9/2/14 - Last winter may have had a lasting factor aside from breaking records. Michiganâs seemingly never-ending snowfall required quite a bit of road salt usage for safer driving conditions. Because of that, the cost of road salt has increased significantly according to Livingston County Road Commission Director Mike Craine. However, Livingston County is in a good position, at least for this winter. Craine tells WHMI the âtrick is to be in the market as early as possible.â Craine says the goal for the upcoming season is to use as little salt as possible while making sure motorists still have good traction. Though the county's bid is only guaranteed through this year, Craine tells WHMI they do not foresee an extreme spike in salt price. Livingston County will be using the available resources in the smartest fashion possible. The salting equipment can be regulated in real time dependent on the conditions as they change. The amount of salt being used is set based on factors like inches of snowfall, the amount of water in the snow and temperature. Craine says the ability to adjust the salt usage throughout the storm will save the county money as well as road salt. (DK)
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