By Ian Holmes

New highway contractor to lean heavily on liquid solution for snow removal

Oct 19, 2018 | 5:41 PM

NANAIMO — The general manager of the new road maintenance contractor on the mid-island swears by liquid brine as a solution to weather highway woes in the region.

MainRoad Mid-Island, the firm recently awarded a 10-year contact from the provincial government to maintain area highways, is gearing up for winter driving season.

Rick Gill told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ll rely heavily on a salt and water de-icing combination, which he said will be delivered by their larger 20,000-litre trucks.

“They can stay out on the road a lot longer to distribute the product and basically do the same traveling speed as the public. It’s a very effective product.”

Gill said their heavier reliance on liquid brine has proven to be an effective tool on the south island for many years. He said their liquid salt and water solution sticks to the road, doesn’t blow away, and prevents snow from bonding to the surface.

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“Once a snow storm completes itself it’s very easy to clean up after to get back to black pavement.”

The contract accepted by MainRoad Mid-Island included enhanced provincial standards for road clearing and maintenance, including removing snow from highways within 24 hours of a weather event as opposed to 48.

MainRoad is responsible for provincial roadways in Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, Tofino and surrounding areas.

Gill said their fleet has 22 pieces of equipment, which includes items in storage yards at Duke Point, Gabriola Island, Parksville and Lasqueti Island.

He said they’ll be operating on a 24/7 basis regionally shortly, noting motorists should be aware of rapidly approaching winter driving conditions.

“If you had to scrape your windshield today it might be a little different drive to work today.”

MainRoad is also responsible for bush control, grass cutting, wildlife removal and pothole repairs among many other highway maintenance tasks.

MainRoad’s 24/7 highway maintenance hotline is 1-877-215-6006.

The company assumed control of regional highway maintenance from Emcon Highway Services, which provided the service since 2003.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes