O.D.O.T. getting ready for winter

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Muskingum County Ohio Department of Transportation employees are preparing for the upcoming winter.

O.D.O.T. is preparing for the snow and making sure their snow plows are ready. Manager Phil Valentine said even though it hasn’t snowed yet, bridges can still be slippery and when the snow falls it’s important for drivers to slow down.

“Leave early, take your time be patient with drivers when you come across (plows.) We’re trying to do a job out there,” said Valentine. “Trying to get the roads clear. Trying to get you to work safely. So slow down, watch out for the amber lights. Just like this morning, we had some bridges frost over so when it gets this time of year you need to be cautious.”

Valentine said last year Muskingum O.D.O.T. used 6,800 tons of salt. He said they mix liquid in their salt to help make the salt work faster. This process helps the roads be cleared faster.

“It looks a little odd going down the road seeing, what looks like we’re pouring water on the pavement but, we use different things like calcium mixed into it,” said Valentine. “We use straight liquid and we’re finding out it helps to cut the snow quicker especially hard pack.”

Valentine said the plows move slower than normal traffic, if you see one on the road, make sure to give it room and know the plows are making the roads safer.