In preparation for the anticipated weekend winter storm, crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation and several local cities began treating streets and highways Friday, some on Thursday evening.
>> WEEKEND WINTER STORM: Warnings expand; Snow totals could reach 7 inches
ODOT crews will be working in 12-hour shifts beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday, said Mandi Dillon, ODOT District 7 public information officer.
The district has more than 100 plow trucks and crews have been monitoring the weather to be ready to go right as the snow starts.
Dillon said you should check the OHGO app before heading out to stay clear of the plow trucks.
“Slow snow is helpful because it gives crews a chance to keep roads clear. It's a little easier on our crews,” said Dillon. “When snow comes all at once, we're really kind of in a race with Mother Nature.”
>> Weekend winter storm: How much snow will you see where you live?
Here’s how some area cities and municipalities plan to deal with the snowfall:
City of Dayton crews will operate 41 primary routes starting about 6 a.m. Their pre-treated areas include all lanes and on/off ramps of State route 4 and U.S. 35, streets in the Central Business District and 21 other major streets.
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City of Clayton crews will maintain its 220 miles of road with four to five trucks by starting on the main roads, then working to the side roads.
City of Kettering crews will focus on 16 primary routes and maintain 975 lane miles. They'll focus only on main roads as snow falls, but after 2 inches of accumulation, they'll focus on side streets.
Kettering also wants to remind residents to:
- Stay informed about weather conditions
- Allow extra travel time
- Maintain a safe following distance and slow down
- Avoid peak traffic hours
- Don't attempt to pass plow trucks
- Remove parked vehicles from streets
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City of Fairborn crews will be taking extra care not to disturb steel plates that are covering excavation sites because work being done in several locations has required placing plates in the road to protect the sites.
Crews will raise their plows slightly in those areas and apply additional road salt because there is the potential for additional snow to build up on or near these plates.
City officials also are asking resident to pay attention to traffic cones placed adjacent to the curb that will let snow plow operators know where the plates are located.
In the downtown area, some of the plates are in or near marked crosswalks, so residents should proceed with caution while walking in these areas as the steel plates may be slick or may have been moved. Do not walk on these plates when possible to eliminate these risks.
Steel plates also are located on Broad Street at Jamie’s Tire Service, and 513 Clover.
If you notice any plate that has been moved, please notify Fairborn city dispatch 937-754-3001.
