With freezing temperatures expected throughout the week, NDOT is preparing for winter driving conditions. Specifically on some local bridges.

There are four bridges on I-580 between Reno and Carson City. Every year, just before winter, highway maintenance crews replace and clean the recess discs for the anti-icing systems on those bridges.

“There are recess disks that spray a potassium acetate anti-icing solution on the bridge services to reduce the rate of moisture freezing on the bridges,” said Meg Ragonese, public information officer for NDOT.

Ragonese says crews are cleaning out recess sprinklers embedded in the bridge service. Make sure there is no dirt or anything else that could clog the system.

Due to the environment between the two cities, this is a unique circumstance, according to Ragonese, with only these four bridges having a special anti-icing system.

NDOT has also been making other preparations since August, such as stockpiling salt and sand and manufacturing brine solution.

“We actually already have 30,000 cubic yards of salt and sand stockpiled and ready to spread on winter highways for better traction. We produce an in-house brine solution that also helps lower the freezing point of any winter moisture on our highways.”

Even as NDOT makes all preparations for winter driving conditions, drivers are encouraged to make their own preparations as well.

Ragonese says, “It’s also a good time for drivers to be prepared. That means making sure your vehicle’s tires are in good condition, packing snow chains and all the other winter essentials you need. in your bag for the wet weather.” travel.”

Drivers should also remember to slow down, leave extra space between other vehicles, and use extra caution when driving in storms and slippery roads.