Weather
Kansas Thanksgiving Travel: Why I-70 Road Salt May Not Be Enough
Topeka, KS – Kansas drivers preparing for Thanksgiving travel along Interstate 70 should know that a freshly salted highway can still become dangerously icy. When pavement temperatures plunge, traditi
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-11-11T19:28:58.813Z
Topeka, KS – Kansas drivers preparing for Thanksgiving travel along Interstate 70 should know that a freshly salted highway can still become dangerously icy. When pavement temperatures plunge, traditional road salt loses much of its melting power, while strong winds can push snow across lanes that maintenance crews have already cleared.
According to winter maintenance guidance from transportation agencies, conventional road salt becomes less effective as pavement temperatures approach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ice melting action slows further in the teens and single digits, although performance also depends on moisture, application rates and pavement conditions.
Why Even Salted Kansas Highways Can Freeze Road salt lowers water's freezing point, helping melt snow and ice. However, it cannot guarantee safe traction.
Around 20 degrees, conventional salt works more slowly than it does near freezing. Below approximately 15 degrees, salt alone may struggle to melt ice quickly enough to improve driving conditions.
That matters along I 70 through Kansas City in Wyandotte County, Topeka in Shawnee County, Salina in Saline County and Hays in Ellis County.
Other major corridors, including I 35, I 135 and I 335, can also become slippery during freezing weather.
Bridges, overpasses and exposed rural stretches deserve particular attention because ice can form quickly, while drifting snow can cover previously treated pavement.
Thanksgiving Travel Could Increase the Danger Thanksgiving falls Thursday, Nov. 26, bringing holiday travelers onto Kansas highways connecting the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka, Wichita and western Kansas.
If snow, freezing rain or rapidly falling temperatures develop during the holiday travel period, even treated interstates could become hazardous.
Strong winds across open prairie can also create blowing snow, reduced visibility and changing road conditions over short distances.
The Kansas Department of Transportation uses plowing and winter road treatments, but no method guarantees ice free pavement under every condition.
Before departing, motorists should check National Weather Service forecasts and KanDrive, Kansas' official traveler information service, for updated road conditions, traffic cameras and travel alerts.
The bottom line: Salted does not mean safe. Reduce speed, increase following distances and remain alert for icy patches and blowing snow, especially on bridges and during overnight travel.