Snowy conditions lead to multiple crashes in Kenosha County, plows continue clearing roads overnight
KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Snowy roads led to multiple crashes in Kenosha County on Wednesday, Feb. 12, including a jackknifed semi that brought traffic to a halt on I-94.
Plows got out early Wednesday morning, and by nighttime, traffic on I-94 was seeing a big improvement.
Daytime travel through Kenosha County was rough. This is northbound I-94 near Highway 165 mid-afternoon.
A few hours earlier, a northbound semi spun out near Highway 165, blocking three lanes of traffic and backing up travelers from the state line up. That stretch through Pleasant Prairie is no stranger to winter-related crashes.
"We're not sure why it happens there, to be honest with you. Whether it's the bridge overpass or what it is. Snow came down pretty heavy for a while," said Greg Boldt, Kenosha County highway commissioner.
Kenosha County's Department of Public Works got its full fleet out early. That's 40 plows and salt trucks.
"It'll be a late night. So, we have a second shift that comes in and then they'll work through the night and then we'll probably bring our other crews in early tomorrow morning," said Boldt.
As the first shifters were preparing to go home, we got to hop aboard one of Kenosha County's plows with Gene, a 28-year veteran.
"Started at I don't know, 8:00, when it started snowing," said Gene Bergles, snowplow driver for Kenosha County DPW.
He's a team lead for drivers who maintain the Kenosha area's state and county highways. They place a huge emphasis on the interstate.
"There's an art to it. You know, you have to start in the middle. You got to run that yellow line to clean it off, you got to watch for cars," said Bergles. "Plowing snow, throwing a little salt, trying to keep the roads safe. What I hear on the radio, the cars are driving too fast today."
With snow totals way down so far this winter, salt supplies are doing better than average, and that could translate into a cost savings by the end of the season. For now, the biggest focus is on keeping drivers safe.
"It looks like we got a little freezing something going on it's not snow," said Bergles.
His advice to all...
"Slow down take your time," said Bergles.