Drivers Urged To Use Caution Over Concern About Slick Roads
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One day after the Philadelphia region saw hundreds of accidents and dozens of closures along major highways, drivers were being warned about the potential for more icy conditions on area roads.
Patches of black ice were reported on numerous side streets after moisture left over from Sunday's heavy rainfall froze overnight.
There were several accidents reported. Police blamed the ice for crash along Hickstown Road, between Peter Cheeseman and Sicklerville Roads in Gloucester Township, New Jersey where a vehicle slammed into a utility pole.
The ramp from Broomall to Southbound I-476 was the scene of an accident in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and another crash was reported on the Front Street on-ramp to Northbound I-95 in Philadelphia.
"We've had some reports of some refreezing in Bucks and Montgomery Counties," said PennDOT spokesman Gene Blaum. "We're focusing on bridges also. So, we'll be out salting, continuing to salt the highways as necessary until the temperatures rise."
PennDOT crews worked throughout the night salting roads ahead of the morning commute, hoping to prevent a repeat of yesterday. Three people were killed in separate multi-vehicle crashes along the Schuylkill Expressway and the Blue Route.
Officials were urging drivers to take their time, and to watch speeds and distances between other cars. Speed restrictions were in place along the bridges between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
There was also a warning for people commuting on foot or walking to bus stops. Slippery sidewalks and secondary roads were to blame for several falls in the morning.
SEPTA reported portions of several bus routes were suspended because of the ice, but normal service was restored to all by 8 a.m.