PennDOT preparing for snowy season

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- With temperatures getting colder, the time for snow plows and shovels is closer than you think.

And even though you probably don't want to think about it, stores are already selling the salt and brine you need to keep your driveway and sidewalk clear.

While many of us still shiver at the thought of last winter, PennDOT crews have long been at work preparing for the winter we are now facing.

"We began planning for this upcoming winter at the close of the previous winter. Basically, we do preparation work all through the spring, summer and fall," Gene Blaum of PennDOT said.

Maintenance is checking the fleet to make sure everything is working correctly.

"You want it spread out evenly over the road surface. You don't want to waste it off to the shoulder, into a ditch channel, off the highway, or into someone's front yard," Tony Goreski of PennDOT said.

And supplies have been replenished. The brine stores are full and salt will be at full capacity in November.

"We take shipments of salt through the summer and fall to load up our salt stock so that by the time November comes around, everything is in place and the operation is ready should winter precipitation fall," Blaum said.

At Home Depot, the shovels are out, the salt is ready and the sun is still shining.

"I'm not preparing yet. I will wait till it happens and then I will react. Unfortunately," Jon Hahn of King of Prussia said.

"I like the snow as long as I don't have to go to work," John Muhlangn of Mt. Airy said.