Dover -- Shortly after noon today, DelDOT began applying salt to some roads in the hilly areas near Hockessin. Salt is being applied to melt existing ice, and to prevent additional ice from forming.

Statewide, trucks and crews are ready to apply salt if temperatures drop and ice starts accumulating on the roads.

Temperatures in New Castle County are currently near freezing.

"Temperatures are hovering just above freezing right now, so motorists should drive as though there may be black ice on portions of the road. Our crews are working hard to stay ahead of any ice building up, but ice can form quickly. Motorists should drive very carefully this afternoon and this evening," said DelDOT Spokesman Jim Westhoff.

"Motorists should not drive closely behind a truck that is applying salt," Westhoff said. "Not only can it damage the paint of your vehicle, but more importantly, it hinders our ability to properly apply salt to the road surface."

To see real-time weather information from stations throughout Delaware, please visit Real-Time Weather online.


Some background about DelDOT ice and snow removal operations:

People:
-- As many as 500 people take part in snow-removal operations.
-- During severe storms, DelDOT hires private contractors to help with removal in areas like bus routes, shoulders, and intersections.

Equipment:
-- About 450 vehicles are available for snow operations, including dump trucks, graders and other tractors.
-- Every vehicle is rigorously inspected every Fall and receives maintenance all year long.

Salt:
-- Delaware has 65,000 tons of salt stockpiled in 20 locations throughout the state
-- Due to constant replenishment, the salt stockpiles are currently full