Over 100 ODOT crews throughout our area continue to plow state and federal roads. As winds continue to gust, crews are reporting drifting on some routes, especially in rural areas. ODOT says Drivers should take caution and be aware of changing conditions on the roadways.
Due to the extreme cold air and high wind, ODOT, as of late last night, was still not treating the majority of state and federal routes and continues to plow snow drifts. OODT is using treated stone in select areas on bridges and overpasses. Most routes in Northwest Ohio remain snow packed, but are drivable if you travel at a reduced rate of speed.
ODOT does not expect current road conditions to improve until temperatures rise above single digits. At this time, ODOT crews are planning to begin treating when temperatures are 15 degrees and rising and wind decreases. Both of this criteria is necessary according to officials.
ODOT expects this to take time as temperatures remain cold throughout the day. ODOT District Two will be treating over 3,000 lane miles in Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams and Wood counties.
Along certain areas of the interstate in Wood and Lucas counties, crews will be using a blend of calcium chloride, brine and a beet derivative along with salt.
Many counties continue to operate in tandem formation, when two or more plows team up to remove drifting snow. This aids in removing snow and improves safety for our plow drivers.
Motorists are reminded to that no matter what level of emergency is declared in your county, roads conditions are not anticipated to change until wind dies down and temperatures rise above subzero conditions.