TDOT issues winter storm cleanup facts and update
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the impact of the winter storm response nears the 1-week mark, TDOT wants Tennesseans to feel informed about what’s happening where and why. Here’s answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
“Why is TDOT *still* asking us to stay off the roads?”
Your safety and the safety of our crews remain our top priority, and we continue to urge Tennesseans to avoid travel unless necessary, especially in Middle and West Tennessee. If you must drive to get essential supplies, reach a safer location, or report to work, please use extreme caution. Reduce your speed, increase following distance, and stay alert for sudden icy patches, downed trees, and power lines. Every precaution you take helps protect you, other motorists, and the men and women working hard to keep our roads clear.
“My power is still out! Help!”
TDOT does not restore power. We are working as quickly and safely as possible to clear routes for linemen and utility companies so they can work on restoring power. Additionally, TDOT crews can’t clear trees that are also impacting the power lines. Only the utility companies can confirm if the power to the line is off, we cannot. Therefore, utility company crews handle those trees to ensure crew safety.
“Why isn’t that plow doing anything?”
You may see a plow driving by with its blade up for several reasons. Each snow plow is assigned a specific route and they may be in route to or from that location. Similarly, salt trucks may not be spreading because they are loaded up with enough salt for their specific area. Plows might also not be working on an area that was recently salted -as it would push all the salt into the shoulder, reducing its effectiveness.
“Why hasn’t my road been plowed?”
To prioritize safety and use resources efficiently, TDOT uses a tiered approach to treating state-owned roadways (interstates and state routes). Crews first focus on interstates and heavily traveled state routes, especially those that connect to hospitals and emergency services.
It’s important to understand that each county has different priorities based on its roadway infrastructure. For example, counties with interstates, like Madison County (Jackson), may see more concentrated efforts on those major corridors first, such as I-40, before crews can shift to other routes like US 45 or US 412. Meanwhile, counties without interstates may have resources focused on their primary state routes, which can result in quicker clearing of those roads.
Our goal is to get at least one lane clear for travel on all priority routes. During prolonged weather events, crews may need to repeatedly clear the same lane or roadway before moving on to new routes. We appreciate your patience as our teams work as quickly and safely as possible to restore connectivity across the state.
“TDOT cleared the trees but left a mess, why?”
Right now, our priority is clearing the roadways for safe travel. Crews will come back for the debris once full travel is reestablished.
“Why does Governor Lee need to sign an executive order to have TDOT help counties?”
As winter storm recovery continues, TDOT is grateful for Governor Bill Lee’s action allowing our crews to support local governments with debris removal which will expedite efforts to restore power, especially in rural communities. TDOT crews remain active on state routes clearing snow, ice, and debris to restore safe travel. Local governments seeking assistance should direct requests to TEMA.
“Oh great, here come the potholes.”
You’re right. Potholes often pop up after winter weather. We’re committed to repairing the roadway as soon as the winter weather cleanup is done. We’re also working with our partners in the private sector to start completing some of that pothole repair work while our crews remain focused on winter weather cleanup.
In general, roadways with higher traffic volume and higher posted speed typically experience a greater number of potholes, as do bridges and ramps that receive heavier applications of snow and ice removal chemicals. These areas are prioritized accordingly. If a pothole presents an immediate safety concern to the traveling public, it is addressed as quickly as possible.
To report a pothole, please call 833-TDOT-FIX (833-8349) or submit a request online.
For more winter weather coverage, click here.
