Crews Concerned Wind And Dropping Temps Could Lead To Icy Roads

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - For the first time this season, public works crews around the area hit the roads early to clean the snow Old Man Winter left behind. Crews were well-supplied for the task.

"With the winter that we had last year, we actually didn't use a lot of salt, and we put a lot of stuff that was on the outside covered and in the domes and that's the initial stuff we're using," Pittsburgh Public Works Director Mike Gable said.

As KDKA drove around the area, most roads seemed to be wet with a few side roads still covered in snow. Trucks were still treating roads ahead of the evening commute.

Overnight PennDOT will have 75 trucks, the city between 55 and 60 and Allegheny County another 25 or so out keeping roads clear. Their concern is refreezing.

"That's why we're going to have crews continuing throughout the night, spreading salt and addressing those concerns," PennDOT District 11 Steve Cowan said.

"The wind is picking up and it will drop the temperature down so there's a better chance of icing on the roadways," Allegheny County Public Works Director Stephen Shanley said.

As always, bridges and overpasses are likely to be some of the first areas to become slick and icy.

"Motorists need to slow down when approaching a bridge. Just use caution. Give yourself plenty of time so you're not in a hurry," Cowan said.

One thing working in their favor has been road temperatures from the last few days. Add in the treatment, and the snow isn't sticking to too many main roads.

"The road surfaces have been very warm. We haven't had those very cold nights. So the road surfaces are helping with the melting of the snow too," Gable said.

According to the Gable, with tomorrow's temperatures, any snow on the road should become just a memory.

Around 6 p.m., Allegheny County started to report a few crashes.

On I-279 North near the McAleer Road overpass, a Jeep Wrangler rolled over. The driver had to be extricated and transported.

Rescue crews say they believe weather played a role.

Allegheny County is also reporting a 10-vehicle crash with minor injuries and damage on Bigelow Boulevard at Herron Avenue in front of Frank Curto Park.