News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Crews fight icy roads

In the battle to keep Oregon's roadways clear of ice and snow, crews from the Oregon Department of Transportation draw on an arsenal of weapons.

Today, chemical de-icers have become a significant tool in ODOT's winter weather fight.

Chemical de-icers, such as calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or magnesium chloride (CG90), lower the freezing point of water. When applied before a storm, this either prevents a strong bond from forming between snow and ice and the pavement, or prevents ice from forming at all.

Unlike many of the chemical "salts" used in the past, CMA and CG90 are safe for bridges and automobiles and are harmless to the environment.

De-icers will play a large role this winter in protecting sensitive fish habitat areas along state highways.

Highway sand, especially cinders, clogs streams, covers gravel spawning areas, and even punctures delicate fish eggs. By applying de-icers, ODOT will minimize the use of sand while still keeping the roads clear during winter.

In urban areas, de-icers reduce the amount of sand needed, which improves air quality. Once the snow is gone, the dry sand creates unwelcome dust clouds and covers bike lanes and sidewalks.

One application of CMA or CG90 is enough to prevent build-up during heavy frost or freezing fogs. Repeat applications are needed during freezing rains.

By pre-applying before snowfall, then reapplying when necessary, snow pack can be prevented, eliminating the need for chains and preventing

accidents.

 

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