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HANNIBAL,MO. (AP) -- Predictions call for a cold and snowy winter, and low temperatures and high oil prices could make it tough for everyone. Efforts to ease the cost of winter starts early at MoDOT by properly planning and managing its time, supplies and resources.

As in the past, crews will be working during and after a winter weather event to keep the roads clear for safe passage. Roads with the highest traffic volumes will be treated and cleared first. These include interstates and other major routes, and receive continuous treatment throughout a storm. Lower-volume lettered and numbered routes will be plowed and treated during an event.

This year, drivers may notice more materials on the roads and bridges. "The materials are cinders and sand and are being used to help extend our salt supply," explained MoDOT's North Area Engineer Ervin Fackler. Sand and cinders mixed with salt will be applied to bridges and overpasses, and hills and curves where vehicles need extra traction during a storm. "Even though these areas are plowed and treated, motorists need to slow down and take it easy until conditions improve," said Fackler.

With the overnight air temperatures dropping and the ground getting colder, frost on bridges will start occurring throughout the state. "It might look unusual to see road crews spraying bridges with salt brine on a day when roads are clear and the sky is sunny or on a Friday afternoon before a weekend, these proactive anti-icing treatments can prevent frost from forming when conditions change," he said. Hours, and even days, before frost forms, salt brine can be applied to bridges saving MoDOT crews having to be called out after hours or on weekends.

"It's always a good idea to plan your trips in winter by checking on road conditions," Fackler added. For 24-hour winter road conditions on major routes across the state, visit MoDOT's web site at www.modot.org, or call 1-888-ASK MODOT to talk with a customer service representative about road conditions.

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