ODOT preparing roads for winter weather
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WOODSFIELD -- The Ohio Department of Transportation is working hard to ensure the roadways will be safe for travel when inclement weather hits the area.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook Wednesday for today and Friday for Belmont, Noble and Monroe counties in Ohio and in Marshall and Wetzel counties in West Virginia. The NWS stated that 1-3 inches of snow may fall during that time.
Ashley Rittenhouse, public information officer for ODOT District 10, said the department has had crews out since Tuesday pre-treating roads throughout the district with brine, a mixture of water and salt, ahead of the potential storm.
"It's a really cheap and effective method for keeping that snow and ice off the roads. It's a really important tool for us to use ahead of an event," she said. "No matter how much snow we get, our crews are ready for it. We did the winter readiness events all across the district in October to make sure that our snow fighting equipment was ready, as far as our dump trucks and loaders, and our folks are always prepared. No matter how much snow we get, we'll be ready to tackle it."
Rittenhouse said each of the county managers have been keeping a close watch on the weather forecast and crews will be out clearing the roads as the snow accumulates.
"The forecast is ever changing. … They'll call in crews as needed, but it does appear now that it's going to be a Thursday afternoon/Thursday evening event. So if we need to keep our crews after their normal work shift on Thursday and have them work through the night, we'll do that. We'll have them out there as long as needed to keep the roads as clear as possible," she said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NWS is calling for the majority of snow to accumulate from 8 p.m. today until 1 a.m. Friday. Rittenhouse urges motorists to drive slowly when snow and ice are present on the roads and give space to the crews clearing the roads.
"It does look like it could impact the Thursday afternoon commute, so we want people to keep that in mind as they are headed home from work or out traveling during that time to give themselves some extra time if they can do that, and watch for our crews when they're out there - they're pretty easy to spot with the flashing lights.
"Give them plenty of room to work, and keep in mind the snow plow is pretty wide. It can take up across the shoulder and center line, and they do travel below the posted speed limit," she said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also reminding drivers to be prepared for inclement weather and offering tips on how to remain safe on the roads.
Lt. Maurice Waddell, commander of the St. Clairsville Post, said in a release that headlights are required to be on any time the windshield wipers of a vehicle are in use. It is also recommended to always clear the snow and ice from windows, headlights and taillights of your vehicle before traveling, and to allow defrosters time to work.
"When driving conditions worsen, motorists need to drive carefully, be vigilant, aware and patient,'' he said. "Slow down and give yourself extra time and space to brake and turn. If you are stranded, remain calm."
If a motorist's vehicle breaks down or is involved in a crash, Waddell said to turn on the hazard lights, move the vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, remain in the vehicle and call #677.
The patrol recommends residents carry a car kit in their vehicle that includes items that may be necessary in emergency situations. He said the kit should include an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, blankets, cell phone charger, first aid kit, tow rope, water, and food for longer trips.
Also, checking to make sure a vehicle is ready for winter is important. The patrol suggests making sure tires have plenty of tread, check your battery and keep windshield washer reservoirs full.
According to the patrol, there were 14,724 crashes on snow, ice or slush-covered roads last winter in the state. Out of those crashes, 26 were fatal, leaving 33 people dead. It was reported that 24 percent of the crashes were due to unsafe speed by the at-fault driver; and in crashes involving fatalities, 26 percent were attributed to the driver going left of center.
For information on live road conditions, visit OHGO.com.