Anti-icing techniques involve the application of liquid magnesium chloride to roadways and bridges which helps prevent snow or ice from bonding to the pavement. The application greatly reduces black ice and slippery conditions.

When below freezing weather is eminent, ACHD applies magnesium chloride on priority routes. The magnesium chloride not only aids in preventing ice, it can also melt existing ice on streets. ACHD also uses road salt which melts snow and ice, and when combined with sand adds traction for motorists.

Benefits of Anti-Icing

Makes travel safer.
Anti-Icing, when applied prior to the storm onset, keeps snow from adhering and ice from forming on the roadways.

Maintenance costs are reduced, saving taxpayer dollars.
Use of Anti-Icing agent greatly reduces the use of sand and road salt. This not only saves on the cost of materials, fewer crew hours are required for sweepers to clean the roadways. Anti-icing materials placed on wet roads become diluted and ineffective and therefore have to be reapplied throughout the storm.

Less impact to cars, pavement, and roadside landscaping.
While ACHD purchases materials treated with corrosion inhibitors, it is still a good idea to wash your car often in the winter months to prevent potential corrosion.

Better for the environment.
Sand used during winter maintenance will be swept by the Broom Crew as soon as conditions allow. Removing the sand from the roadway decreases sediment runoff to the storm drain system and downstream waterways and reduces airborne dust generated as the sand breaks down.

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