Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Drivers, DPW crews and school leaders will be put to the test Thursday morning with the year’s first impending slippery commute of the season.
Highway and public works crews have been preparing for the last few weeks by making the transition from fall to winter mode, but like school leaders, they always approach the first snow a little bit differently.
The DPW has been putting on the final touches to their plows and salt trucks. Crews say they’ve been ready for what’s to come for several weeks now and while they won’t do too much differently to clear the roads Thursday, more salt than normal is part of the plan.
“You put salt on it and it coats it when it gets wet, it coats it, then you have a film there that makes it melt upon impact, so we'll use more salt the first go around,” said Syracuse DPW Superintendent Pete O’Connor
It’ll also be the first time some new drivers hit the road.
"Even though we are pros at it, we consider ourselves the best in the country, but we do have some new drivers every year. We have some rookie drivers who are looking forward to it with some excitement,” O’Connor continued.
School districts in Central New York are also keeping a close eye on the skies. Liverpool Superintendent Dr. Richard Johns says they expect to make the call by 4:30 Thursday morning if road conditions warrant any kind of delay or closure, as they do every year. But after a mild winter last year, Dr. Johns want to make sure they’re ready.
“It's kind of like dress rehearsal. The first time the salt trucks are out everything is kind of new and different for that season. You pay more attention that first time around,” Dr. Johns said.
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