Local News

Allen County Highway Department Prepared for Winter

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): Allen County has already experienced it's first dose of winter weather and as more can be expected in the months ahead officials with the Allen County Highway Department want to reassure residents that they are ready for any snow or ice that may settle on the county’s roadways.

Employees used a two-week span during the last week of October and the first week of November to prepare all of their trucks and check other equipment such as spreaders and plows. 

The Highway Department uses several types of vehicles for snow and ice control – five graders, 25 tandem axle dump trucks, seven single axle dump trucks, and four one-ton small dump trucks. ACHD also uses eight heavy duty pick-up trucks to help clear road intersections and smaller areas. 

The anti-icing materials used are sand, rock, salt, calcium chloride and stone chips. On higher traffic count highways, liquid calcium chloride will be applied along with a salt-sand mixture.

When it comes to snow removal, it will begin when the roadways are determined to be too slippery or significant amount of accumulation is covering the roadways. The Allen County Sheriff’s Department will also contact the Highway Department when the roads are in need of treatment. 

ACHD will also be using the statewide travel advisory system to warn drivers about hazardous conditions. Travel advisories fall into one of three categories: 

* ADVISORY, the lowest level, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. 

* WATCH means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended. Businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations should implement their emergency action plans. 

* WARNING, the highest level, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a warning, the public is directed to refrain from all travel; comply with necessary emergency measures; cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and obey and comply with directions from properly identified officers. More specific restrictions, including parking restrictions, may be included. 

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