As the temperatures start to drop, we get lots of questions about salt brine—so here’s a quick look at what it is and why we use it!
Salt brine is simply rock salt and water, mixed to create a solution that helps keep roads safer by lowering the freezing point of water to about 15°F. When applied before a storm, it prevents snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making roads easier to clear and reducing the amount of salt needed later. In fact, pretreating can use four times less salt than trying to melt ice after it forms!
During a storm, brine helps road salt work faster and stay in place instead of blowing away—especially in colder temps.
And the results speak for themselves: according to the Wisconsin DOT’s Winter Maintenance at a Glance 2024–2025 report, Kewaunee County has reduced salt use by 17% per lane mile, saving nearly $50,000 a year—all while keeping roads safer and reducing environmental impact.
We hope this gives you a clearer picture of how brine works and why we use it. If you'd like more information on the county's brine usage, head over to the county website HERE for a full explanation from County Highway Commissioner Marty Treml.
Stay safe this winter!