MnDOT Expects Snowstorm Cleanup to Take Longer

The Twin Cities are getting hit with snow, wind, and cold temperatures. Snow hit the Twin Cities metro on Wednesday, creating slippery and even dangerous roads and sidewalks.

MnDOT snowplow drivers are racing against mother nature, working around the clock to treat the streets and highways as the snow continues to fall.

“Anytime the snow is coming down an inch or two an hour, that’s really challenging for our crews to keep up with because they’ve got to clear every lane of traffic,” explained Minnesota Department of Transportation Spokesperson Anne Meyer.

Wednesday’s snowstorm created a mess on the streets and sidewalks.

Crews have their work cut out for them. In the coming days, MnDOT workers will have to deal with high winds and blowing snow.

“The snow that we’re getting on Wednesday is light and fluffy. So, that strong wind is going to pick up that snow and blow it back onto roadways,” said Meyer.

Extreme cold temperatures will cause problems because the chemicals Mn-DOT uses to treat the roads don’t work as well in those temps.

“We do put an additive to the rock salt and the brine to help lower that freezing point,” said Meyer. “It is a slower process whenever we’re dealing with this extreme cold.”

In the meantime, officials are urging drivers to slow down, stay clear of the snowplows, and stay home if they don’t have to be out.

“The real challenge is that it just takes longer for us to get the job done, to get roads back in the clear. We want motorists to be aware of that,” said Meyer.

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