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Why is rock salt the go-to solution for Michigan’s icy roads?

Why does Michigan use so much rock salt on its roads?
Julie Falk
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FLICKR - http://bit.ly/1xMszCg
Why does Michigan use so much rock salt on its roads?

Stateside’s conversation with Kirk Steudle, director of MDOT

Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation recently joined Stateside to answer your questions about our roads.

It turns out, you had a lot of questions.

So, we continue talking roads with Steudle and a question from Ryan True, who asks:

“Why does the state of Michigan, especially metro Detroit, use so much rock salt? Would it be feasible to use sand or a sand-salt mix?”

MDOT does use a mix of salt and sand in some cases. A handful of states are experimenting with beet juice and molasses. Hear why beet juice didn't work in Michigan and for the entire conversation, listen above.

If you have suggestions or questions for MDOT follow the link here.

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