PennDOT Crews Prepare For Dangerous Mix
By Jenn Bernstein
EAST NORRITON, Pa. (CBS) -- In Monday morning's early hours, Montgomery County PennDOT crews filled trucks with sand and were ready to hit the roadways.
It wasn't just simple snow they were preparing for - the morning commute was expected to bring all kinds of winter weather conditions including ice, snow and the most dreaded, freezing rain.
"Freezing rain is our worst enemy," said PennDOT Montgomery County Assistant Maintenance Manager Peter Scerati. "We'd all rather it be snow because we can drive on snow. You can't drive on ice."
The recent frigid temperatures have left our ground frozen.
Almost 100 PennDOT crews in Montgomery County, and more than 400 in the other four counties were out, concerned the roadways could turn treacherous with the wrong mixture.
"We will stay with it until we don't see any more freezing temperatures," said PennDOT Montgomery County Maintenance Manager, "once we don't see any more freezing or frosting of the road."
General contractor Alexander Veith with AVB Construction, Incorporated has been on the road since 6 a.m. He says he's been watching for ice.
"I had a couple of issues this morning because of the mixture of the black ice, so you just have to drive carefully," said Veith.
Monday's salt spreading is adding to roads that were pre-treated for Friday's winter storm.
General Contractor Anthony Dellose with Dellose Construction Services, LLC said he thinks PennDOT crews have kept the roads clear so far in Montgomery County.
"Every year, it seems like PennDOT comes up with something new for the roads, and it gets better and better," said Dellose.
