The snow appears to be winding down, however, bitterly cold temperatures remain.
SPRINGFIELD – State police report slow-going on major roadways but only a handful of spinouts and crashes as the Friday morning commute got underway.
“Obviously, [the roads] are in poor condition but traffic is flowing freely,” said Trooper David Podworski, who is attached to the Springfield barracks.
The first snowstorm of 2014, which arrived in Western Massachusetts early Thursday morning, appears to be winding down. Bitterly cold temperatures -- CBS3 meteorologists forecast a high of 11 today and temperatures as low as 15 below overnight -- will remain in Western Massachusetts until Sunday.
Podworski reported only one crash, a spinout on Interstate 391, as of about 8 a..m.
“Other than that it’s been quiet so far,” he said.
State police on the Massachusetts Turnpike said a reduced speed limit of 40 mph remains in effect from Stockbridge to Boston. Tandem-trailers and propane tankers are prohibited. The agency posted a note to its Facebook page that reads: "Even though some roads have been plowed, you must take it slow. If you do not have to go out this morning, please wait until the plows can finish their job and then treat the road."
“It’s not too bad right now,” said Sgt. Timothy Sicard, who is attached to the Westfield barracks on the turnpike
“The roads are wet and slushy but things seem to be going pretty good right now,” said Trooper John Ruyffelaert, who is attached to the Northampton barracks.
Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee police reported no major issues as the Friday morning commute continued.
“It’s not too bad,” said Holyoke Police Lt. David Fournier. “There are no reports of any problems at this time.”
“The primary roads are fine and they are sanded,” said Chicopee Deputy Police Chief William Jebb. “They are working on the secondaries right now.”
“[The roads] are slippery and you should use caution,” said West Springfield Police Capt. John Ferrarini. “But, they are doing a good job on the main roads. Fortunately, it was a slow storm with plenty of advance warning.”
Richard A. Davey, secretary and chief executive officer of the Department of Transportation, using the department’s Twitter account, urged motorists to take their time on the roads today and said the extreme cold is reducing the effectiveness of salt on snow-covered road surfaces.
