6:54 a.m. | U.S. 71 was reopened around 6:50 a.m., but drivers should still use caution if they need to travel in the area.
6:30 a.m. | U.S. 71 became a major problem spot as drivers began their morning commute.
The highway was closed southbound at Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and northbound at Swope Parkway due to several crashes.
Sorry for poor quality - but these two cars are in bad shape on 71 South. We just got out of a long backup. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/DmC9LizFpB
— Dan Cohen (@DanCohenTV) January 26, 2021
One southbound lane was reportedly reopened around 6:30 a.m.
One lane of 71 HWY SB is now open at Cleaver/Swope https://t.co/KB8XSzFEJD
— Charlie Keegan (@CharlieKeegan41) January 26, 2021
Drivers should avoid the highway completely if possible.
ORIGINAL STORY | Drivers around the Kansas City area woke up to some unexpectedly slick roads.
An overnight dusting of snow and below freezing road temperatures combined to make roads icy in several spots.
ROAD TEMPERATURES: We have freezing and below freezing roads out there this morning! Ice is creating slick spots and even some black ice. We had several crashes early this morning. Please drive safe.@41ActionNews @DaishaJonesKSHB pic.twitter.com/5SWxa18WzH
— 41 Traffic Now (@41TrafficNow) January 26, 2021
Road crews hit the streets in the early morning as the slick spots were discovered, with some spots having to be closed until they could be salted.
RELATED: 41 Action News live traffic map
Southbound 69 Highway past Interstate 35 had to be shut down around 3:30 a.m. to receive treatment and make it safe to drivers. It has since reopened.
Kansas 10 was named as another problem spot by the Kansas Highway Patrol, which reported several crashes.
Meanwhile, Kansas City, Kansas, police were working crashes in the area of I-35 from the state line to Kansas City, Kansas, and in the area of Interstate 435 at Interstate 70.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it was working several crashes on I-70 in varying locations.
CRASH: A MAJOR backup along I-70 WB at Adams Dairy Pkwy due to a crash. Take alternate route.@41ActionNews @DaishaJonesKSHB pic.twitter.com/3awux8Mt8O
— 41 Traffic Now (@41TrafficNow) January 26, 2021
Drivers should take it slow as they hit the road and be especially cautious of bridges and overpasses.
Some schools in rural areas canceled classes due to the road conditions.
