Road Conditions remain hazardous

Local police agencies throughout the Upper Peninsula are urging drivers to be extra cautious as hazardous road conditions continue to develop throughout the region.

On Friday, in Houghton County alone, two separate incidents sent four people to the hospital. A three vehicle accident left all three drivers injured.

A separate incident in Franklin Township involved a five-year-old boy who ran into the road. The eastbound driver struck the child as he was not able to see the him due to high snow banks and poor visibility. The boy was then taken to Portage Health Hospital. His condition has not been disclosed at this time.

Meanwhile, in the eastern half of the U.P., crews have spent hours clearing the roadways of Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties, including US-2, I-75, and US-77. The Mackinac Bridge had been closed but has since been reopened.

In the central U.P., M-28, especially between Marquette and Munising, remains dangerous for travel. Authorities warn of icy/hard pack road surfaces with low visibility and some whiteout conditions, particularly along Lake Superior.

Authorities are reminding motorists to reduce speeds and use extreme caution, and recommend expecting longer commutes and fast changes in weather conditions.