Residents may have taken notice of some roads covered in reddish streaks prior to a snowfall. Public Works Department plow crews have two trucks placing a salt brine application that prevents the formation of ice on the pavement and snow from bonding to the surface. In the photo above on Route 31 near Fargo Boulevard, the two driving lanes remained clear of snow when treated beforehand compared to the center turn lane (which was not) during a trial run in December.

Salt brine is the combination of water and salt mixed together to a 23 percent salinity level. There are many brands of brine makers on the market ranging from $20,000 to $70,000, but City staff did research to build our own brine maker using 500 gallon totes, pvc pipe and a pool pump at a cost of $1,600. The City's brine maker can produce 800 gallons per hour.

"The proper use of an anti-icing program most importantly provides safer roadways for our residents," said Nate Landers, Superintendent of Geneva's Streets and Fleet Division. "This pilot program could have a positive financial impact on our winter operations budget by eliminating the need for crews to be called out for small snow events of less than an inch. Ice bond prevention could net a 75 percent savings compared to de-icing a road already covered in ice."

Weather conditions, pavement temperature and air/ground moisture all play a factor on the effectiveness of this liquid chemical. However, if done correctly, there is little to no product loss off the pavement since it dries quickly to prevent frost and snow from forming on the road at the start of a storm.

During the pilot program, the City is applying the salt brine on downtown area hills and bridges as a first priority and then main arterial roadways for additional coverage. The chemical also is being used in the Third Street Commuter Parking deck and City parking lots. Given the initial success, Landers said the City hopes to expand the anti-icing program in the future.