Road crews use systems to determine when and where they plow

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

Tools

South Bend Street Department plows roads after recent snow storm

(WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 16, 2008 at 9:20 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 20, 2008 at 9:22 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — When it comes to deciding how often to salt and plow local roads, the city, county and state crews each have their own systems.

Keeping up with mother nature isn't an easy job.

Temperatures in the teens coupled with icy roads turned the bypass deadly Tuesday morning. Police say 33-year-old Dennis Massengill lost control of his pick-up, hit a concrete median, then was hit by a semi. He later died.

The state is responsible for plowing the bypass. An Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman told WSBT a plow put salt on the bridge about 20 minutes before Massengill's wreck.

He also said, "Certain sections of the bypass respond differently during snow and ice conditions. Things that make a difference include if the section of the roadway is concrete or asphalt, the elevation of the roadway, temperature, wind speed and more."

Two trucks work the bypass from U.S. 31 to the Michigan state line. Another two plow the road between U.S. 31 and the Elkhart County line.

"People need to learn to slow down a little bit," said St. Joseph County plow truck driver Billy Holtsclaw.

Holtsclaw and County Highway Commissioner Robert Kruszynski said there are also rough spots in their jurisdiction.

"Mayflower Road, south of the bypass," Kruszynski said. "That's so wide open, the wind just blows across there."

Plow drivers have to prioritize the roads they cover.

"The main [roads] are what everybody travels on," explained plow driver Billy Holtsclaw. "So we have to hit them first."

Main roads include Cleveland, Ironwood, Grape, Mayflower and others. Side streets are plowed later. About 12 county crews were out Tuesday night, doing their best to keep up.

"A night like tonight, we know it's going to keep snowing," Holtsclaw said.

Plow crews also want to remind drivers: they're working for you, trying to keep the roads safe. Make sure you keep a safe distance and give them plenty of space when you're passing. Also, slow down.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 34.6
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
The Amazing Race 15
9.00
Three Rivers
10.00
Cold Case
11.00
WSBT News
11.30
Paid Programming

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates