Pocono News Section

Wintry Mix Causes Driving Mess

Wintry Mix Causes Driving Mess - Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:35AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009 @ 11:35am EST
LACKAWANNA COUNTY - It's been one big misadventure on the roads for many drivers. While conditions improved by late morning, it's little consolation to many commuters who had to head out first thing Wednesday.

"There's no damage. Just me," said Mark Burrier of Thornhurst who stood outside his SUV stuck in snow off the road.

Thornhurst Road turned out to be just too slick first thing in the morning. And in his predicament, it's a case of history repeating itself. "This is the second time in this same spot I've had this problem in the last 3 years," said Burrier.

And that means he needs some help to get out of this mess. "Well, I'm going to have to call Triple A and then I'm going to have to call work and that's about it. Just one of those days."

One of those days that meant an early call for road crews. PennDOT was out in the storm in downtown Scranton when it was just snow.

So was a taxi driver who knew it wasn't going to be a good day. "I've been in Old Forge. Very, very very slick," said Angela Matranga of McCarthy Flowered Cabs. "A lot of people sliding all over the roads. A lot of people being stupid."
And slick roads were only part of the problems drivers faced. Because of some downed trees and wires, there were also roads closed.

Drivers like Louis Ruspi were detoured on Montdale Road between Shields Road and Route 524 in Scott Township. He had hoped for a better fate by waiting for plows and a change to rain before heading to work.

"And then when this rain comes it kind of, like, slushed it out. But it's kind of making it worse 'cause it's sticking to the tires and so it's not really helping," said Ruspi, on a day many of us could have used some help on the road.

Montdale Road reopened after an hour or so. However, a couple of roads remain closed through late morning -- including Route 502 in Pittston between Trailer Park Road and Aston Mountain Road.

And I-84 Eastbound remained closed between Exits 5 and 6 to clear a 5-tractor trailer crash while a jackknifed tractor trailer left I-84 Westbound closed between the Milford and Lords Valley Exits.