CHILLICOTHE — Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation – District 9 have been working through the overnight battling more snowfall, as well as blowing and drifting snow.

While pavement conditions on priority and four-lane routes are beginning to improve, routes throughout much of district’s northern and western counties are partly to mostly snow covered due to hard-packed snow and blowing and drifting.

Heavier accumulations are likely on second and third-priority routes, which are still mostly snow covered.

In Scioto, Lawrence and Jackson counties, priority routes are becoming clear, with some light snow and slush remaining.

Numerous locations of blow-ins are also being reported, with drifting snow occurring on all routes in Highland County and most routes in Ross County, including state routes 28, 138 and 207 where there is heavy drifting.

Blowing and drifting snow is also reported at spot locations elsewhere in the district, particularly on north-south routes in Adams, Brown, Jackson, Pike and Lawrence counties; minimal drifting is reported in Scioto County.

Crews have been plowing throughout the night, treating as needed and giving particular attention to hills, bridges and overpasses.

Motorists are advised to proceed with caution when traveling through flat, open areas, as well as in curves where snow may drift and cover plowed surfaces.

They are also advised to pay heed to bridges and overpasses, which are likely to freeze more quickly than surface pavement and are susceptible to ice.

Crews will continue their efforts to treat and plow the state highway system; however, motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution, remembering that conditions can change from minute to minute and from mile to mile.

While unnecessary travel is discouraged, those who must travel during inclement weather should allow additional travel time, provide a safe following distance behind other vehicles, and reduce their speed significantly.

Remember: Ice and Snow…Take it Slow!

It is also recommended that motorists check their local forecasts and road level emergencies posted by law enforcement before heading out.

For other road condition information, travel advisories and lane restrictions or closures due to weather or accidents, visit ODOT online at www.buckeyetraffic.org.