Iowa Department of Transportation road crews continue working to clear the snow and ice off state roadways. DOT spokesperson Dena Gray-Fisher says crews have done well in difficult conditions.

Gray-Fisher says it has been a large challenge for the crews working 12-hour shifts around the clock. She says they’re exhausted after working in blizzard conditions and doing search and rescue operations for motorists.

Gray-fisher says the warmer temperatures are welcome. She says the melting will help get rid of the snow, but it will take awhile in areas where there are large drifts. Gray-Fisher says the closings and delays have been hard on travelers too.

Gray-Fisher says the DOT appreciates the public’s patience and says there’s some work to do yet. Gray-Fisher says calls about road conditions were so heavy, the 5-1-1 system used by the state was overloaded at one point.