ALDOT prepares for upcoming winter weather throughout the state

The Alabama Department of Transportation is preparing for a severe winter weather system expected to impact the state in the coming days. Hazardous conditions, including snow and ice, could develop, and ALDOT crews are gearing up to keep roadways safe and open.

This winter storm is expected to cause snow across Alabama, with the heavier snowfall expected south of Interstate 20. 

ALDOT is planning extensive pretreatment operations across the state and will conduct active clearing and treatment operations when snowfall begins. Even with treatment and response efforts, road conditions in some areas may become challenging. 

Here’s what you need to know about ALDOT’s preparations and how you can stay safe:

ALDOT’s Winter Weather Preparations

• Monitoring Conditions: ALDOT personnel are actively tracking weather forecasts and roadway conditions, particularly in areas expected to experience the most severe winter weather.
• Pretreatment Plans: Depending on conditions, crews may pretreat roads to minimize ice formation. This is highly dependent on whether rain precedes or accompanies the wintry precipitation, as rain can wash away pretreatment materials. Some pretreatment operations will begin as early as Saturday evening/night, but the majority of pretreatment operations are planned for Sunday and Monday. 

• Prioritizing Roads: ALDOT prioritizes bridges and interstate highways first, followed by U.S. and state highways based on traffic volume.

Tips for Motorists

ALDOT urges motorists to take extra precautions when driving in winter weather conditions. Here are some important safety tips:

• Avoid travel until conditions improve: Once winter precipitation begins, ALDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during adverse weather and roadway conditions. 
• Slow down: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance, allowing extra room to stop. Plan additional travel time to reach your destination.
• Be aware of black ice: Bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to black ice, which is a thin, invisible layer of ice.
• Avoid sudden braking and steering: These actions can cause your vehicle to lose control.
• Turn on your headlights: This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
• Avoid using cruise control on icy roads: This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
• Watch for workers: Be aware of emergency personnel and crews treating and clearing roadways.
• Move crashed vehicles: In the event of a minor crash, safely move vehicles off the roadway if possible to maintain access for first responders and treatment crews. Do not abandon vehicles in travel lanes.

Stay Informed

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and visit ALDOTNews, ALGOTraffic.com or download the ALGO Traffic app, as well as follow ALGO Traffic on X and ALDOT on Facebook.