Washoe County Public Works Crews are preparing ahead for the winter season. Throughout next week, residents may notice crews driving large equipment along snow routes in unincorporated Washoe County. They are ensuring that a new brine application pre-treatment system and snow and ice removal equipment are calibrated and ready for the upcoming season.
Washoe County retrofitted some of its snow removal equipment to install a new, environmentally friendly brine pre-treatment system. The brine system, made possible with a grant, enables the County to be more proactive in winter weather conditions, allowing crews to get out and pre-treat the roads. During testing next week, the crews are spraying water only.
There are multiple benefits to switching to brine for pre-treatment, including:
- The mixture will last on the roadways from three to five days without moisture, allowing crews to prepare ahead of forecasted storms.
- It will melt the lowest level of snow before it binds to the roads, making roads less icy and easier to plow when a storm arrives.
- It helps to reduce dust particles, which supports clean air initiatives in our community.
- The new system is also more efficient and cost effective.
During equipment testing, crews would like to remind the community that visibility is limited in the large equipment. Please keep a distance of 100 ft or more between you and maintenance crews. For more information on the snow removal process in Washoe County, please visitwww.washoecounty.us/pubworks/sno_ice_control.htm
