Plow preps: Racine County focuses on I-94 corridor for potential storm

 

RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With a big winter storm in the forecast for southeast Wisconsin, several counties are prepping their snowplows and clearing plans.

Road maintenance is especially important as we enter a busy travel weekend, with crowded highways to be expected.

Racine County has 57 plow drivers and 32 plow trucks prepared for this week's storm, a nearly full staff on deck.

"There's probably going to be a lot of busy snowplow drivers this holiday," said Director of Public Works for Racine County, Julie Anderson. 

The county is currently drafting their operation plan for plow drivers, with rotating 12-hour shifts.

"We continue to rotate that way through the storm, so preparing for it, through the actual event, and then cleanup afterwards," Anderson said.

The main priority is to keep I-94 as clear as possible.

Counties are contracted through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to maintain their stretch of the highway.

"We designate a lot of resources to the I-94 corridor through Racine County, because that's where cars are probably going to go to look for the best pavement conditions," Anderson said.

Although snow predictions are reducing, high wind remains a threat for plow drivers.

"If you can't see when you're plowing because of 50 mph winds, it doesn't matter how much snow you have on the ground. It really could be tricky with blowing and drifting on highways," Anderson said.

Officials ask travelers to drive slowly, especially on the highway. Keep your headlights on, your windows clear, and your gas tank full.

"If people don't have to travel during the storm or the height of the storm, just stay home and stay off the road. Give yourself a break and give our drivers a break as well," Anderson said.

Public works officials are consistently in contact with the National Weather Service as snow models shift.