Winter readiness is
the theme this week at the Butler County Engineer's Office as
road crews review snow and ice control procedures and make necessary
preparations for the chill that lies ahead. County Engineer Greg
Wilkens says that driver safety training and maintenance analyses
are critical components of the snow and ice control program.
"Our crews review
how to conduct a detailed safety inspection of their trucks,
plow blade replacement, calcium fill procedures, tire chain utilization,
and emergency procedures for a stuck vehicle or an accident,"
he said. "They also drive their assigned routes to re-familiarize
themselves with the roads and any areas that may be tricky or
pose unusual maneuvering issues. Sometimes things can change
from one year to the next as a result of a project, resurfacing,
or utility placement. Safety for our drivers is very important."
The Engineer's Office
also wants to keep the traveling public safe by educating them
about safe winter driving and how to utilize caution when driving
around salt trucks and snow plows. Tips can be found on the Snow and Ice Control page here on
the BCEO web site.
Salt Supplies
While the flurries
have already flown, accumulating snow and ice are not common
in southwest Ohio until later in November. When the heavier stuff
comes, not only will crews be ready, but salt supplies will be
plentiful. Salt for the upcoming winter has already been delivered
to the BCEO's 6,500-ton on-site salt barn.
A contract was awarded
last summer to North American Salt Company, which submitted a
low bid of $45.50 per ton. The BCEO spreads about 4,500 tons
of salt in an average Butler County winter. Last winter 3,933
tons of salt were used to treat County roads.
BCEO crews are responsible
for keeping 269 miles of County roads safe and passable with
separate trucks assigned to thirteen different snow and ice control
routes.
- Click on images
to enlarge.
- BCEO Snowfighters
|
- BCEO Snowfighters
Team 1
|
- BCEO Snowfighters
Team 2
|
- # # #
For more information
contact:
Chris
Petrocy, BCEO Public Information Supervisor
Greg Wilkens, P.E., P.S.,
Butler County Engineer
Phone 513.867.5744 • Fax 513.867.5849
