Bulk Road Salt: How Does Salt Lake City Clear Their Roads?
Every winter, Salt Lake City faces the challenge of maintaining safe, drivable roads despite heavy snowfall and ice. Snow and ice buildup can create hazardous conditions on roads, making winter maintenance essential to prevent accidents and disruptions. The Salt Lake City government said, “the team has 45 large plow trucks and 90 Streets Division employees on standby 24/7 to clear snow and ice within 36 hours after a storm.” One of the most effective tools used by cities, including Salt Lake City, is bulk road salt, a key element in de-icing operations across the region.
The Importance of Road Salt in Snow Removal
Salt is used worldwide to reduce the freezing point of water, preventing snow and ice from bonding to the road surface. In Salt Lake City, this method is especially useful due to frequent snowfalls and fluctuating winter temperatures. When spread across roadways, road salts dissolve into a brine that lowers the freezing point of water, making it more difficult for ice to adhere to surfaces.
Salt Lake City relies heavily on this method, and crews often pre-treat the roads before a major storm to prevent snow from bonding. This approach, called “anti-icing,” saves significant effort during cleanup and reduces the overall amount of salt needed throughout the season. As pointed out by the Utah Department of Transportation, “During storms, crews use salt, including regular white salt and three types of high-performance salt, de-slicking grit and volcanic cinders.”
How Bulk Road Salt is Applied
Salt Lake City uses heavy-duty trucks with spreading equipment to guarantee that bulk road salt is evenly distributed. Trucks are equipped with calibrated spreaders to control the rate of salt being dispensed. This is important because over-salting can lead to unnecessary environmental impact, while under-salting can leave roads icy and unsafe.
For extensive winter operations, Salt Lake City crews use treated bulk road salt such as Type C White, which is enhanced with magnesium chloride and anti-caking agents. These enhancements help the salt remain effective down to 0°F and reduce clogging in spreader equipment, which allows for more efficient application and storage. Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offers this treated road salt, which is suitable for large-scale applications on highways, main roads, and other high-traffic areas.
Where Does Salt Lake City Get Its Road Salt?
Salt Lake City sources its road salt from various suppliers to meet high seasonal demands. Bulk road salt is stored in large salt sheds strategically located across the city. This storage method keeps the salt dry and ready for use when snow is forecasted. Kilgore Landscape Center, for instance, provides bulk salt to local government agencies, landscapers, and snow removal companies throughout the region. This treated bulk road salt, used by the DOT, cities, counties, and other professionals, is a reliable option that keeps roadways passable and safe during the harshest weather.
Buying in bulk provides an economical advantage for the city, allowing it to meet the demands of a long winter season while keeping costs manageable. Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center and similar suppliers also support local residents and businesses by offering accessible, high-quality salt products for individual or commercial needs.
Type C Bulk Road Salt Features:
For Asphalt Surfaces: Ideal for use on asphalt, providing reliable de-icing performance.
Large Scale Operations: Perfect for large-scale snow removal efforts on roads, highways, and parking lots.
Works Well in Larger Bed Salt Spreaders: Designed to be compatible with larger spreader equipment, ensuring efficient and even distribution.
Effective Down to 0°F: Keeps roadways safe by melting ice even in extreme cold temperatures.
Preferred by Professionals: Used by DOT, counties, cities, landscapers, and snow professionals for road safety during winter months.
Treated with Magnesium Chloride: Enhances performance by lowering the freezing point, making it more effective in harsh winter conditions.
Anti-Caking Agent (YPS): Helps prevent crusting and clogging in spreading machines, ensuring smooth application and extending shelf life.
Environmental Concerns and Responsible Salt Usage
While road salt is essential for safety, excessive use can harm the environment. Salt runoff can seep into soil and waterways, affecting plant life and aquatic ecosystems. Salt Lake City monitors its salt usage closely, aiming to balance safety with minimal environmental impact.
The treated bulk road salt from Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center is designed to be effective at lower temperatures, reducing the amount needed. Innovations, like adding anti-caking agents and magnesium chloride, allow for more efficient use, decreasing the environmental impact.
Alternatives and Additional Snow Removal Measures
Salt Lake City employs a variety of methods for snow removal, including plows and liquid de-icing agents. Plows remove accumulated snow, and salt trucks follow to apply salt to remaining ice. Pre-storm liquid de-icers help prevent snow from bonding to the road surface, making it easier to plow.
By combining bulk road salt, plowing, and pre-treatment, the city can efficiently respond to varying weather conditions, ensuring roads remain safe and clear during severe snowstorms.
Meeting Winter Challenges with the Salt Lake Landscape Center
Kilgore Landscape Center provides high-quality road salts and ice melt materials for customers in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Their Type C White Bulk Salt is reliable for winter road maintenance, ideal for high-traffic roads, parking lots, and personal use by landscapers, contractors, and residents. The center offers both treated and standard road salts for tailored solutions, supporting the city's winter operations and local businesses.
Winter road maintenance in Salt Lake City relies on quality products and partnerships with trusted suppliers. Bulk road salt products used by DOT, cities, and snow professionals help ensure that roads remain safe and passable during harsh winter weather
Other Winter Products at Kilgore Landscape Center
Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offers other winter products for homeowners, landscapers, and snow removal services:
Ice Melt Salt (Individual Bags or Bulk Pallets) – Pet and concrete safe ice melt salts like Kilgore’s Purple Heat Ice Melt, offer effective traction and melting for driveways and walkways.
Landscaping Sand – Ideal for improving traction on icy surfaces, these beach or play sands are also eco-friendly and perfect for winterizing properties.
Decorative Landscaping Rocks – Kilgore’s decorative rocks enhance outdoor spaces year-round, providing functional beauty during winter, perfect for pathways, garden beds, and xeriscaping.
Find the high-quality bulk road salt and winter products you need for safe, clear roads this winter. With trusted supplies like their bulk road salt and other winter products, Kilgore helps keep your property safe and accessible during the harshest weather.
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