“Thousands of tons of salt” used to treaty icy roads

While the ongoing winter storm proved to be mostly rain Tuesday, DelDot says crews are remaining at the ready to respond to the possibility of flooding and ever changing road conditions.

Jim Westhoff, a spokesperson for DelDot, says thousands of tons worth of salt is the recipe for safe Delaware roadways Tuesday night.

“We don’t apply brine when it’s raining because there’s no need to add water to the salt, because there’s already water on the road so we can just apply straight salt.” Explains Westhoff.

The salt is being applied in areas that typically freeze which means elevated surfaces like bridges, overpasses, and well-shaded areas.

To prepare for the threat of rain turning roads icy overnight and causing a messy commute for morning commuters, Westoff says DelDot will work closely with their weather stations set up throughout the state to measure road temperatures in real time.

“We watch those road temperatures, because as soon as it drops below freezing then we’re going to see that water freezing up or the snow accumulate and stick so that’s why we’re watching those road temperatures very closely and those why those numbers are critical for us.” He explains.

Morning commuters are recommended to give themselves extra time driving Wednesday, something Newark resident Patrick Murphy says he already does everyday  to work in Dover.

“I always leave early just so I can get to work like 15 minutes early. It’s easier that way driving down Route 1, too.” Says Murphy, “I can’t wait for it to get warm. I’m tired of all this weather.”

Smyrna resident Bob Hatton has plans to visit Washington, D.C. Wednesday but if there’s any doubt, he has a simple solution.

“If it’s really bad tomorrow morning, I’ll just delay the trip. I’m not riding around on frozen roads.” He says.

While DelDot says crews be monitoring road conditions throughout the evening, we’re told they will make a decision on the number of staff members working later on.