City crews are preparing for the possibility of snow this weekend.
“The National Weather Service is saying there is a slight chance that we might get snow over the weekend, but we are not expecting a major weather event,” said Streets Manager Mike Brandt. “If we do get some snow, we will be ready.”
Brandt said the Public Works crew has kept up with the de-icing of City streets, and four members of the Public Works crew will be on call this weekend to clear roads if there is snow.
The City crew has been spreading magnesium chloride, a liquid de-icing agent, on main arterials, overpasses and roundabouts. It is most effective when applied to dry roads and is effective between 40° F and -15° F. Residents will see the City truck spraying the magnesium chloride and can expect to see some damp streaks in a striping pattern where the de-icing agent has been laid. Drivers are reminded that the City truck may need to drive below the speed limit while spreading the de-icing agent. The City asks drivers for their patience and to provide adequate distance from the truck to ensure that their cars do not get sprayed with the magnesium chloride.
The City of Sequim began using magnesium chloride in the winter of 2011/2012. It is an environmentally safe product that is over 85% less corrosive than salt and has half the toxicity of baking soda. Magnesium chloride has been used for decades nationwide, including by the City of Port Angeles and the Washington State Department of Transportation, and has shown no adverse effect on streets, surrounding plants, or the overall environment. To learn more about magnesium chloride visit the City’s website www.sequimwa.gov.
Please contact Streets Manager Mike Brandt at 681-3437 or mbrandt@sequimwa.gov with questions.