- FAST FACTS:
- TDOT Testing New Beet Mixture
- Also Testing Giant Plow
- Crews at Arlington Yard Prepared for the chance of Wintery Mix
tom.powell@wreg.com
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(MEMPHIS December 29, 2009) -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation is testing some new tools this season to deal with winter weather.
In certain parts of the state they'll be using a new mixture that includes beet juice. The juice will be mixed with salt and brine to help the compound stick to the roads longer. "It will make the salt and salt brine more effective and will help reduce the amount of salt used by TDOT," says TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.
TDOT will also be testing a giant new snow-moving machine in Western Tennessee. It's a giant truck that tows a plow that's 25-feet-wide, and can clear two lanes at the same time.
At TDOT's yard in Arlington, Steve Lemmon helps develop the game-plan when mother nature threatens to hit us with winter weather. "We're here to prevent accidents and serve the public," he says.
Lemmon had his crews load several salt trucks Tuesday afternoon just in case they're needed overnight. His motto is simple, "If the snow hits, be ready."
