Ice storm makes for bad roads, long hours

By STEVE DANA
Collegian Staff Writer

The dangerous weather conditions yesterday forced the cancellation of the Campus Loop service, made driving treacherous for other vehicles and kept snow-removal crews busy on those roads.

"As bad as the weather was, and as bad as the roads were, we had less problems than we have had during other storms, mainly because there was less traffic on the roads," said Eric Bernier, Centre Area Transportation Authority service development director.

Despite the weather, the Centre Line and Town Loop ran on schedule.

The Centre Line routes serve downtown State College, Penn State, Bellefonte and other outlying areas.

"When roads are slippery, it is the other traffic that generally causes delays or problems rather than the buses," he said.

Although CATA buses have no specific features designed for snow, the sheer size of the buses, with dual wheels in the back, and the long wheel base give the them good traction and can provide for relatively safe travel over dangerous road conditions like those of yesterday, Bernier said.

No break from the bad weather or bad roads is expected in the immediate future as there is more freezing rain and snow expected today.

"We expect the road conditions to be treacherous (today) due to sleet and rain that will freeze to the roads on contact," said Mark Whitfield, director of the State College Borough Office of Public Works.

Due to yesterday's conditions, the Campus Loop, which is run by Penn State, was closed along with the rest of the campus.

"While it's an inconvenience for those who wanted to use the Loop, it is probably in everyone's best interests if the roads are unsafe," Laura Samuelson (freshman-biochemistry and molecular biology) said.

This storm has Public Works fighting to keep roads as safe as possible.

Clearing the main arteries is the first concern, Whitfield said.

Anti-skid material is being applied to these local roads for extra traction.

The salt is being conserved for the end of the storm.