Tina Trenkner is the Deputy Editor for GOVERNING.com. She edits the Technology and Health newsletters.
E-mail: ttrenkner@governing.comTwitter: @tinatrenkner
Idea Center
Mix Sugar Beet Molasses and Salt Brine, Sprinkle Over Roads.
The state of Maryland joins others that use sugar beet molasses to help de-ice roads.
Many roadway authorities are looking for ways to cut down on the costs to prepare and clear lanes during winter storms. Last week's Idea Center featured Chicago's plans to install GPS units and laser sensors to monitor where snow plows are and how much salt is being used. This week, Maryland's State Highway Administration is preparing two counties to use an unusual mixture for roads this winter that other states have adopted: sugar beet molasses and salt brine. The SHA joins a number of groups to use sugar beet molasses to help de-ice roads. A SHA spokesman says the substance will help salt stick to the roads and patent holders have said that the mix will bring the freezing temperature of water down. Maryland will use sugar beet molasses in Howard and Frederick counties this year, and could expand its use to other parts of the state next year.
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