TDOT Reminds Drivers, “When there’s Ice and Snow, Take it Slow”

TDOT Crews Spread More than 12,000 tons of Salt, 206,000 gallons of Brine

Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation crews in middle and east Tennessee continue to work to keep Tennessee’s roadways clear of ice and snow.
TDOT crews have spread 12,124 tons of salt on roadways and 206,030 gallons of salt brine. Crews began spreading salt and brine on roadways Tuesday evening and worked nonstop throughout the night and into Wednesday afternoon to keep roadways clear.

“TDOT crews have been working around the clock to keep our roadways clear of ice and snow,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We want to remind drivers to be safe when driving in winter weather conditions. When you see ice and snow, take it slow – slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.”
TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial * THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road. Motorists are reminded to stay in their car if possible and wait for help to arrive.

During a typical snow event, crews begin by apply anti-icing brine to roadways. Sand, salt and calcium chloride may then be used to remove any accumulating snow and ice. TDOT maintenance crews focus on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes first, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, like hills curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges. TDOT currently has more than 100,000 tons of salt and more than one million gallons of salt brine in stock statewide. The department dedicates more than $12.6 million a year to snow and ice removal operations across the state.

Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the Tennessee 511 website at www.tn511.com or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone. The 511 information line also offers the option of accessing 511 systems in neighboring states like Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.
For motorists planning to venture out into winter weather, the Department of Safety has a number of winter driving safety tips at www.state.tn.us/safety/WinterDrivingChecklist.pdf.

Here is a look at some of TDOT’s winter maintenance statistics from a statewide perspective:

Salt Trucks: 846
Salt (tons): 175,077
Salt Brine (gallons): 1,694,657
Salt Bins: 119
2007-2008 available budget for winter weather needs: $12,642,035
2006-2007 statewide winter-weather cost summary: $8,100,556.51
R.W.I.S. weather stations: 37

For more information about TDOT winter weather activities visit www.tennessee.gov/tdot and click on the Ice and Snow: Take it Slow logo.

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TDOT Communications Office
615-741-2331