Cumberland County, NC — The North Carolina Department of Transportation began treating interstates, major routes, and bridges on Friday as part of routine winter weather preparation across the state.
Forecasts indicate a low possibility for winter impacts in the Cumberland County region from Friday into Saturday. Despite the minimal outlook, NCDOT is taking proactive steps to prepare roadways in advance to reduce any potential risk to drivers.
Crews are applying brine across North Carolina, including throughout Cumberland County. Brine is a liquid mixture of water and approximately 23 percent salt that is applied in dry conditions when temperatures are above 18 degrees. Its purpose is to help prevent ice from forming on road surfaces.
This method is more effective than traditional salt pellets because it is applied before winter weather arrives. The brine bonds directly to the pavement, creating a protective layer that helps stop ice from adhering to the roadway rather than attempting to melt ice after it has already formed.
Brine is designed to remain effective unless there is heavy or prolonged rainfall. Even when some dilution occurs, pretreatment still provides crews with a valuable head start and helps reduce the risk of black ice, particularly on bridges and major roadways.
NCDOT typically pretreats roads one to two days ahead of a potential winter event, focusing on high-traffic routes as well as bridges and overpasses, which cool more quickly and are more likely to freeze.
Residents have already reported seeing treatment trucks on I-295, Raeford Road, Bunce Road, and other major routes throughout the county. Drivers are urged to use caution around brine trucks and maintenance crews as they continue their work over the coming days.
While the likelihood of significant winter weather remains low, colder temperatures can still cause road conditions to change quickly. Staying alert, slowing down when necessary, and remaining prepared is the safest approach for all motorists.
