Crews Respond to Hazardous Conditions on I-70 Near Salina
Salina311 spoke with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) to understand the current challenges on I-70 near Salina as crews, first responders, tow services, and KDOT teams work to address dangerous conditions. The winter storm has caused significant issues, including slick roads that even KDOT’s salt trucks are struggling to navigate and stay on the interstate themselves while treating roadways.
Current Focus Areas
Efforts are currently focused on:
- Westbound Near Ninth Street Exit (252):
- Crews are working to clear and salt this area to restore safe passage.
- Westbound Near Ohio Street Exit (253):
- Once Ninth Street is cleared, resources will shift to Ohio Street to address similar issues.
Next Steps
After Ninth and Ohio Streets are cleared, crews will:
- Move east of Salina to focus on westbound lanes in eastern Saline County, assisting with stranded vehicles and further clearing efforts.
- Transition to eastbound lanes, beginning near Ninth Street, then Ohio Street, and continuing further east as necessary.
Hazardous Conditions and Safety Advice
KDOT and KHP emphasized the severity of current road conditions, noting that even KDOT’s salt trucks are slipping on the icy interstate while attempting to treat the roadways. These conditions underscore the extreme danger of travel on I-70.
Drivers are urged to avoid the highway to ensure their safety and allow crews to work more effectively. Salina311 will continue to provide updates as crews make progress on clearing the roadways.
Stay home, stay safe, and let the professionals handle the situation. Roads will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.