D-12 Snowfighters spread salt brine today to prepare for anticipated weekend snow
HIGHWAY DISTRICT 12 – January 27, 2017 – Snowfighters from all 10 maintenance facilities in Highway District 12’s seven counties are pre-treating roads and spot-treating bridges, mountains and cold spots. Crews patrolled and spot-treated earlier this morning and all started pre-treating operations at 10 a.m.
Pre-treatment consists of covering the roadways with a layer of salt brine, a mixture of rock salt and water which does not freeze. The brine bonds with the pavement and makes plowing and snow removal easier.
Darold Slone, Engineering Branch Manager and Snow and Ice Coordinator, said the forecast calls for 1-3 inches of snow in D-12 counties some time Sunday. “Our crews are ready, we are fully stocked with salt and liquid calcium chloride. As soon as a snow event begins, we will respond,” Slone said.
Slone asked motorists to drive with extra care and attention. “At the beginning of a snow event, stay off the roadways if you can,” he advised. “Give us time and space to work. We have plenty of advance notice for this snow event, if it unfolds as predicted, so everyone should be able to have their errands taken care of and their family gathered at home before snow starts on Sunday, if that is how this weather system plays out. If you do have to be out in the weather, buckle up and be extremely safe out there.”
