In Greenville, N.C., the snowstorm on Wednesday has prompted a major effort to keep roads safe for drivers. Local residents and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are taking every precaution as icy conditions persist.
Driver Chandler Rivera emphasizes the importance of caution, noting that even with specialized terrain tires, vehicles struggle to navigate the snowy streets. Many drivers are heeding this advice, recognizing that icy roads pose serious hazards.
NCDOT Highway Maintenance Engineer Stanley Harrell shared that the department has activated two shifts working 12-hour days to clear the roads. “We’re hitting it hard,” Harrell said, pointing out the department’s commitment to maintaining safe driving conditions. With four large tanks holding 35,000 gallons of salt brine, the department is well-equipped for the task.
The NCDOT is deploying salt brine across the city using trucks while snowplows continue to clear streets. Juqrawn Moore, an NCDOT employee, explained that the primary focus is ensuring safety for everyone on the road, whether they’re heading to work, the supermarket, or other essential locations. “Our main job is to keep everybody safe,” Moore added.
Despite these efforts, the NCDOT warns that bridges are particularly hazardous due to the risk of re-freezing, and secondary roads remain treacherous as they haven’t yet been plowed. Drivers have reported that while primary routes are navigable, the backroads are still quite slippery. NCDOT officials are prioritizing clearing main routes, such as highways and those leading to hospitals, to minimize risks for emergency services and essential travel.
In summary, while NCDOT is working tirelessly to clear roads, both residents and workers are urged to stay cautious, especially when traveling on icy secondary roads and bridges. The department’s commitment to keeping the roads clear with ample supplies of salt brine is helping to ensure a safer travel experience during the snowstorm.
