City of Columbia Missouri

P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2013

CONTACT: Columbia Public Works
(573) 874-7250

Potential for significant icing may alter roadway treatments used by Columbia Public Works

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Public Works is closely monitoring the forecast and consulting with our weather forecasters on what type(s) of precipitation are expected and timing of the precipitation between Friday evening and Sunday evening.

At this time, it appears that a significant ice event is possible across central Missouri. A two or three degree temperature variation could have significant impacts on the type of precipitation we receive.

Our plan is to pretreat roads this afternoon with a liquid salt brine solution. A full crew will be brought in at 2:00 am Saturday morning to begin treatment operations on priority routes.

For the past several years, Columbia Public Works has used salt as it's choice of roadway treatment during winter weather. With the potential for significant ice, Public Works will consider using a mixture of salt and cinders.

Salt is a good melting agent to about 15 degree's while cinders are a good traction agent at any temperature. A mixture of the two may be the correct combination should icing on the roadways occur.

Our plan is built with flexibility to deal with changing weather and road conditions.

In addition to treating roadways, Public Works is prepared to handle downed trees/limbs should that occur.

As with any potential winter weather, we urge our customers to monitor current weather and road conditions via local media and via our website at Comosnow.com. Driving conditions could deteriorate rapidly and become dangerous after midnight.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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