A semi jackknifed on the U.S.-131 expressway early this afternoon just north of the Martin (No. 55) exit and motorists are advised to avoid the area. The freeway was shut down from Martin to the Kent County line Thursday afternoon because it was like a sheet of ice.

And the freeway between the Wayland (No. 64) and Dorr (No. 68) exits was closed Thursday evening because of a semi vs. Jeep accident.

Authorities said road and weather conditions have improved from Wednesday, mostly because of the reduction of whiteouts.

However, roads are still slick and icy, according to the Allegan County Road Commission, which posted the photo of one of its vehicles getting stuck. Dawn Kerly Bos snapped the photograph of the traffic backup near Martin on the freeway.