While most of the Midstate missed out on the winter weather, TDOT says the next time we're threatened with snow, it will be ready. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is prepared for the winter weather hitting the area.

"Here in Middle Tennessee, we've got over 60,000 tons of salt and over 1/2 million gallons of brine that we've already got mixed, preparing and ready to go," says TDOT's BJ Doughty.

We stopped by the Transportation Management Center in Nashville where they monitor traffic conditions and dispatch help trucks as needed to accidents and disabled vehicles.

"It also helps during winter weather that if we start to see if slick places are developing, if we start to see that cars are slowing down, people here at TMC can communicate with our maintenance officials and they can send a salt truck out," says Doughty.

In addition, TDOT has a new pressurized brine applicator they are trying out this year.

"What that will allow us to do is spray more at a time, get more even coverage, you know time is of the essence when we're trying to get these things done and the guys are excited to see how it works this winter," says Doughty.

TDOT also launched a new tool to help drivers stay safe. It's a SMARTWAY app available for your iPhone or Android, but the key is you want to check your phone before you hit the road, never when you're driving.

"This app is not meant to be used when you're driving a motor vehicle, but certainly it can help you tremendously before you leave your home or if you're trying to get back home," says Doughty.

The app gives you the ability to check cameras, road conditions, and incidents so you can choose an alternate route to avoid slick spots or delays. If you're traveling to any part of Tennessee or Kentucky, and are worried about the roads, you can get the latest conditions by calling 511.
TDOT's New System Will Make Treating Roads a Lot Easier