RDU restocks de-icing materials to treat runways this weekend

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is ready for Raleigh's third winter storm this month.

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RDU purchased additional solid and liquid de-icing materials to treat roads and runways this week after the airport's stockpile was severely depleted following two weekends of snow and ice.

The purchase cost $241,770, according to a statement from RDU.

In a statement, airport officials said RDU was overstocked on both products prior to the winter season due to concerns about nationwide trucking delays. The winter weather at the beginning of January changed that.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson said an order for 4,400 gallons of liquid de-icer and 4,400 pounds of solid de-icer was delivered Tuesday to help replenish supplies.

"We also found a vendor who can deliver 48,510 pounds of materials that can be used on both roads and runways by Friday," the spokesperson said. "In addition, we have placed the order our Board approved earlier this week. With these supplies on hand, we feel comfortable the airport will safely get through a weather event like the one we may see tomorrow or Saturday."

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"Maintaining our roads and runways is essential to ensuring safe travels during snow and ice events," said RDU Authority CEO and President Michael J. Landguth in a statement.

During last week's winter storm, a Delta plane skidded off the runway. It took crews over 12 hours to move the plane from mud.