In most circumstances, city crews use straight salt on icy areas. We will switch to a salt/sand mixture during extreme cold weather. This does not guarantee ice-free streets, so drive carefully even where salting or sanding is evident. Priority areas receive treatment, and all other areas are done when time permits. Priority areas include:
- All collector street stop sign intersections
- All other stop signs
- Areas deemed hazardous by city crews or other city officials
- Bridge decks
- Intersections of city streets and county and state roads
- Streets with hills and curves
We use salt, sand, and chemical brine to ensure road safety during winter. Green street signs indicate City streets. Sand provides temporary traction but doesn’t melt ice; it’s primarily an abrasive material. Typically, Ramsey mixes about 15% salt with 85% sand, reserving this for extremely cold weather or freezing rain.
Pure salt is applied to primary roads and intersections for ice control, effective between 15 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures decrease, more salt is required to melt ice.
Ramsey has adopted a pre-wetting process for salt, using a liquid tank on sanding trucks to create brine, which enhances melting and reduces spillage. This process saves 20-30% of salt.
With over 190 miles of roadway and around 860 intersections, the City relies on both the Police and citizens to report winter-related issues, as snow compaction and salt displacement can create slippery spots before maintenance crews can address them.
