How are the roads? Wet, slushy mess remains after snow cleared on Pa., NJ streets and highways
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia region's first measurable snow in close to two years is putting crews to work salting and plowing roads around Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Major roads we observed were mostly clear of snow as the time approached 7 a.m. Trucks were continuing to de-ice roads as temperatures remain below freezing.
After 9 a.m., the snow began transitioning to freezing rain in many spots. Roads appeared slushy and as temperatures fall well below freezing this week any moisture on the roads has a risk of freezing. Use caution if you're out driving as roads may be slick.
Many schools closed or are opening with a delay Tuesday.
How are the roads?
Out on PA-611 just after 5 a.m., the snow cover was mostly gone but more continued to fall - remember to give road crews plenty of room to work.
Doylestown police posted about local roads Tuesday morning saying Routes 611, 202 and 313 are "mainly wet with minimal issues" while local roads still had more snow to plow.
Later we were on Broad Street in Philadelphia, which was slushy and slick. The road was passable but caution was needed.
Major highways are getting the most regular treatment this morning to ensure those roads are passable.
"They will be working on our roads all through the duration of the storm," PennDOT spokesperson Krys Johnson said.
Around 11 a.m., speed restrictions were lifted on all highways in the Philadelphia region, according to PennDOT.
Our first snowy morning commute in over 700 days! A messy drive with snow covered roads and reduced speeds across the board🚨 Take it slow, allow lots of time to get to your destination, and do not tailgate. Join us for the latest on @CBSPhiladelphia. pic.twitter.com/cEk8uvLoc0
— Chandler Lutz (@ChandlerLutzTV) January 16, 2024
PennDOT had over 130,000 tons of salt ready to go for this storm, Johnson said.
"We are recommending that you do not travel, but if you have to, our plow drivers are out there," she added.
Speed restrictions, conditions on New Jersey highways
Over in New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway is restricted to 45 mph and the New Jersey Turnpike speed limit is reduced to 35 mph.
The Ben Franklin Bridge from New Jersey to Pennsylvania looked clear but vehicles were taking their time getting across.
In conditions like these, it's a good rule of thumb to give yourself six car lengths behind the car in front of you.