DelDOT ready for snow and ice

With the first hint of cool air, state transportation crews get primed for the winter season with annual inspections across the state.

Even before the end of October, drivers waited in a long line for inspections at the Delaware Department of Transportation's Gravel Hill site near Georgetown. Nothing is left to chance as inspectors check for everything from tire air pressure to fluid levels to belts and batteries.

DelDOT employees take pride and work hard to prepare equipment for the winter, said Jim Westhoff, community relations officer.

Over the past four winters, snow removal and road pretreatment has cost the state an average of $9.9 million, with a high of $18.3 million spent so far during 2014 because of several storms in the early part of the year. The state spent $17.5 million during the twin blizzards of 2010. The cost has been below average the past two winters: $4.7 million in 2013 and $3.7 million in 2012.

Because it's nearly impossible to predict how much snow will fall in any given year, DelDOT must prepare for the worst, Westhoff said.

DelDOT has more than 43,000 tons of salt stockpiled at 20 locations throughout the state; about 13,000 tons is used during a severe storm. As many as 450 DelDOT employees with 450 vehicles take part in snow-removal. During severe storms, the agency hires private contractors to remove snow on bus routes, sidewalks, highway shoulders and highway crossovers and intersections.

DelDOT uses salt, along with salt/brine and salt/sand mixtures to melt ice and hard-packed snow. But even that is sometimes not enough. “These materials lose effectiveness once temperatures reach single digits or when it is raining,” Westhoff said. “They are also less effective during rapid snow accumulation and when roads are being repeatedly plowed.”

When snow accumulates 4 inches or more, DelDOT reimburses registered homeowners' associations for part of snow removal; about 800 associations take part in the program.

Pretreatment has become a major part of DelDOT's war against snow. Prior to predicted winter storms, DelDOT crews pretreat major roadways in the state with liquid salt brine sprayed by tankers to reduce the bonding of snow to pavement.

The first roads plowed in the state include primary and arterial roads such as Route 1. Secondary and local roads are plowed only after the primary roads are open and passable. “Passable means that roads can be driven upon, but are not necessarily clear of snow and ice,” Westhoff said.