SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Jan. 20, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The latest winter storm is causing headaches for Utah drivers.
Semis driving both directions on Interstate 80 in Parley’s Canyon are now required to have tire chains or four-wheel drive, and earlier Wednesday morning that requirement was in place for all vehicles.
The same is true for both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
UPD Canyon Alerts tweeted Wednesday morning Little Cottonwood will close from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for avalanche control.
Utah Department of Transportation representative John Gleason said if motorists can delay travel until around 11 a.m. the roads should be clearer.
“The precipitation should be letting up around 10 or 11 a.m.,” Gleason said. “We are going to see the majority fall in the next couple of hours. If people have optional trips, it would give plows a chance to clear the roads.
“When snow falls during the morning commute, plows are slowed down too and the traffic backup makes it difficult for plows to clear snow from the canyon.”
UDOT also reported numerous crashes in the Salt Lake Valley, and drivers are advised to avoid the freeway, if they can.
“The roads are wet in the valley, but the real areas of concern at this point are Parley’s Canyon and Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons,” Gleason said.
To check current weather conditions click here.
