State Police Warn about Treacherous Joliet Road Spots

Illinois State Police District 5 has issued driver warnings about particularly treacherous sections of interstates because of the subzero temperatures and the buildup of ice, including the Des Plaines River bridge in Joliet.

The stretch of Interstate 55 area from Interstate 355 to Dwight Road is particularly bad, with the worst spots being in the Route 53 area, at Route 126 and the point at with I-55 and I-80 meet, according a news release.

Also, they warn about the stretch of Interstate 80 from Harlem Avenue to LaSalle Road. The worst spots are between the U.S. 30 and Larkin Road exits, the area near the LaGrange Road exit and the Des Plaines River Bridge in Joliet.

Officials urged anyone who doesn't have to drive to stay home, and urged extra caution while driving because of the low temperatures and heavy winds, which are blowing snow.

The news release said:

"Please use extra caution if on the roadways today. Also, remember to slow down, and change lanes away from all emergency vehicles conducting duties with their emergency lights activated. We are asking motorist not to drive today unless it is absolutely necessary. The excessively low temperatures and heavy winds are causing snow drifts across the roadways, making the roadways extremely dangerous for travel.

"Also, if motorist decide to drive during these conditions, we ask that they please drive cautiously and have warm clothing, food and water, in their vehicle in case they become stranded.  Due to the amount of crashes throughout the night and those occurring at this time, it is unknown how long motorist will be stranded before emergency personnel can assist them.  We are doing our best to attend to all stranded motorists as quickly as possible."