Tag Archives: Salt

Putnam County used at least 800 tons of road salt trying to get roads cleared over the last ten days. Putnam County Road Supervisor Randy Jones said that in his 14 years in the office, this has been the most challenging snowstorm to manage. He said the low temperatures caused the roads to ice over every night, forcing the county ... Read More »

The Putnam County Highway Department has been working since 6:30pm Sunday to get dangerous stretches of road drivable.  Road Supervisor Randy Jones said Phifer Mountain, Rocky Point Mountain, and Buck Mountain are the department’s main concerns. He said the initial intensity of the snowfall got mountain roads slick and dangerous, extremely quickly. He said with only five snow plows, there ... Read More »

If you have been on the roads the last 24 hours, you’ve noticed potholes developing seemingly right under your wheels. Clay County Road Supervisor Jason Browning said this time of year it is inevitable. This week’s rain after periodic salting causes potholes to form more quickly. “The water gets down under there and kind of loosens everything up,” Browning said. ... Read More »

Local Highway Departments are making preparations for this weekend’s winter weather. Clay Highway Superintendent Jason Browning said that the forecasted rain Saturday night could pose some issues. He said that the state will salt roads prior to Sunday’s snow, but the rain could wash it all away. “We just treat it as it comes,” Browning said. “Rain will wash the ... Read More »

The Overton County Highway Department is salting roads and preparing snow blades for Thursday’s forecast. Highway Superintendent James Norrod said his crews are getting in position to keep the roads as clear as possible. “I expect more from this one that is coming tomorrow,” Norrod said. “Good news is it’s going to come in the day instead of sneaking in ... Read More »

While a peeking sun and a slight increase in temperature helped clear roads, crews are preparing for another evening of service Wednesday with a third round of winter weather on the way. Putnam County Road Supervisor Randy Jones said state and primary roads are in good shape for now, but secondary roads are still icy. “We still got some of ... Read More »

Road crews are battling to keep roadways clear with low temperatures making salt less effective. Van Buren Highway Superintendent Randy Oakes said salt is used to lower the freezing temperature of water on streets, but temperatures dipping into the teens does not stop ice from forming. “It doesn’t work really good,” Oakes said. “When the temperature gets below 20 degrees, ... Read More »

A local body shop worker recommends getting the under side of your vehicle washed weekly when salt is present on roads. Bob’s Body Shop and Salvage Manager Bill Grogan said if not, rust can set in quickly. “We have a lot, especially pick up trucks that have major rust problems,” Grogan said. “And it is not just one manufacturer it ... Read More »

With snow possibility on the Thursday night forecast, Putnam County road crews are prepared to keep conditions safe for drivers. With over 700 miles of road, Road Supervisor Randy Jones said covering them all is impossible. Jones said his crews prepare by strategically placing trucks in areas most affected. “We go east of Cookeville with about two or three trucks,” ... Read More »