Expected rain makes it difficult for city crews to pre-treat roads

With rain in the forecast before the snow, city crews have to be ready. Crews were unable to treat the roads with brine Monday night, as rain would wash it away.

“These spreaders here put the salt down, the salt gets pre–wetted with the brine it helps it stay where it needs to be so if you just put salt down it scatters and ends up in the median or the side of the road so with the brine it helps it stay in the road where it needs to be so its working as efficiently as possible,” says Travis Laughlin, a city district supervisor.

Laughlin says although the rain makes it more difficult, it doesn’t necessarily change their plans for the day of the storm. 

“We’ll have 20 trucks out on our material spreading routes, watching for freezing conditions as well as moving snow off the roads,” says Laughlin

He says of course every storm is different, but drivers should be on alert. 

“You just pay attention and watch the weather and if you have to go out and travel make sure you know what you’re getting into before you leave and definitely give us plenty of room to do our job were there to ensure public safety we wanna make sure everyone gets where they need to go safely.”

As the rain and snow make their way to the capital city, we will be sure to keep you updated on possible closures and road conditions.