25,000 gallons of brine to be spread on SC highways

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Department of Transportation trucks packed with salt and brine are out in full force across Chester County.

The area could see anywhere from 2 - 4 inches of snow Monday night and has already been placed under a winter weather advisory.

The temperatures are still mild and it's hard to believe that snow is on the way, but workers said they take the threat of severe winter weather seriously.

Snow plows are hooked up and mechanics are making sure all trucks are in tip-top shape because South Carolina could get hit the hardest when it snows.

This is the first time this season that SCDOT has trucks out spreading brine.

"We're putting out brine solution so that we don't get caught later when the snow comes in and we don't have anything down on the road," said SCDOT's Paul Elkins.

The brine will help melt the snow quicker.

SCDOT has nine trucks spreading 25,000 gallons of the salt, water mixture on the roads Monday evening.

"(The) interstate is our main priority, after that we'll branch off and do primary roads, primary secondary roads," Elkins said.

Workers said even if they don't see the snow, the effort is not in vain.

"I would rather prep myself and get ready than be caught at the last minute not being able to do what I'm supposed to do," Elkins said.

Crews will hit all the interstates Monday.  They plan to work until 10 p.m.

They will spread brine on the secondary roads Tuesday.

Stay informed with the current South Carolina road conditions:

Online:

www.scdot.org

By smartphone:

SCDOT is has a free 511 application, "SCDOT 511" for smartphones and tablets.

By phone:

Call 511 in South Carolina to reach the 511 Traveler Information System

On Twitter: 

WSOC