LANSING, MI (WOWO) Brutal cold and heavy snow are forcing some Michigan cities to rethink how they treat winter roads, with officials warning residents not to expect clear pavement in all areas. Above-average snowfall combined with prolonged sub-zero temperatures has pushed local governments to rati on road treatments and focus on major routes. Transportation officials say the issue is not a lack of salt, but the fact that salt becomes far less effective when temperatures drop too low. The Michigan Department of Transportation says it has adequate salt supplies statewide and can assist local agencies if needed. However, MDOT says strategic use is necessary because salt does not work well in extreme cold. “We do not have a salt shortage,” said Jocelyn Garza, MDOT’s director of communications. “We have gone through more salt this season than we have in the past several years, but we are not at risk of running out of salt.” The state orders salt based on a five-year snowfall average and has purchased nearly 200,000 tons this season, with the ability to order more. Still, MDOT says scraping snow and ice can be more effective than salting when temperatures plunge. “When temperatures are this low, salt can be ineffective,” Garza said. “In some cases, it’s better to remove snow and ice rather than apply material that won’t work.” According to Bridge Michigan – several cities have already issued advisories to residents. Lansing announced it would limit snow removal and chemical applications because of the cold, saying plowing could create icy conditions by removing traction provided by packed snow. Fowlerville and Eaton Rapids issued similar notices, saying crews would prioritize major intersections, railroad crossings and high-traffic roads. Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, preventing ice from bonding to pavement. But once temperatures fall below about 15 degrees, its effectiveness drops sharply, according to University of Michigan climate scientist Richard Rood. “At some point, it’s just not effective enough,” Rood said. “It may still help with traction briefly, but it doesn’t melt ice the way people expect.” In extreme cold, some road crews switch from salt to sand, which improves traction without relying on melting. MDOT says sand is more commonly used in rural areas where runoff will not interfere with drainage systems. Reduced salt use may also lessen environmental impacts. State environmental officials say excess salt runoff can contaminate waterways, damage infrastructure and harm aquatic life. “Using road salt properly is important for public safety and for keeping excess chloride out of the environment,” said Christe Alwin with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Meanwhile, snowfall totals across Michigan continue to climb. Parts of the Upper Peninsula have already surpassed their seasonal averages, with Sault Ste. Marie recording about 130 inches so far this winter. Northern Lower Michigan cities, including Gaylord and Traverse City, are also well above normal. Forecasters say colder conditions tied to La Niña and low ice coverage on the Great Lakes are contributing to continued lake-effect snow. With weeks of winter still ahead, officials say residents should be prepared for ongoing travel challenges. The post Michigan Cities Pull Back on Salting Roads due to Extreme Cold appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less