The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is preparing for the anticipated winter weather in East Tennessee. According to Steve Borden, TDOT Regional Director and Assistant Chief Engineer, the department is well-prepared to manage the inclement weather that typically occurs during the winter months. TDOT has ensured that salt supplies and equipment are in good standing, and crews are dedicated to maintaining road safety.
TDOT has been actively pre-treating interstates and state routes in the region with salt brine, a mixture of salt and water, which is effective for melting snow at temperatures around freezing. Once snow accumulates on the roadways, crews will apply salt to help clear the roads.
In East Tennessee’s Region 1, TDOT has a fleet of 212 salt trucks and 99 brine trucks ready for deployment. Additionally, they have 68,450 tons of bulk salt, 302,772 gallons of salt brine, and 31 salt bins available. TDOT advises drivers to avoid travel on Friday, January 10, 2025, to ensure personal safety and to allow workers ample space to perform their duties effectively.
The department’s ice and snow removal teams prioritize clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes, focusing on areas prone to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. During extended weather events, repeated clearing of roadways may be necessary.
For additional winter weather tips, travel information, and a detailed regional breakdown of supplies and equipment, the TDOT website offers resources at TDOT Winter Weather. Media outlets can access winter weather b-roll footage courtesy of TDOT.
Drivers can also obtain the latest road construction updates and stream traffic cameras via SmartWay. For travel information, individuals can call 511, or follow TDOT on X (Twitter) at https://x.com/myTDOT. For updates specific to East Tennessee, follow https://x.com/MarkNagiTDOT.
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Murfreesboro’s Winter Weather Preparedness Plan
The City of Murfreesboro is well-prepared for winter weather with new snowplows and a significant supply of salt to manage snow, sleet, and ice on roads. The proactive measures by the Public Works Division, led by Executive Director Raymond Hillis, include applying salt brine to roads in advance and organizing a snow removal program with six prioritized routes, ensuring safety and accessibility for residents. The city has also purchased additional equipment for snow removal, with the necessary supplies and manpower ready to address winter conditions effectively.