Crews all over North Alabama are preparing for the freezing conditions we’re about to see in the coming days. The Alabama Department of Transportation is getting its teams ready to treat the roadways.
ALDOT says their goal is to keep the interstates and highways open and safe. They say that beginning Saturday morning, as conditions allow, their crews will begin salting the major expressways in North Alabama to prepare for the freezing temperatures and snow expected early next week.
Once this winter weather makes its way to North Alabama, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the conditions of roadways and any closures. You can do this by going to algotraffic.com and using their app.
Chris McNeese, Director of the Public Works Department in Huntsville, says their crews are gearing up for the freezing temperatures coming our way.
Chris McNeese said, “We’re reactive as it happens; we’ll go out and address the issues and address the locations, working with first responders and HPD. And if they close any roads, we’re pre-staging barricades Sunday along the parkway, just in case there’s a need to close the parkway with this event that’s coming through the Tennessee Valley.”
McNeese shared his advice to keep you and your family safe in the coming days, adding, “Stay home, stay warm; it’s going to get to single digits. Wind chill is what we’re reading. We would just advise everybody to stay safe, stay home, and let this event come through. If you have to get out and go to work next week, just please use extreme caution when you’re on the road.
If you need to report any obstructions in the roadway or black ice, you can call Huntsville Connect, and they’ll get their public works crews out right away. And of course, call 911 immediately if you find yourself in any emergency situation.
It’s best to not venture out on the roads when this winter storm comes through if you have to be sure you’re prepared with a full tank of gas and have supplies like water, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.
Stick with WAAY 31, as we’ll be bringing you full coverage all throughout the Tennessee Valley as the winter conditions develop over the next few days.