SHA Ready For Winter Operations; Will Introduce "Pro-Active" Strategy

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Nov. 25, 2010


The Keyser's Ridge garage of the Maryland State Highway Administration is ready for the snow forecast for Garrett County on Friday, according Charlie Gischlar, SHA Communications, Baltimore.

"We're totally ready for anything Mother Nature sends us," Gischlar said.

Western Maryland – Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties –received an average of 156 inches of snow last winter. Garrett County alone, however, received more than 260 inches.

Currently, there are 7 tons of rock and solar (sodium chloride) salt at the ready in the three SHA "salt barns" located in Garrett County. Statewide, there are 340,000 tons of the materials in 96 barns. Gischlar noted that SHA will try to restock those supplies after every storm.

Statewide, SHA also has 35,000 tons of abrasives (sand, etc.), 60 tons of calcium chloride, 675,000 gallons of salt brine, 50,000 gallons of magnesium chloride, 4,500 gallons of potassium acetate (used in automated bridge anti-icing systems), and 30,000 gallons of Geo Melt 55 at the ready for the 2010-2011 winter season.

Gischlar also reported that SHA will introduce a new "proactive" anti-icing strategy in Garrett County and elsewhere in the state this winter. Prior to or at the onset of snow, SHA crews will spray salt brine (liquid sodium chloride) on I-68, Rt. 219, and Rt. 40 in order to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.

Read the full article here.

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