RALEIGH – The following are highlights
from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are
also featured in NCDOT Now,
the department’s weekly newscast.
Winter Weather Q&A
North Carolina experienced its first big winter storm of the year
this week. During these events, we receive a lot of questions about how the
NCDOT prepares for and responds to winter storms. We thought this would be an
opportunity to answer some of those questions.
Why Does NCDOT Sometimes not Pre-treat the
Roads?
Our crews often treat roads with a salt and water mixture called
brine that helps prevent ice from forming on the roads at the beginning of the
storm.
To be most effective, the brine must be applied on dry roads when
the temperature is above 18 degrees. So, if the forecast calls for an event to
begin as all rain, the crews won’t pre-treat, because the brine would be washed
away. Interestingly, brine is about half the cost of rock salt.
When Will my Road be Cleared?
DOT is responsible for more than 163,800 lane miles of roads, so it
must prioritize which roads to target first. Interstates and U.S. routes are
cleared first because they are essential for connectivity.
Once those roads are clear, crews shift to N.C. routes, then
lower-volume primary routes, secondary roads then subdivisions.
Why Did a Snowplow Drive by my House With its
Plow Up?
Drivers have specific routes they are assigned, so the driver was
likely on the way to that route or back to the maintenance yard to replenish
salt supplies.
Can I Get Home?/How Do I Get Home?
The best way to get information about specific road conditions is
to go to drivenc.gov. There you can search by route, region or
county. You can also view traffic cameras and find links to other important
information.
What is Black Ice and How do You Treat
It?
Black ice is snow or ice that has melted and refrozen into thin
layers. Because it looks like a wet spot on the road, it appears black like the
pavement. To treat it, the department applies rock salt to aid in melting. Sand
is sometimes added to help increase traction and break down the ice.
NCDOT does its best to treat areas it knows are prone to black ice,
but because it is in isolated spots and forms quickly, it’s not possible to
treat every spot. The best way to avoid black ice is to stay off roads unless
you absolutely must go out. If you do, drive slowly and leave plenty of space
between vehicles in front of you.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Leaving space between vehicles is good advice anytime we have
inclement weather. Below are some important safety tips to keep you and your
family safe.
Staying off the roads during snow and ice is the best option, but
if you must travel:
- Slow down. Speed is the primary cause of wrecks in winter
weather;
- Approach bridges and overpasses with extreme caution as they
become icy first. Don’t apply your brakes while on a bridge;
- Treat intersections where traffic signals are out as a four-way
stop;
- Stay at least 200 feet behind active plows. This also allows them
to do their job; and
- Drive smoothly without sudden accelerating, braking or turning.
You can find additional advice on weather preparation by
downloading the state’s Ready NC app or going to ReadyNC.org.
For real time traffic updates and road closures, visit DriveNC.gov.