NCDOT gearing up for possible winter weather

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — In anticipation for another early morning winter weather event, NCDOT crews are getting ready to treat the roads, if needed.

A freezing rain advisory has already been issued for parts of the area Wednesday. DOT officials in Columbus County say they are planning on sending out trucks in the overnight hours to help with the roads. Right now, their plan is to dispatch crews around 3 a.m., but they say that could change if the storm timeline changes. In Bladen County, crews plan to head out at midnight, due to the potential for winter weather to happen earlier than Columbus County. DOT crews in Pender County are looking at a timeline of 3 a.m. as well, officials said.

While coastal areas like New Hanover County and Brunswick County are not forecasted to see as much winter weather as the inland counties, DOT crews are on standby there as well in case the forecast changes.

The recent rain has inhibited crews from heading out early to pre-treat the roads. Brian Rick with the NCDOT says if they go out too early while it’s raining, the brine they use will be washed away.

Rick and others say they will brine before the event and switch to salt when the precipitation falls. Officials also say a salt and sand mixture will be used to give the bridges and overpasses a little more traction.