Crawford and Richland counties win national snowfighting award

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The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 3’s Crawford and Richland Counties have won a Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award from the Salt Institute for excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt.

Clear winter roads protect lives and commerce. Every winter, more than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 killed as a result of pavement that is snow, slush or ice covered, according to the federal government. But a study of highways in Snow Belt states showed that road salt reduces crashes by 88 percent.

“The award is a validation to the uncompromised and dedicated snow and ice team in District 3,” said Highway Management Administrator Tim Farley. “It is a testament to the intense planning, preparation and execution of their snow and ice efforts and strategies, culminating in one unified guiding principles of ‘being the standard of excellence for winter maintenance’.”

When the direct and indirect impact of road shutdowns on the broader economy is factored in, road salt becomes even more valuable. A one-day major snowstorm can cost a state $300-$700 million in direct and indirect costs, lost commerce and productivity. In fact, deicing pays for itself within the first 25 minutes after the salt is spread—making proper salt storage and timely deicing a smart investment.

Staff report

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