SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Drivers across the Ozarks experienced their first winter driving conditions of the season Monday as MoDOT crews worked to clear roads during the season’s first snowstorm.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said the storm went smoothly for snow removal operations, but crews face a new challenge this year with the construction zone along Interstate 44.

“Very busy day,” said Jimmy Shannon, district maintenance engineer for MoDOT. “A lot of prep work leading up to this through the holiday weekend.”

Shannon said one of MoDOT’s most significant challenges this year involves shifted and split traffic patterns on I-44. The two westbound lanes are divided, with the left lane creating what Shannon calls a narrow chute with little room for a plow.

“It adds a challe

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