Northeast Ohio Braces for Snowfall as ODOT Urges Drivers to Proceed with Caution
CLEVELAND, Ohio – As a significant snowstorm approaches Northeast Ohio this weekend, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is sending a clear message to drivers: slow down and prioritize safety.
With the region expected to receive 6 to 8 inches of lake-effect snow through the weekend, travel conditions are anticipated to be challenging. ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks is urging Ohioans to exercise caution on the roads.
Our team is ready for whatever Mother Nature hands us, but we want to make sure Ohioans are ready too. During the storm, roads will likely be snow covered – passable, not perfect, Marchbanks emphasized in a statement.
To combat the wintry conditions, ODOT has stockpiled an impressive 228,000 tons of salt in its Cleveland office, alongside 300 snowplows that are ready for action in Northeast Ohio. In total, the department has utilized 158,135 tons of salt this winter to melt ice and snow.
However, it’s crucial for drivers to remain vigilant when sharing the road with snowplows. ODOT has released alarming videos of plows being struck by vehicles, highlighting the importance of caution and attentiveness. Marchbanks expressed his concern over these incidents, stating, There is no reason for anyone to hit one of our plow trucks. These trucks are highly visible. Drivers need to slow down, pay attention, and give our crews room to work.
Unfortunately, this winter has already witnessed eight incidents of snowplows being hit while on duty. Just this week, four plows were involved in collisions in Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lucas, Paulding, and Richland counties. In Allen County, a driver crashed into a 5,000-gallon brine tanker. Marchbanks underscored the need for drivers to stay focused on the road and respect the space of ODOT’s crews.
Salt’s effectiveness diminishes when pavement temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As a solution, ODOT utilizes additives like calcium chloride and a beet molasses-based product to enhance the ice-melting properties of the salt. Their goal is to minimize risks and keep roads as safe as possible during winter storms.
With nearly 3,000 skilled drivers and 1,500 plows on the roads, ODOT is committed to ensuring the best possible driving conditions in Northeast Ohio despite the challenges that lie ahead.
While ODOT is prepared to handle the snowfall, it is imperative that drivers exercise patience, reduce their speed, and maintain a safe distance from plow trucks. By prioritizing safety and attentiveness, Ohioans can navigate the winter weather with confidence.
