Snow and Ice Control - Using Technology to Improve Service

This year marks the second full season of utilizing equipment to blend and apply liquid snow and ice control products to the roadways. This technology has allowed the Village to reduce the quantity of road salt while maintaining the same high level of service by keeping the streets clean during and after winter storms.

For several years, the Village has been evaluating the effectiveness of anti-icing products which are used in two basic concepts. One is a pre-storm application, where a liquid is sprayed on the pavement, dries and is activated when precipitation occurs. Initially, the Public Works Department will be treating the major intersections and curves throughout the Village prior to a snow or ice storm. Once the product is applied, it will help melt any frozen precipitation up to several hours, depending on the storm’s intensity. This will keep the treated areas wet instead of snow or ice covered until Public Works crews can respond with other snow and ice control measures.

The second concept is a blend of liquids applied directly to rock salt as it is being placed on the roadways. These products contain a protein made from natural agricultural products such as corn or beets that assist in keeping the salt on the roadway so less is introduced into the environment. The liquid also activates the heating element in the salt which allows it to work faster and more efficiently. These techniques are designed to reduce impacts to the environment and allow for the most effective snow and ice control in a broad range of temperatures and storm intensities.

These methods will allow for the Village's Snow and Ice Control Program to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. It should assist in providing safer travel more quickly. However, residents are advised to continue to use caution and slow down while driving when winter weather strikes the Village.