JACKSON -- On Friday, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) continued the state’s largest pretreatment operation ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Impacts to travel are expected to be extreme as the National Weather Service is forecasting historic icing in the state’s northernmost counties.
In north Mississippi, salt brine has been sprayed on all four lanes of I-55, I-22 and U.S. 82. The outside lanes of all four-lane highways have been pretreated, as well as most two-lane highways and bridges.
In central Mississippi, I-20 from Brandon west to the Mississippi river has been pretreated, as well as I-220 and portions of Lakeland Dr./State Route 25. I-55 has been pretreated from the stack at I-20 north to Holmes County.
Road pretreatment operations were also completed in southwest Mississippi, in Adams, Wilkinson, Franklin, Lincoln, Simpson and Smith counties.
In all, 167,800 gallons of salt brine was used to pretreat the roadways. When applied to a dry road surface, salt brine can help prevent ice formation on travel lanes. If the roads are already wet, granular salt can be applied to help prevent the formation of ice by lowering the freezing point of water. Sand and slag can also be spread to help improve traction in slushy conditions.
MDOT maintenance crews who are already out treating the roads are trained and prepared to work around the clock, throughout the duration of the storm. Our road maintenance first responders play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our roadways during winter weather events. Their shifts often include long hours away from their families.
“I am very appreciative of our maintenance crews who worked hard in this historic road pretreatment operation,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We are using all our resources to prepare for what is forecast to be a devastating ice storm. Please be aware, despite our best efforts, the extreme nature of the storm could still result in road closures and the need for the public to avoid travel entirely.”
While MDOT is prepared to monitor road conditions and keep highways passable, motorists also need to be prepared for winter weather. Before loading up to travel during the winter months, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
To assist the traveling public in preparing for potential winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.
- Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
- Slow down. Winter weather conditions can create black ice.
- Allow more space between your car and the vehicles around you.
- Brake early and gently to avoid skidding. Never slam on the brakes.
- Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
