The Tri-State has seen its share of snow and ice this winter, and more is sure to come.
It’s made a mess along highways and been the cause of accidents on interstates.
But some drivers are questioning a stretch of I-69, and the so-called “low salt, no spray” zone.
It’s posted on blue signs dotting the newest stretch of the highway near Bloomington, and drivers are asking questions.
Will Wingfield with INDOT says it means crews are more cautious treating the roads.
“Nobody is asking us to compromise on public safety, and we treat I-69 the same way we do other roads,” he says.
According to Wingfield, INDOT complies with environmental standards in an effort to keep limestone caves and underground waterways in the area clean.
Despite the “low salt” designation, Wingfield adds crews don’t do anything differently treating roads in winter weather.
“We met with [environmental agencies], we detailed our practices, and they were comfortable with what we were already doing.”
Some drivers seem to believe low salt means no salt.
Heather Ricketts drove the route south Tuesday night through a snow storm.
“You couldn’t tell where the road was,” she says, “There were people pulled over with their flashers on.”
INDOT says it takes two to three hours for crews to treat the roads during a storm, and Wingfield says drivers need to slow down from the posted 70 mph speed limit.
“When we are in the middle of a snow event, people need to reduce their speed according to the conditions.”
The blue signs also have “no spray” on them; officials says its more strict following those rules – not spraying herbicides on the grass medians and shoulders.
