most affected areas Wednesday have been heavily traveled roads like the downtown loop in Kansas City, along with bridges and overpasses in the metro, a Missouri Department of Transportation spokeswoman said.
If crews were prepared for freezing rain, why did some areas still become slick?
Rain can wash away treatments for ice, creating challenges for state transportation departments. And overnight precipitation did just that. But some areas were more affected than others.
Elevated roads create a ripe environment for ice, even after roads see treatment, said Brooke Rohlfing, a MoDOT spokeswoman.
“Typically, bridges and overpasses are the areas that we struggle with the most in icy conditions,” Rohlfing said. “So it’s difficult, even though we treat them, you really want to approach those with caution. ... So that’s one thing we’ve been stressing this morning.”
Kansas City road closures due to ice
Rohlfing said MoDOT crews worked overnight and throughout the early morning hours Wednesday. Crews will be out throughout the day monitoring conditions and continuing to treat roads, she said.
As of 9 a.m., there were about 10 full road closures in the Kansas City metro, according to online MoDOT maps.
“It’s just a little slower going with all of the differences across the metro,” Rohlfing said.
Ryan McMonigle, a spokesperson with the city of Kansas City, said in a statement that city public works crews treated roads and bridges Tuesday and continue to monitor routes Wednesday.
“Crews will remain on duty until temperatures rise above freezing for a sustained period,” McMonigle said. “As always, we remind residents to drive with caution and stay aware of road conditions.”
Delaney Tholen, a spokeswoman with the Kansas Department of Transportation, said crews were out overnight putting down treatment to keep ice off the road as much as possible. On the Kansas side of the metro, on and off ramps to highways and interstates have been affected, she said.
“If you do have to travel this morning, allow yourself extra time. And really drive for the conditions with extra caution and slow your speed,” Tholen said.
Tholen said KDOT crews will be active throughout the day. They expect warmer temperatures in the later morning hours to develop rain instead of freezing rain, she said.
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 9:35 AM.
