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Road crews try to stay ahead of next snow, deep freeze

Posted at 4:25 PM, Jan 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-23 16:26:29-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Wednesday afternoon's commute is easier than Tuesday's, which was slowed by freezing rain, but we're not out of the woods yet.

Freezing temperatures are moving into the area, turning much of the rain and slush from earlier today into ice.

Road commission crews were out Wednesday trying to catch up on plowing and getting roads cleared before everything iced up.

Eric Scott, the superintendent of the Muskegon County Road Commission, told FOX 17 that they are in a "continuous event," meaning Thursday's crews were scheduled to come in at 2:00 a.m. The night shift was also early, so there is 24-hour coverage.

"We adjust to every storm. We are in constant communication with the National Weather Service and we adjust for every storm," Jerry Byrne, director of maintenance at the Kent County Road Commission said. "We kept the day crew later than normal, because we had freezing rain. Then, we gave direction to the night crew; we changed up a little bit to adjust."

With a storm of this magnitude containing all types of frozen precipitation, road crews have been in a constant state of adjustment, trying to figure out the best course of action to keep drivers safe and clear the roads before a likely re-freeze.

As temperatures drop Wednesday night, main roads were treated, but residential and secondary roads will likely become increasingly slick.

Crews will continue with their plans, unless conditions change. The next change is expected Thursday afternoon with more snow, and then another deep freeze this weekend.