While it may seem like some highway maintenance vehicles are spraying
water on the highway, what they’re really doing is applying salt brine
to the pavement to help prevent frost or ice from forming on the
road’s surface.

“Highway maintenance crews often apply salt brine to pavement at times
when frost or ice are forecast to form on the pavement,” Bureau of
Highway Operations Director David Vieth said. “ After application, the
brine dries fairly quickly, leaving behind a thin layer of dried salt
on the highway. The salt serves as a preventive measure to keep frost
or ice from forming in the first place, keeping highways safer for
motorists.”

Highway maintenance vehicles that apply the brine typically have large
tanks in the back and spray units at the rear that can spray single or
multiple lanes. Motorists who encounter the wet pavement after a brine
application are encouraged to slow down, the same as they would if the
pavement were wet from rain.

Highway departments in 62 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties use the procedure
to help prevent frost or ice formation on highways, especially on
bridges, bridge approaches, and other trouble spots.

For more information, contact:
Mike Sproul
(608) 266-8680, [email protected]