NCDOT crews are prepping ahead for what could be a historic winter storm in Charlotte city this weekend.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Transportation crews are gearing up for what could be the most significant winter storm to hit Charlotte in two decades, with pretreatment of roadways set to begin Thursday evening.
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews plan to start applying brine solution to roads after rush hour on Thursday as the region prepares for a winter storm expected to bring a mix of rain, sleet, and ice this weekend.
“You’re going to see either NCDOT or contract vehicles throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties pretreating the roads with a mixture of brine solution,” Jen Goodwin, an NCDOT communications officer, said.
Crews will prioritize interstates first, followed by four-lane divided highways and then higher-volume secondary roads, Goodwin said. Workers are prepared to operate in rotating 12-hour shifts throughout the storm.
Transportation officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads once conditions deteriorate. Those who must travel should stick to main roads that have been treated and take precautions, including keeping vehicles fueled and phones charged.
“Make sure if you see any of our vehicles, give them plenty of room to work, stay a couple of hundred feet behind them while the brine solution is being sprayed out,” Goodwin said.
The storm preparation comes as North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, activating the State Emergency Response Team ahead of the weekend weather system. Roadway conditions are expected to deteriorate Saturday morning and could remain hazardous for several days due to sustained subfreezing temperatures forecast through next week.
Contact Siobhan Riley at sriley@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.