MCDOT Prepares for Snow Dusting Tonight

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 5, 2017

MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services (DHS) is preparing for this evening’s expected snowfall in a number of ways:

1.   Last night and into the early hours this morning, DHS pretreated more than 1,000 lane miles of primary roads in preparation for tonight’s expected snowfall. DHS sprays salt brine (a mixture of salt and water) onto roads, which reduces the snow’s ability to bond to pavement, making it easier to remove.

2.   DHS is pre-positioning snow plows along all primary routes at 4 p.m. so they will be ready to treat roads when needed.

3.   DHS is activating its Storm Operations Center at 4 p.m. to manage response the expected storm and it will stay open throughout the night.

Although only about an inch of snow is expected, it could begin during the evening rush hour, which in the past has caused major traffic tie ups. Residents are urged to keep an eye on the most current weather reports and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Residents are reminded that the County removes snow from its more than 5,000 lane miles of roads. However, the State Highway Administration handles snow removal from all numbered roads– which includes most of the main commuting routes in the County.

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Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Esther Bowring 240-777-7155