Huntsville Police Department issued a safety reminder to drivers this morning after a barricade placed on an access ramp to Memorial Parkway was destroyed.

“Barricades are here to protect you,” reads a release the department posted to its Facebook page.

“We understand road closures can be frustrating, but they are put in place for your safety and the safety of others.”

“…Someone ignored the warning, endangering themselves and others by accessing a road closed due to hazardous driving conditions.”

The post reminded drivers that “moving or destroying barricades not only puts lives at risk but also violates the law.”

“Let’s work together to keep everyone safe,” it reads.

“Please respect the closures and avoid dangerous areas.”

As of 9:36 a.m. the barricades along Memorial Parkway have been removed, according to Huntsville police.

In a briefing on road conditions Saturday morning, Police Chief Kirk Giles advised drivers to “obey the barricades when you see them.”

“We know everyone is getting stir crazy, but roads are slick and sidewalks are slippery,” he said.

“…Tomorrow might be a better day to get out and about.”

But Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Birdwell advised drivers to be cautious in the coming days, as subzero temperatures forecast for tonight could lead to more black ice Sunday morning.

This story was updated on Jan. 11, 2025, at 11:10 a.m. to include additional details from this morning’s briefing.