State pretreats Interstate 64, Coalfields Expressway preparing McDowell County
On December 1 the West Virginia Division of Highways pretreated roads ahead of a December 2 wintry mix, including targeted treatment on Interstate 64 and the Coalfields Expressway in McDowell County. The action aimed to reduce ice accumulation and speed plowing, a move that matters for local commutes, school bus routes, and emergency access as winter weather returns.
The West Virginia Division of Highways carried out statewide pretreatment of roadways on December 1 in anticipation of snow, sleet and freezing rain expected the following day. In District 10, which serves McDowell County, crews specifically treated Interstate 64 and the Coalfields Expressway, applying salt brine to make it harder for snow and ice to bond to pavement and to speed later plowing operations.
Pretreatment is one element in a larger winter operations plan that prioritizes routes to keep critical corridors open. All roads maintained by the WVDOH are assigned to one of four priorities that dictate the order of service as storms develop. Priority 1 includes Interstates, expressways, the National Highway System and all United States and West Virginia numbered routes, along with some high traffic county routes. Priority 2 covers other school bus routes not in Priority 1. Priority 3 includes remaining routes outside of park and forest roads. Priority 4 covers park and forest routes. Crews move from Priority 1 to lower priorities as conditions allow, and return to Priority 1 routes as snow redevelops.
Statewide resources supporting the effort include roughly 1,000 snowplows, along with snow blowers and road graders used for higher elevation operations. The Division also conducts dry runs before the SRIC season so drivers are familiar with their routes. As of mid October the agency had stockpiled 186,116.87 tons of salt and 145,949.31 gallons of salt brine, with supplies available for replenishment as needed.
For McDowell County residents the pretreatment should improve safety and reduce the time that main arteries are snow covered, but local and lower priority roads may see delays before plows arrive. School bus routes and emergency vehicle access receive specific consideration under the priority system, yet drivers should still plan for slick spots and changing conditions. For further information or to reach the Division, contact WVDOTCommunications@wv.gov.
