These efforts involve incorporating alternative materials such as salt brine and limestone chips alongside traditional road salt to effectively maintain roads during Wisconsin’s harsh winter months.

A Shift Toward Sustainability and Efficiency

Highway crews are encouraged to minimize salt usage by increasing the application of ¼-inch limestone chips and salt brine. Salt brine—a solution composed of 76.7% tap water and 23.3% road salt—is pre-mixed and immediately effective upon application. It prevents salt from blowing off roads during application or passing vehicles, ensuring it stays where it is needed most.

“All of our state trucks are equipped with at least 150 gallons of brine,” Steve Morgan, State Roads Superintendent, explained. “Brine can be sprayed into truck sanders or onto spinners, making the salt adhere better to road surfaces. This wet salt approach enhances road coverage and reduces waste.”

Pre-Wetting for Proactive Maintenance

The department also pre-wets roads and bridges before storms. This proactive approach initiates melting and prevents snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Crews maintain state highways like 151, 18, and 80 around the clock during storms, while other roads are serviced from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Each patrolman is responsible for maintaining at least 30 centerline miles (60 lane miles), and travel speeds during chemical application are kept under 35 mph to ensure optimal coverage. “It takes an average of two hours for a patrolman to cover their section,” Highway Commissioner Jon Knautz noted. “The slower speeds minimize salt rolling off the highway, resulting in better coverage.”

Balancing Costs, Safety, and Environmental Responsibility

The department remains under close scrutiny by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Grant County is significantly reducing costs and protecting natural resources, including drinking water, by utilizing chips at $11 per ton and brine at $0.25 per gallon instead of road salt at $100 per ton. This cost-effective and environmentally responsible process, which may take slightly longer, ensures the safety of roads while allocating savings to critical construction season projects.

Winter Safety Reminders for Residents:

• Allow at least 200 feet of space behind maintenance trucks. Operators may begin applying chemicals or materials without warning.

• Drive cautiously, allow extra travel time, and adjust to winter conditions.

“It’s wintertime in Wisconsin,” emphasized Highway Commissioner Knautz. “We encourage everyone to slow down and proceed with caution. With our methods, we’re confident in providing excellent taxpayer service while prioritizing safety.”

For additional updates and winter driving tips, visit https://511wi.gov/#:Alerts