Last Updated on January 9, 2025 4:13 pm
BOONE – N.C. Department of Transportation crews across the mountains are turning their concentration from a historic hurricane to winter weather.
Even while restoring roads following Hurricane Helene, crews from Surry County to Haywood County, have also spent portions of the last few weeks treating roads during and after small snow storms. They’re prepared for a bigger one this weekend.
“We have already responded to a few winter conditions, especially in our high elevation counties,” Division 11 Assistant Maintenance Engineer Brian Hamby said. “Those operations, and some quick prep in the fall helped us prepare for storms like the one that is coming.”
The hurricane and repairs also altered some road alignments or other conditions that may make driving more challenging than during previous winters. Transportation officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads during the storm unless travel is absolutely necessary.
NCDOT has additional tips online.
NCDOT works to provide the best access for skiing and other winter sports in the mountains. Transportation officials advise winter sport enthusiasts to arrive prior to the onset of the winter weather and stay until conditions clear.
“Many of our roadways are only 2-lanes, and one stranded vehicle can quickly block up an entire corridor,” said Michael Poe, division engineer for NCDOT’s Division 11 which includes Watauga County and the surrounding area. “That prevents our emergency equipment and operators from being able to treat and clear mountain highways.”
Crews across the mountains and foothills from Surry County to Cherokee County began preparing for snow with an estimated arrival on Friday. Engineers have determined whether to brine bare pavement and started those operations Wednesday where conditions allow for the pre-storm treatment.
Engineers have scheduled crews to start around-the-clock shifts on Friday. NCDOT has also lined up contractors to help keep interstates as clear as possible. Staff with the state agency have also designated staging locations where a plow and operator will wait until treating roads becomes necessary. The National Guard is on-call to assist at three interstate locations.
Once the storm arrives, NCDOT crews will be out on the roads. There will likely be more than 30 snow-plows operating at the same time in a metropolitan area like Buncombe County, and about a dozen plows in places in more rural areas like Macon County.
Crews will work 12-hours shifts. They plan to clear roads with interstates and four-lane state highways first followed by less busy highways and then secondary roads. Crews will continue until all roads are clear.
“It may be a little more challenging this winter with our folks switching from the urgency of repairing damage locations to the importance of keeping roads as safe as possible,” said Scott Killough, maintenance engineer for Division 13, which covers the Asheville area. “I have no doubt our crews will manage it with the same expertise of every other winter storm in recent history.”
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
