Date: Fri 22-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

weather-roads-salt-sand

Full Text:

A Winter Worth Its Salt

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Newtown Hardware ran out of salt and sand earlier this week after selling more

than 2,500 bags worth already this month. There are shovels still available,

though.

The continuous cycle of rain, freeze, thaw and then freeze again has wreaked

havoc on Newtown's roads and driveways the past three weeks. Salt and sand are

at a premium, though the highway department does allow residents to help

themselves from its huge pile.

However, residents are requested to keep their vehicles clear of the

department's equipment. Last weekend, several homeowners created a problem at

the Turkey Hill Road facility, blocking town trucks from reaching the storage

areas.

Since December 24, the area has been hit by a total of eight storms. The

highway department has used a total of 2,909 yards of sand and 727 tons of

salt, while racking up a total of 1,875 overtime hours. So far, the winter of

1998-99 has cost the town $114,264.

According to Fred Hurley, Public Works Director, this winter's ice and snow is

typical. However, what has made it unique has been the number of rain storms

while the ground was frozen.

"Everything is wet so there is nowhere for the water to go," he said. "If a

chill comes in quick enough, you've got sheets of ice everywhere. It's a

recipe for black ice."

According to Gary Lessor of the Western Connecticut State University weather

center, the "warm during the day, cold at night" weather was expected to

continue this week. However, the precipitation is expected to let up, allowing

roadways to finally dry.

Don't put that salt and sand away just yet, though. Another rain and sleet

storm is due later this weekend.