Escanaba Workers 'Pumped' About Treating Roads Before Snow Hits

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) -- Snow in the Upper Peninsula is as certain as a hot pasty. At least one city is experimenting with a different way to keep the roads clear.

Escanaba has turned to salt brine, a mix of salt and water applied to roads before snow falls. Public works chief Bill Farrell tells The Daily Press that it prevents ice from forming and makes snow plowing easier.

Farrell says salt brine is effective during lower temperatures, compared to rock salt mixed with sand. He says his staff is "pumped about it."

There are a few snags. Farrell says salt brine isn't fully effective during windy days and when the snow is wet. In Escanaba, salt brine can be applied at a rate of about 500 gallons an hour.

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