Crews in Spartanburg, Greenville are preparing roads for wintry conditions, SCDOT is ready to respond

With a winter storm likely on the horizon later this week, crews across the Upstate on Wednesday prepared roads and bridges for the possibility of snow and ice.

On Wednesday afternoon, Spartanburg County road and bridge department members applied salt water varnish to bridges and key roads. The salt layer helps prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the road surface.

Spartanburg County maintains more than 1,700 miles of roadway and is responsible for about 150 bridges, according to Communications Manager Scottie Kay Blackwell.

What should I do if the power goes out? What should I do if the power goes out in SC during a snowstorm? Tips for keeping warm, safe

Greenville County Schools: Greenville County Schools cancel field trips, athletic events due to expected snowfall

Tips for cold weather: When to drain your faucets, how to set your thermostat, more

Homeless shelters, warming centers: Homeless shelters, warming centers ready for cold weather, snow in Greenville, Upstate

City of Spartanburg crews were preparing to pre-treat roads with brine Thursday night, communications director Christopher George said.

Greenville County does not prepare its roads, but “Greenville County Public Works has gone through preparation protocols to ensure all vehicles and equipment are prepped and ready,” said Governmental Affairs Coordinator Bob Mihalic.

Snowplow equipment is available in both counties to help clear snow and ice from important roadways.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation also maintains important roadways in the Upstate.

In a news release Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said, “SCDOT crews are preparing equipment and preparing roadways across the state as we continue to monitor the forecast. We want our community members to know that SCDOT is ready to respond to any winter weather to keep South Carolinians moving.”

What you need to know about snow, ice amounts: Snow will fall for a ‘good part’ of Friday, the NWS says

SCDOT also warned the public about the dangers of driving in rough conditions: “As weather conditions worsen, people are encouraged to stay off the roads if they are not traveling and to plan their route in advance and travel with caution if they must travel.”

This article originally appeared on the Herald-Journal: SC road, bridge crews in Greenville, Upstate prepare for winter storm