New Philadelphia, Ohio (Monday, February 8, 2010) – Despite receiving as much as 18 inches of snow in parts of eastern Ohio this past weekend, crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 11 stand ready for whatever winter weather may be on its way later this week.

ODOT District 11 Deputy Director Richard Bible, P.E., said, "Today our counties are continuing to clean up from the weekend storm, removing downed trees, treating icy spots, and repairing equipment and trucks – all in preparation for the next forecasted round of winter weather."

A winter storm watch remains in effect from the National Weather Service from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon. A strong low pressure system moving eastward through the Upper Ohio Valley Tuesday into Wednesday may bring more than six more inches of snow accumulation.

Bible said, "With weather forecasters predicting continued cold temperatures and high winds, our crews will focus on areas often impacted by blowing snow. In addition, the threat remains for falling trees and power lines due to the heavy weight of the snow already existing on them. So the best advice for motorists is to remember, travel conditions can change from mile to mile, minute to minute, in Ice and snow… Take it slow."

ODOT crews have used approximately 52,000 tons of salt to keep the state’s highways and bridges safe and passable this winter in District 11 – and have more than 38,000 tons of salt stockpiled, if needed.

Combining labor, material and equipment costs, ODOT District 11 has invested roughly $5.7 million in combating ice and snow so far this season.

Being a careful and informed driver is the best way motorists can travel safely – Know Before You Go. ODOT’s Web site BuckeyeTraffic.org provides up-to-the-minute information on road and weather conditions, road closures, and highway patrol accident updates – all available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

or email D11.PIO@dot.state.oh.us