ODOT Preparing Central Ohio for First Measurable Snow Storm

Drivers Reminded in Ice and Snow…Take it Slow

Delaware  (Friday, December 18, 2009) – Even before the first flakes fall, ODOT crews have been busy preparing Central Ohio roadways, ramps and bridges to make sure they are safe and passable.

According to weather forecasters, last minute holiday shopping this weekend may be a little tricky due to an intensifying storm moving into Ohio that could bring cold, wet weather – including ice and snow.

That’s why ODOT crews in Delaware, Fayette, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties began pre-treating roads, ramps and bridges with brine, a water-salt solution earlier this week. Once applied to the road, the water evaporates leaving a salt powder which starts working as soon as conditions are right for ice and snow to form. Video of ODOT crews pre-treating I-270 on the Northwest side of Franklin County and State Route 161 on the northeast side of Franklin County can be found by logging on to www.dot.state.oh.us/dist6.

ODOT will continue to monitor forecasts throughout the weekend and are prepared to call in snow plow drivers regardless of the day and time.

This winter, motorists in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo can also follow ODOT on Twitter. Designed to give motorists updated information before they leave their home or office, these “tweets”- short, bite-sized updates sent via Twitter.com- will let drivers know when icy or snowy conditions impact travel on interstates and major highways or when a winter-related accident causes major traffic delays.

Drivers can also log onto www.BuckeyeTraffic.org, ODOT’s premier website to get up-to-the-minute highway information on road and weather conditions, road closures, highway patrol accident updates, and traffic congestion alerts – all available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.