TDOT ready for winter storm to hit TN. Roadways already being treated
Crews across the Midstate are readied with snowplows and brine trucks.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Department of Transportation says that it’s prepared for the winter storm that’s set to impact the throughout the state.
TDOT wants to assure motorists that it’s ready to clear roadways of ice and snow. Crews across the Midstate are readied with snowplows and brine trucks.
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Crews began hitting the roadways on Wednesday to begin brining heavily traveled interstates and state routes as well as areas vulnerable to freezing (hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges).
“Winter weather preparations kicked into high gear months ago,” says Assistant Chief Engineer and Regional Director Jay Norris. “Brine is made, salt bins are stocked, and our equipment is ready to roll. If you need to be on the roadway during this time, we ask you to make room for our crews as they work to keep people connected and safe throughout Middle Tennessee.”
Additional staff is added to the region’s Traffic Management Center this Friday, meaning extra eyes on the region’s 240+ SmartWay cameras and more assistance manning phones to dispatch HELP operators as needed. TDOT is anticipating running extended HELP routes on I-40 eastbound to the Putnam County line, I-40 westbound to the Tennessee River, as well as I-65 and I-24 to the Kentucky state line.
TDOT’s statewide 2024/2025 winter weather budget is $28.8 million and includes salt, salt brine, overtime for employees, and equipment maintenance. The department has three salt vendors to refill salt bins as needed at the Region’s 41 salt bins. In Region 3 alone, crews are equipped with 281 salt trucks and 67,370 tons of salt.
When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly. Equipment will be staged in various locations for quicker response time, and tools like chainsaws will be ready to be utilized in the event of downed trees on the roadway.
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