Washoe County road crews activated to prepare for winter storm

Washoe County road crews applying de-icing solution in preparation for winter storm.

Reno, Nevada. Dec. 23, 2014. Washoe County’s road crews are busy preparing streets for freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast for the next couple of days.

Crews began applying de-icing solution on Washoe County roads Tuesday.

“Brine solution is made of regular salt and water mixed at a 23 percent saltwater ratio,” said Road Operations Superintendent Adam Searcy. “It has the ability to dry on the road and maintain its effectiveness for up to 72 hours prior to a storm event. This brine has a freezing point of  -6 degrees Fahrenheit, greatly reducing the ability of snow and ice to bond to roadways and the amount of effort and additional salt and sand required to make the roads safe. We are closely monitoring the weather and forecasts and will have crews available on Christmas Day if necessary.”

There are more than 1,000 centerline miles of roads in Washoe County to potentially clear during snow events, and Searcy said there are many ways residents can help speed the snow and ice clearing process:

• When shoveling a driveway, please don’t dump the snow on the sidewalk or roadway, as this increases the snow that’s likely to become a berm in your driveway when a plow goes by.
• Be visible to snowplow operators by maintaining a safe distance behind them.
• Understand that roads will be plowed in accordance with the regional snow plan, which prioritizes which roads get cleared first based upon safety considerations.
• Keep all objects out of the road, gutters and right-of-way so they don’t become flying objects.
• Keep all drainage outlets open if possible to help control the melt-off from snow and ice as temperatures rise during the day.
• Keep vehicles and garbage cans off the streets so crews can plow the entire street.

The County’s Snow and Ice Control Plan for the winter lists Priority 1 roads, known as major highways, arterials and collector streets necessary for schools and hospitals, as the first to be plowed. Priority 2 roads, which are normal neighborhood streets, are next, followed by Priority 3 routes, such as cul-de-sacs and industrial streets. Information regarding individual streets can be found at http://wcgisweb.washoecounty.us/SnowPlow .

For more information on the Washoe County Snow and Ice Control Plan, please visit www.washoecounty.us/snow  or call (775) 328-2180 with general questions.

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