TDOT Fully Prepared for Winter Weather: Salt Supplies Replenished and Road Clearing Readied

In The Know with Gino…

As the winter storm approaches, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) assures motorists that it is fully prepared to handle snow and ice on state roads. The department has replenished salt supplies across all 95 counties and has equipment and crews on standby to respond swiftly to winter storms.

TDOT Commissioner Will Reid emphasized the department’s proactive measures, stating, “Maintaining safe, reliable roadways is our core mission. Our supplies are stocked, equipment is ready, and crews are staged to deploy as soon as conditions require. We ask drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather to allow our teams to operate safely and effectively.”

The department’s winter budget for 2026 is $30.2 million, covering salt, brine, overtime, and maintenance. Currently, TDOT has approximately 231,000 tons of salt and over 1.3 million gallons of salt brine prepared for use. Salt brine, a mixture of salt and water, is used to pre-treat roads and melt snow at near-freezing temperatures, while salt is applied after snow has accumulated.

TDOT’s teams prioritize clearing major highways, especially those prone to freezing such as hills, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. During extended storms, crews may need to repeatedly clear roads to keep traffic moving safely.

To stay ahead of severe weather, TDOT’s HELP Team monitors forecasts days in advance, adjusting staffing and supplies accordingly. Trucks are pre-stocked with essential materials to ensure a quick response during prolonged events.

Motorists are encouraged to visit the TDOT website for winter weather tips, travel updates, and real-time road conditions via TDOT SmartWay. Follow TDOT on social media for the latest updates and regional traffic impacts.

For more information, click here.

SOURCE: TDOT