New research shows that salt brine can effectively clear Wisconsin highways.
A UW–Madison study for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation compared salt brine to traditional rock salt on parallel highway routes during winter storms. Researchers found nearly identical road performance, but salt brine used 40 to 72 percent less salt.
WisDOT says the findings reinforce what counties have seen for years, that brine helps clear roads faster, improves traction, and reduces environmental impact. All 72 counties now use some amount of brine, which can stretch budgets by covering far more lane miles than rock salt alone.