The Massachusetts State Police have released data following Saturday night’s snowstorm.
In an email sent out, the data showed that State Police have responded to over 497 crashes from last night, which compares to 186 crashes last weekend and 223 the previous one. Alongside that, they also assisted 398 motorists, which also nearly tripled from last weekend. 17 of those crashes have resulted in injuries, a deduction from the past two weekends of snow.
As of 2:22 PM on Sunday, fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities from crashes.
A speed limit restriction of 40 miles per hour remains in place on the entirety of I-90 eastbound and westbound.
The concern is that saturated roadways could turn to ice.
Drivers who experienced those slippery conditions firsthand over the weekend spoke to Boston 25.
“Literally, the whole way back to Boston you saw crashes left and right.”
Ismael Pena describes a dicey drive from Springfield to Boston on the Pike Saturday night into Sunday morning.
As snow transitioned into a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and ice, he says a drive that normally takes two hours dragged on for six hours because of treacherous conditions
“It was scary at one point. There was one point I was driving my car went to the right and nearly spun out.”
Mass. State Police have also pointed out some notable incidents that occurred:
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Last Saturday night, February 15, State Troopers aided local police and firefighters in locating a group of stranded snowmobilers with children who became sick on trails in Rowe. Fortunately, they were located and all medically cleared.
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As of 5:30 AM on Sunday, the right-hand lane on R9 West in Newton was closed off due to a water main break. As of 1 PM, the lane has since been reopened.
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Around 9 AM, a tractor-trailer, carrying non-hazardous materials, on I95 North in Burlington struck the R3 overpass bridge, resulting in damage to the bridge and truck. MassDOT was dispatched to evaluate the bridge and determined that it was structurally sound, reopening the travel lanes by 10:30 AM.
Roads have been a main concern with this snowstorm, as snow transitions into freezing rain, causing ice to cover the roads.
“It’s terrible. It’s a lot of slush. Slippery roads.” Eschina Orcel of Winthrop said. “I’m just concerned about the ice on the road especially at night
Those concerns are especially being felt in communities dealing with flooded roadways like Route 9 eastbound and Olde Field Road in Newton near Chesnut Hill head where one lane was blocked to traffic because of standing water.
“Route 9 has been flooded out since 8 this morning… now it’s 5:30 and it’s still flooded
Paul Stein says he’s worried about dropping temperatures and the risk for drivers passing through.
“This becomes a total ice sheet and they skid across the road.”
On Wednesday, February 12, recent developments of rock salt and ice melt shortage in Massachusetts have arose.
The Department of Public Works has said that their supply situation is ok for now and added that they have received additional funds to purchase more resources.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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