MARANA- The Public Works Department’s Street Division is preparing for the freezing temperatures by de-icing Town of Marana bridges to keep drivers safe. Public Works de-ices bridges as they freeze before roads due to construction material and increased heat loss as bridges are exposed to freezing winds from all sides.
Crews have been spraying magnesium chloride on the bridge decks to make sure they are free of ice this weekend. Magnesium chloride lowers the freezing temperature of water and prevents ice from bonding on a bridge deck. A light coating of magnesium chloride also has no negative impacts on groundwater, surface water or vegetation.
The ice suppressant agent is expected to last for approximately 10 days. Heavy rain does diminish its effectiveness and crews will need to re-spray the roadways.
Ahead of freezing temperatures, the Streets Division will spray all Town bridge decks and monitor them throughout the evening and into the early morning hours to make sure ice has not formed at the bridge crossings.
Please continue to use caution and drive safely!
“Wet Road Ahead” signs are placed at bridge entrances when necessary.
