LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As Arkansans prepare their homes and cars for winter weather, the Arkansas Department of Transportation is working to make sure roads are safe.
“You know the temperatures are dropping so we've been able to plan for this for a couple of days,” ARDOT Spokesperson Dave Parker said.
ARDOT is keeping a close eye on the weather and Parker said the biggest concern for roads in Central Arkansas is what comes after the cold front moves in.
“By the time the temperature hits that major drop 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 p.m., Thursday, the roads will still be wet and when you get a 20-to-30-degree temperature drop in a one-hour span, nothing will dry out and we could get a small sheet of ice,” Parker said.
With the temperatures expected to reach dangerous levels, ARDOT spent Wednesday making sure they're ready for it.
“We'll put down the salt brine Thursday afternoon, Thursday morning, Thursday night," Parker said. "Then we'll shift over to straight salt for the bridges and overpasses."
Parker said the temperature drop can impact how the salt works to protect the roads.
“When you hit 20 to 23 degrees, anything below that it just doesn't work as well,” Parker said. “So, we're having to add, in some cases, the beet juice, which lowers the freezing point of all that.”
He adds that timing will be key when it comes to their preparation.
“We have to wait until the heavy rains pass before we can put down the salt brine,” Parker said. “But if the roads are still wet, when the temperature takes that deep plunge Thursday into Thursday night, it could be tricky.”
ARDOT said they have enough equipment and hands on deck to handle whatever comes. They are also advising drivers to do the same if they plan on hitting the road.
“Make sure your car is fully fueled," Parker said. "Make sure you have blankets in the car, should you encounter some sort of shutdown."