IBTS, Agencies Fought Icing of Bridges

During last

week’s record cold, almost every bridge and most major roads in Central had to be shut down because of dangerous icing conditions.

But the city’s private

contractor, IBTS, work-

ed with other agencies to keep the roads and bridges open to emergency vehicles, so that they could reach Central residents who might face life-threatening sit-

uations.

For many hours, the City of Central was a virtual island, cut off from outside traffic.

But the preparation, prompt response, and cooperation of many agencies and public officials helped make sure that there were few accidents and injuries.

IBTS sanded all bridges, including state and parish roads, to reduce icing.

David Ratcliff, IBTS manager, said a vehicle on Hooper lost control and hit the Welcome to Central sign.  Another vehicle went into a 360-degree spin and damaged an IBTS pickup.  A City of Central officer slipped on the ice and required stitches.  And numerous vehicles went off Sullivan Road

and had to be towed.  Lewis Wrecker was busy moving vehicles.

Ratcliff said the cold weather event was “even worse than we had anticipated.  However, Mayor Mac Watts, David Barrow, Police Chief Doug Browning, the Central Fire Department, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux and his office, and Homeland Security were well prepared for the emergency and worked in total cooperation.  Equipment was pre-staged, and contractors and emergency agencies went into action.”

“Our main goal was keeping our many roads and bridges open for emergency vehicles,” he said.

Ratcliff said it was particularly significant that the Sheriff and Central substation commander Bobby Dale Callender requested assistance in keeping the roads open, and Mayor Watts authorized that to be done. When the size of the crisis made it impossible for the parish and state to take care of the parish and state roads in Central, Central’s agencies were able to take care of those roads and bridges.  During the emergency, Ratcliff was on the front lines.  He is the one shown in the photos operating the earth moving equipment.