Community Corner

Area Crews Work to Keep Roads Clear

The evening commute could be a messy one as a winter storm is expected to slam the area into tonight.

Tell us in the comments' section: How are the roadways? Which roadways should readers avoid? 

Road crews are out in full force as nearly six inches of snow has fallen in areas hardest hit by today's winter storm. 

The Illinois Tollway has its full fleet out clearing major highways and will continue to use all of its manpower and equipment to try and keep the roads safe as the snow continues to fall, according to an Illinois Tollway press release.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Between seven to 10 inches of snow is possible with as much as 12 inches possible in some areas currently under a winter storm warning.

The winter storm warning is in effect until midnight for much of northern Illinois. Snow could fall at a rate of one to two inches per hour this afternoon and could make for a messy commute, according to the National Weather Service. 

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • READ MORE: Hourly Forecast for Palatine

As of 12:20 p.m., as much as 5.8 inches of snow has fallen in Rockford while five inches has fallen in DeKalb, according to a status update on Tom Skilling's Facebook page. As of 12 p.m., 2.1 inches of snow had fallen in Arlington Heights, according to the Facebook page. 

Roads on Illinois' Tollway system were reported in good condition as of 11:30 a.m. Some of the roads were wet with snow between lanes while other lanes were clear, according to an Illinois Tollway press release. 

“We will staff our full fleet of 182 plows system wide throughout the day as we work to keep up with this storm and ensure our roadways remain open for drivers who need to travel today,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur in the news release.

“However, while roadways may be clear, the safest option for our customers is to travel only when necessary for the remainder of the day," she said.

Since the snowfall began this morning, the tollway has helped 39 motorists in need of assistance, providing services such as changing tires, charging car batteries, dispensing fuel, calling for tows and transporting customers.

The commute home could also be a slow one for those taking a Metra train and riders should expect some delays. Metra posted the following notice on its website: 

"...please be advised that as always, we will make every reasonable effort to assure your timely and comfortable commute. Unfortunately, weather conditions beyond our control may create unanticipated delays or service disruptions. Depending on the severity of conditions in specific areas, your train may experience minor delays." 

For drivers traveling today and tonight, the Tollway offers the following tips:

  • Slow down and leave enough time to reach your destination
  • Do not make sudden lane changes and always use your turn signal
  • Don't follow too closely and increase your intervals between vehicles
  • Reduce speed in cash lanes at toll plazas
  • Remember to always wear your safety belt and ensure children under the age of 8 are securely restrained in child safety seats
  • Yield to snowplows and emergency vehicles
  • Don’t text while driving.  It’s illegal.
  • Dial *999 on your cell phone to report incidents

The Illinois Tollway’s Traffic and Incident Management System (TIMS) provides real-time travel times and roadway conditions via the Illinois Tollway’s website, www.illinoistollway.com, and on over-the-road electronic message signs throughout the Tollway.  In addition, the Tollway operates a toll-free telephone line to keep customers up to date about weather conditions on its roadways.  Customers can call 1-800-TOLL-FYI (1-800-865-5394) to get recorded information that is updated every two hours or as conditions require during winter storms. 


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