Here’s How MDOT is Preparing for Winter Weather (VIDEO)

As the winter season approaches, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration officials said they are ready to combat winter storms.

“We have an expert team that thinks about snow year round, working to continually improve our strategies for managing snow and ice,” said Gregory Slator, administrator for the State Highway Administration.

Together with the Maryland Transportation Authority, MDOT is responsible for more than 17,000 lane miles.

For the 2017-2018 winter season, they have more than 2,700 pieces of equipment available.

Strategies for winter operations include pre-treating the roads and utilizing a solution called “salt brine” to break down snow and ice on roads.

The mixture is 27-percent salt and 73-percent water. Crews spray brine on the roads in days preceding the storm which allows it to dry leaving a white streak on the road.  That film on the roads helps to prevent the initial bonding of snow and ice from forming.

In addition, 62 non-invasive road sensors have been mounted to overhead signs and poles to help MDOT staff detect the thickness of water, snow, and ice.

Find out more below:

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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