Wet, wintry mix sweeping through SE Wisconsin brings dangerous road conditions

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Dangerous weather conditions are sweeping through southeast Wisconsin Wednesday, Feb. 22. The winter weather prompted some drivers to take extra precautions -- a move welcomed by the state department of transportation. 

Randy Hoyt, the state traffic management unit supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), says the DOT headquarters in Milwaukee is staffed 24/7. 

"Today we staffed up. We have other folks that are on call to either come in early or stay late if necessary," Hoyt said. 

Employees pay close attention to traffic conditions and incidents. They're ready at a moment's notice to alert the public to any delays or closures. 

DPW crews were also out in full force. They spent hours treating the roads with brine and salt trying to keep them drivable. 

While officials say they'd recommend people stay home if possible, they want drivers on the roads to leave a lot of extra room for the plows and salt trucks. 

"Big, heavy truck with 60,000 pounds on it doesn't come to a stop faster than any other public or private vehicle, in fact it might take them longer to come to a stop," said Richard Hough, director of public works, Walworth County. "Give the trucks plenty of room." 

"If it has an issue, it can come to an abrupt stop and if you're closer than 200 feet, you might end up hitting the truck," said Clement Abongwa, Kenosha County highway commissioner. 

We're told crews in Walworth County and here in Kenosha County will be working long shifts today, will get a few hours of rest and then be right back at work early Thursday morning.