(Photo: Daniel Wilkerson, THV 11)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - With the wintry weather covering roads across the Natural State, crews spent time preparing to keep them as safe as possible.
Danny Straessle with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said crews started pre-treating the roads Tuesday night in the western and central portions of the state.
The biggest concern is always bridges and overpasses, which are more likely to freeze and create dangerous driving conditions. Those areas are even more concerning if they are in higher elevations, such as in west Little Rock.
"If you're coming down off 430 onto Cantrell road there's a pretty good incline there," Straessle explained.
The department's pre-treat formula includes the normal salt and sand mixture, which sometimes includes an additive.
"We will also sometimes use calcium or magnesium chloride that can be in a liquid or granular form," Straeslsle said.
He said that formula helps keeps the roads clear, but it's always important for drivers to use common sense and extra precaution when driving in winter conditions.
"You want to leave enough space between you and the car in front of you," he stressed. It's also important to keep the gas tank full, as the drive may easily be longer than usual.
Arkansas Highway Department said in District 9 up near Harrison, they're trying out a new solution on roads. It's a salt water mixture that's used in bigger cities, and it's worked pretty well.
He said the new solution is cheaper, and if it pans out, drivers could very well see it used across Arkansas for weather events like this one.