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I-49 Complimented For Clear Condition; Roads Refreeze Over Night

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KFSM) – Many drivers told 5NEWS they have noticed how much better the roads in Benton and Washington Counties are this year, compared ...

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KFSM) - Many drivers told 5NEWS they have noticed how much better the roads in Benton and Washington Counties are this year, compared to how they were last year following several winter storms.

Danny Straessle with the Arkansas Highway Department said crews started treating roads as early as last Thursday (Feb. 12.) He also said they upgraded their equipment, started early, and used straight salt this year, so road conditions were better for drivers.

"One thing that was noticeable, was last year when you got to [the Missouri] sign down here, coming from Missouri, it was clear,” said Lawrence Bruns, a Bella Vista resident. “From the sign, south, in Arkansas it was not so clear. But I guess something happened and they changed it.”

Michael Bines drives cabs in Fayetteville and Springdale. He said he had been out on the roads since 4 a.m. Monday (Feb. 16) and has seen conditions change throughout the day.

“It started out pretty terrible,” Bines said. “A lot of accidents, and slip-and-sliding everywhere. It got better throughout the day, and now it all started refreezing and getting back to the way it was this morning.”

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