MINNESOTA, USA — MnDOT crews are gearing up for a tricky mix of sleet, freezing rain, and potential snow on Saturday, prompting early road preparations.
Scott Morgan, an assistant engineer for maintenance at MnDOT, says crews are already treating roads with a modified salt brine solution.
"We've got salt brine going down with a little bit of a chemical additive to lower its freezing point so it doesn't freeze up," Morgan says.
The main concern is the possibility of freezing rain washing away pre-treatments, which may require additional applications.
To combat this, 83 plow trucks in south central Minnesota will be deployed starting at 3 a.m. For drivers venturing out in these conditions, make sure to use caution. If you lose control on slick roads, take your foot off the gas, avoid braking, and steer in the desired direction without overcorrecting.
"Put away the distractions, put the cell phone down, don't eat sandwiches or whatever you need to do," Morgan said. "Devote your attention to driving."
Morgan emphasizes the importance of patience and giving plow operators ample space. If you are looking for the most up to date road condition information, visit 511mn.org. There you can click on whatever roads you will be traveling on, and see up to date descriptions and pictures of how they look.