102722...R ODOT 7...Liberty...10-27-22...ODOT Public Information Officer Ray Marsch talks about the inspections of the ODOT snowplows as winter approaches..by R. Michael Semple

LIBERTY — With autumn colors still abundant throughout the Mahoning Valley, many residents likely aren’t ready to think of the four-letter word “snow.”

Nevertheless, people such as Rick O’Neill can’t afford to assume such an attitude.

“We tackle the little things before they become big things,” O’Neill, equipment manager for the Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 4, said. “The mechanics are checking for deficiencies.”

The district covers Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula, Portage, Summit and Stark counties.

O’Neill was on hand Thursday morning at Trumbull County’s new full-service facility, 5140 Belmont Ave., for ODOT’s winter readiness event at which several salt and plow trucks were having safety checks done to ensure they’re prepared to handle the upcoming winter roads.

Several vehicles in the new facility were undergoing 150-point inspections that included brakes, steering, engine checks, lights, hydraulics and suspension systems.

In addition, the mechanics were checking the vehicles’ tire conditions, oil and fluid levels and other fine points, as well as the plow blades and salt spinners to be sure they are functioning properly.

Ray Marsch, ODOT’s public information officer, noted that the department is using more brine and less salt, largely because such a move is cheaper, yet as effective as applying pure salt.

To make brine, ODOT taps into salt mines in Lake Erie and combines the material with tap water, he explained.

ODOT has been in the new garage about two weeks and is still in the process of fully moving in. The new facility’s operations replace those of the garage in Brookfield on state Route 7, which the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office is leasing for one year to Brookfield, Hubbard and Liberty townships for their needs, Marsch noted.

Also, ODOT’s new location is vital because of its close proximity to Interstate 80. Consequently, the site will allow road crews to treat the major east-west artery and other heavily traveled roads much faster, he explained.

During the first significant snowfall each year, many motorists forget how to adjust their driving habits and acclimate to the changing conditions, which often results in accidents.

Marsch and O’Neill stressed that during snow events, people should allow additional time to reach their destinations, slow down and not “crowd the plow.” They also advised that during heavy snow, motorists should disregard the posted speed limits and drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions.

Salt and brine trucks clearing the roads typically travel between 25 and 30 mph, so it’s also imperative that drivers slow down when the trucks’ flashing lights come into view, they continued.

“Leave early and plan ahead,” Marsch added.

news@vindy.com