Public works details snow-and-ice strategy; city reports large salt reductions after adopting liquids and new plows

JD, Street Department staff, presented an update on Port Washington’s snow-and-ice control program on June 10, describing policy, equipment and an emphasis on liquids and improved plow technology to reduce salt use while maintaining safe travel.

JD said the city’s snow-and-ice policy is designed “for safe travel in winter months, but is also environmentally friendly and cost effective,” and described use of anti-icing salt brine, beet-heated mixes for colder conditions, pre-wetting and targeted salting (hills, curves and intersections on residential streets rather than uniform salting). He also outlined equipment and staffing: 11 plow routes, five 5-yard dump trucks with liquid/salt capability, tandems, loaders, sidewalk equipment and on-site liquid storage (5,000-gallon brine tanks and beet-mix storage).

JD highlighted new plow blades that float to the road contour and salter calibration tools that ensure measured material application. He also described a road-weather information system (camera and sensors) used to monitor conditions remotely.

Staff said lane mileage has increased over recent years (staff referenced a 20% increase in lane mileage since 2000), and attributed a substantial reduction in salt use to anti-icing liquids and operational changes; staff said salt tonnage is down markedly compared with earlier years and compared favorably to neighboring communities. JD and other staff noted continued pressure from growth and suggested additional routes and staff will be needed as the city expands.