COLUMBUS, Ohio — Crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation are preparing for another winter weather event. This time, in the form of freezing rain.
Typically, ODOT doesn't treat the roads with salt when it comes to rain because it just washes away. But Tuesday's freezing rain will be different.
“This is unique because the air temperature is warmer than the pavement. What we are expecting to see is the rain will hit the road, then freeze. So, the roads have been pre-treated ahead of the storm we saw over the weekend,” said Hannah Salem, a public information officer with ODOT.
Salem said the salt will hopefully stop the freezing rain from sticking to the roads.
“When our crews are salting the roads, that’s providing a layer between the ice and the road. So hopefully it will melt that ice before it sticks to the road and freezes,” Salem said.
Salem said she wants to remind drivers to be careful when they see a plow. Fourteen ODOT plows have been hit since the beginning of the year. The last plow hit was last Friday in Delaware County.
“When you see our crews out on the road we want to remind drivers give them plenty of room to work. These plows are large vehicles, they have a lot moving parts,” Salem said. “Our drivers are out there to ensure you can get to your destination safely so we want you to help us and make sure they can get home safely,” she added.
To find out more about the storm, click here.