How the road commission manages when snow, bitter cold and the wind don't let up

Описание: Snow is expected to begin accumulating again overnight across many parts of West Michigan, with bitterly cold temperatures moving in behind it, which is a combination that road crews say could make for especially slippery conditions during early morning commutes.

The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County told News Channel 3 that crews have been busy throughout this week and are now focused on preparing for continued snowfall and reduced effectiveness of salt treatments as temperatures drop.

“It’s been a pretty busy winter, but the upside of that is that we’re pretty well practiced at this point with winter maintenance,” said Sarah Phillips, communications administrator with the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County.

Even when roads may have already been plowed or treated, Phillips said strong winds can quickly push snow back onto the road, especially on open stretches and side roads.

“Drifting can make it seem like we haven’t even been on that road at all, even if we have already treated it,” Phillips said.

Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, as conditions can change rapidly from one spot to the next.

As overnight temperatures fall, the road commission said traditional road salt becomes less effective.

In response, crews use a treated mixture of salt, sand and liquid deicer.

“As those temperatures start to drop into the freezing temperatures, materials such as salt become a lot less effective,” Phillips said. “So what we do is use a salt-sand mixture that’s treated with deicer.”

The mixture helps snow melt while also adding traction, especially at intersections, hills and curves, Phillips said.

The Road Commission follows priority snow routes during storms, but Phillips said public calls play an important role in identifying problem areas after initial plowing.

“We do rely on some of those public calls to let us know where those hot spots, or cold spots, might be,” she said.

Drifting or icing may occur in isolated areas, and reports help crews know where additional treatment may be needed, Phillips said.

Outside of normal business hours, emergency road conditions should be reported to 911, which are then passed along to road crews, according to Phillips.

Despite multiple winter weather events this season, the Road Commission said it is well-staffed and prepared.

Crews operate on three shifts to maintain coverage around the clock, and officials said there is no concern about running out of salt or sand, with about two years worth of stock.

“We’ve got plenty to last,” Phillips said.

Most importantly, Phillips reminds drivers: “Drive for conditions."

Read: https://wwmt.com/news/local/kalamazoo...
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