(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- Cedar Rapids Public Works crews are pre-treating roads with a salt brine, ahead of what could be icy-conditions tomorrow (Thursday). The City says it has about 10,000 gallons of brine, and can make and blend brine with other products as needed based on winter conditions.
Public Works says as the storm arrives tomorrow, crews will start spreading a salt/sand mixture. Some trucks will apply a think layer of brine as well, to reduce a "scattering" effect that sometimes happens when dry salt is applied and it bounces off the pavement. The City generally has on hand approximately 9,000 tons of salt/sand, with contracts in place to replenish quickly if needed.
Crews will then switch to moving snow, focusing on emergency snow routes first, then collector streets that connect major sections of the city, and then residential streets. The City's asking residents allow up to 12 hours after a snow event has ended for crews to service all residential streets.