After snow and ice blanketed roads in Middle Tennessee's northern counties Friday, Tennessee Department of Transportation workers said they're prepared for a second round of snow expected Monday into Tuesday.
"We've put down so much salt, so much brine on the roads already with the cleanup," said TDOT Operations District Supervisor Luis Pisarra. "Hopefully this will provide our guys with a chance to get some rest."
On Friday, ice became so thick TDOT was nearly forced to close Interstates 65 and 24 in some spots, but Pisarra said that will be used as a lesson ahead of Tuesday's snowfall.
"I’m going to use more brine and calcium chloride mixture on my interstates," he said. "That’s something I haven’t done in the past."
Pisarra said roads will be most dangerous once temperatures drop below 27 degrees. At that point plows will leave behind a layer of ice that isn't melting and treatment laid on the road is not effective.
Pisarra said once temperatures are that cold, TDOT crews must wait for the weather to warm up a bit.
"We just have to sit back and wait. Let it take effect and hope Mother Nature cooperates and the sun comes out," he said.
