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Readying For Coming Winter Storm, Penndot Rolls Out Its Big Gun

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Penndot is already preparing for Saturday's winter weather.

And Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman Charles Metzger says they have a new weapon in the war against slippery roads: a new, 53-foot tanker truck to help prep the roads.

"It is an 8,000 gallon tractor-trailer full of salt brine," Metzger explains.  "It sprays salt brine on three lanes at once.  It's able to do  (interstates) 76, 476 and (state route) 422 in one pass without ever being refilled."

Metzger says this frees up other trucks to put down a salt defense in areas that may have gotten less attention in previous storms.

At Philadelphia International Airport, airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica says they have crews standing by to clear roadways, walkways, and runways.

"We're not anticipating any disruptions at this time, but we are certainly prepared for anything we need to do," she tells KYW Newsradio.

Both airport and Penndot officials advise motorists to use caution when driving through snow, leaving adequate space between your vehicle and those in front of you.

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