Bismarck testing brine-sand mixture on roads

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The city of Bismarck is testing the mixing of liquid brine into its sand to speed the cleanup of snowy and icy streets.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that the state has used it for several years, particularly at risky junctions where traffic merges.

Bismarck director of service operations Jeff Heintz says the North Dakota Transportation Department has provided some surplus brine to see how well it works in the capital city.

Heinz says it can be applied before it snows so it turns liquid right away or after it snows. That way when the salt hits the ice, it keeps the ice from attaching to the pavement and it's easier to remove.

The brine is mixed in through dispensers attached to the rear of the sanding trucks.

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