With freezing temperatures expected overnight throughout the week, NDOT is making preparations for winter driving conditions. Specifically on some local bridges.
There are four bridges on I-580 in between Reno and Carson City. Every year right before winter, highway maintenance crews change out and clean recess disks for the anti-icing systems on those bridges.
"There are recess disks that spray a potassium acetate, anti-icing solution, onto the bridge services to reduce the quickness of freezing of any moisture on the bridges," said Meg Ragonese, public information officer for NDOT.
Ragonese says crews are cleaning out those recess nozzles that are embedded into the bridge service. Making sure there's no dirt or anything that could clog the system.
Due to the environment between the two cities, Ragonese says this is a unique circumstance where only these four bridges have a special anti-icing system.
NDOT has also been making other preparations since August such as stock-piling salt and sand and manufacturing brine solution.
"We actually already have 30,000 cubic yards of salt and sand already stockpiled and ready to spread on winter highways for improved traction. We manufacture a brine saltwater solution in house that also helps reduce the freezing point of any wintertime moisture on our highways."
Even though NDOT is making full preparations for winter driving conditions, drivers are still encouraged to make their own preparations as well.
Ragonese says, "It's a good time also for drivers to be prepared. That means making sure that your vehicle tires are in good condition, make sure you pack those snow chains, and any other winter needs that you'll need for your wet weather travel."
Drivers should also remember to slow down, leave extra space between other vehicles, and stay extra cautious when traveling in storms and slick road conditions.
