Island Roads will be spreading a brine solution across the Isle of Wight road network during the early hours of tomorrow morning (Sunday) to help combat the anticipated icy conditions, on what could be the coldest night of winter so far.
The use of brine – a saltwater solution – marks a shift from the standard dry salt gritting approach. It comes as part of continued efforts by the PFI contractor to keep key routes safe during the ongoing cold snap.
Brine is a mixture of salt and water applied in liquid form. It sticks better to road surfaces and starts working faster than dry salt alone. It can be especially effective in very cold weather, helping to prevent ice forming in the first place rather than just melting it after it has developed.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the Isle of Wight is set for one of its coldest nights yet, with a widespread frost and the potential for icy surfaces – with lakes and ponds set to freeze over.
Island Roads has said it will be treating roads with brine from 04:00. A dry salt run was completed earlier this afternoon.
A spokesperson for Island Roads has said:
“Please take additional care wherever you are on the network.”
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to remain cautious when out and about, particularly on untreated or lesser-used roads. Even with proactive treatments in place, some surfaces may still become slippery.
