ODOT crews have trucks tuned-up and plenty of salt on hand

GARFIELD HEIGHTS (Thursday, February 24, 2011) – One look at the radar and it’s easy to see Northeast Ohio is about to be covered in snow once again; and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is ready.

ODOT mechanics and snowplow drivers have changed plow blades, calibrated salt spreaders and performed necessary maintenance on trucks in anticipation of this storm.  At the height of the storm, District 12 – which includes Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties – will have 70 snowplows on the roads keeping them safe and passable for motorists. 

Local forecasts predict the snow to begin late Thursday night and continue into the Friday morning rush.  With snow expected to hit during peak travel times, motorists are encouraged to KNO B4 U GO.

Through Twitter.com, ODOT offers instant information on winter conditions along interstates and highways in the greater Cleveland region.  First used by ODOT last year, this successful effort has already generated more than 3,400 followers to @ODOT_Cleveland.  Each tweet begins with the reminder KNO B4 U GO to encourage motorists to check for updated information before they leave their home or office.

Motorists can also KNO B4 U GO by logging on to ODOT’s premier traffic Web site www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.  With its user-friendly, map-based features users can get up-to-date traffic information and 24-hour road conditions across the state.

For the morning commute motorists are also encouraged to allow plenty of extra time for their morning travels and not to crowd the plow.  ODOT crews will be out plowing and treating the roadways before, during and after the morning commute.  A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted, so motorists should keep their distance.

Remember:  In Ice and Snow…Take it Slow!

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For more information contact:
The ODOT District 12 Communications Office at (216) 584-2006