Fort Worth is treating its roads with brine ahead of expected winter weather next week
Fort Worth: The city is gearing up for some winter weather next week. They’re starting to treat the roads with brine to keep things safe.
NBC 5 took a peek behind the scenes to see how it all works and what drivers should keep in mind.
TxDOT trucks have already been out treating highways and I-35W with brine. With the cold and possible precipitation coming, Fort Worth is taking action to protect the streets.
When the weather gets rough, the city has over 800 tons of salt ready to go. Plus, they’ve got about 4,000 tons of sand stored up, according to Lane Zarate, the Assistant Operations Manager.
They mix the salt and sand with water to create brine, which is sprayed on the roads to prevent freezing during storms. Zarate mentioned that it can be applied well in advance, whether it’s four days or two days before a storm.
This Friday, they planned to treat areas around hospitals and emergency zones. Crews will be active on the streets from Monday night into Tuesday morning.
While these treatments are helpful, NBC 5’s Weather Experts warn that long exposure to brine can harm your car’s paint and undercarriage.
But don’t worry, the city has a simple fix for that. Zarate suggests a car wash after the storm, though he emphasizes that keeping the roads safe is their top priority.
