KDOT set to battle elements of winter
Kansas Department of Transportation is equipped and ready for winter weather.
Deb Miller, secretary of KDOT, said road maintenance during adverse conditions is a top priority.
"We will continue to invest our time and resources to clear roadways by providing service 24 hours per day when needed," she said.
KDOT is responsible for maintaining nearly 10,000 miles of roadway that consists of interstate, and Kansas and U.S. routes.
Computer road weather information system used by KDOT provides pavement-specific weather forecasts, current temperature and condition of pavement, and radar and satellite imagery.
Supervisors in the field use forecasts and other weather tools to anticipate and avoid problems, and deploy maintenance personnel as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Many KDOT maintenance vehicles are equipped with infrared pavement temperature sensors which allow workers to monitor pavement conditions while on the road.
KDOT has routinely used salt brine on its roadways for snow and ice control. Salt brine, a liquid made from granulated rock salt, is cost effective and can be sprayed on pavement during normal working hours before a storm hits and can stay on the road several days.
The brine sticks to the pavement and cannot be blown off by wind or traffic.
Miller encourages motorists to be prepared before hitting the road.
By calling 511 on any phone within the state, travelers can get near real-time, route-specific road conditions, and weather and road closure information 24 hours per day. Callers outside the state or anyone having difficulty connecting to 511 can call (866) 511-KDOT.
Road condition information also is available on the Internet at http://511.ksdot.org and it also can be accessed through KDOT's main Web site www.ksdot.org under "Road Conditions."
For motorists who need assistance, call *582 on cell phones for assistance from Kansas Turnpike Authority and *47 for assistance on other highway routes.
