NCDOT prepares roads; gears up for winter weather

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear region is feeling the full brunt of winter today and now many people are gearing up for the possibility of snow. The Department of Transportation is also getting ready for the worst.

This kind of weather is not typical for this time of year. Many smaller local roads were prepared to deal with the inclement weather and major highways are ready to go.

Trucks were spraying brine on the smaller local roads. NCDOT says the brine will help inhibit snow from appearing on the road and ice from forming but it won’t eliminate it. They also advise drivers to be careful if they see DOT trucks spreading the brine. Gerard Taylor, assistant division maintenance engineer for NCDOT, said they are ready to deal with the worst.

“Our biggest concern really is public safety. We’re going to be out there full force and if we need additional resources, they’re readily available. Be it by contractors that we’ve already contacted and also other divisions if they need to come in to assist,” Taylor said.

He also recommend for everyone to be cautious and patient as the preparations are made. And if it can be avoided, try not to be out on the roads.

In Wilmington, city workers put brine on major city streets and bridges. City street crews are also prepping spreader trucks and snow plows, should they be necessary.