Chapel Hill Public Works Says They Are Ready For Snow
By Shelley Basinger

Public works employee Mark Shrader helped clear the roads during the ice storm of 2002.

"It was real cold so we basically just salt, sand, salt, sand until the temperatures warmed up to where it would actually start melting off the road," Shrader said.

Since then, the town of Chapel Hill has updated its road-clearing system. Besides using sand and salt to clear primary and secondary roads, they have a new way to pre-treat the roads: A sodium chloride solution spray. Bill Letteri, director of the town’s Public Works Department, said he's confident his team can handle a snow or ice event this winter.

"We keep our brine solution and our salt-spreaders on the ready, especially in the case of a forecast,” Letteri said. “We have people on standby if it’s after hours to come in right away . . . and immediately get those trucks out on the street pre-treating and de-icing."

If winter weather finally does arrive, and the town sees snow, Shrader says he's glad workers will be able to pre-treat the roads.

"When that takes place, [it] keeps the snow and ice from sticking on the roads,” Shrader said. “It will make it a lot easier."