As the Lehigh Valley remains under a winter weather advisory, public works crews are preparing for what Mother Nature will bring. A mix of rain, sleet and ice is expected.
It was a busy Friday evening at the city of Allentown Public Works maintenance yard, from loading trucks with salt to putting chains on tires.
“This winter has been light for us right now, but that could change at any time,” said Justin DeLong, chief maintenance supervisor for the Allentown Streets Department.
More than a dozen trucks filled with salt will treat the roads overnight and monitor the area until the storm passes.
“There will probably be areas where it may look wet, but it has that thin film of ice that people call black ice that can be very dangerous,” said Ron Young with PennDOT District 5.
Beginning at midnight, PennDOT District 5, which includes Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties, will be on a full call and plan to stay out until roads are no longer frozen.
“If you see our trucks driving, stay about six car lengths behind them. Don’t try to pass them, even though they won’t be plowing at these types of events,” Young said.
As for the toll road, a spokesperson added more than 425 devices and more than 450 operators are ready to take action for the entire system.
The big message from all three agencies is that motorists should stay at home unless travel is necessary.
The advisory for the Lehigh Valley expires at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Nikki De Mentri
