A release from the City of Harrison details the amount of time and materials it took for the city to clear streets after the recent snowstorm.

The full release is below:

The crews from Public Works worked non-stop for several days to make sure the City’s streets were as clear from the snow and ice as possible.

According to COO/City Engineer Wade Phillips, crews applied more than 100 tons (200,000 pounds) of salt to city streets before, during, and after the recent winter storm. Public Works employees put in over 1,200 man-hours clearing snow and ice from public roads and other public spaces. The estimated total expense to the City in manpower, equipment, and materials exceeded $60,000.

This recent winter event will likely be the last time the City uses traditional road salt for treating roads. Phillips said, “We are switching to a pre-treated enhanced deicer product that will remain effective well below 0°F; traditional road salt begins losing effectiveness around 20°F and is relatively ineffective below 15°F. The deicer we will be using is purple in color, so it will be more visible. The better visibility on treated roads will help minimize overlap and reassure drivers that treatment has occurred. The new deicer is non-staining, odorless, and much less corrosive to equipment. It will also allow us to reduce the amount of salt applied to roads by 30% to 50% compared to traditional methods, resulting in lower costs and environmental impact. The goal with the switch to the new deicer is to more efficiently clear roads and reduce overall costs during winter storm events.” 

Phillips said everyone working on snow removal put in a lot of effort clearing roads and keeping equipment operating during the extreme cold temperatures that followed the snow and sleet. “They did a great job in less than ideal conditions, and we all appreciate their efforts.” Phillips further stated that he can assure the public that “no one in the community wants the roads clear any faster than the people out there working to clear the roads.”