It’s probably the worst on Grand Avenue in West Duluth, but above is a shot on Fourth Street in the Central Hillside. You know what it is and obviously it pisses you off, but what is it called? Duluth has probably never experienced it before to an extent worth coming up with a name for it.

A news release today from the city of Duluth refers to it as “caked-on ice.” Is that good enough, or does someone have a better term?

Here’s the full news release

Duluth snow operators chipping away at icy roads with new brine mix

The city of Duluth Maintenance Operations crews have been testing a variety of methods to tackle the caked-on ice from last week’s historic snow storm. Today, they are making some progress using a new brine solution.

The city tested a solution consisting of calcium chloride mixed with a brine solution. The mix has shown to be helpful in these frigid temperatures. Though the city does not stock calcium chloride, it was able to get a hold of a limited quantity. City crews have been out today taking advantage of the warm sun to test the mix. The results are good so far and made even better with the combination of sunshine, constant traffic that breaks up the ice and heats the pavement and immediate follow up with graders and plows.

“Calcium chloride will work in sub-zero temperatures but due to its cost of $800 per ton versus salt at $64 a ton, it is cost prohibitive given the city’s 400 miles of roads. Chloride is a product that works best with sunshine but then refreezes once the sun goes down so we have to work fast. It’s also not readily available. We are using very minimal amounts of chloride and relying mostly on our skilled operators to do the heavy lifting,” said Kelly Fleissner, interim director of public administration.

City crews have been out testing the solution judiciously on the worst ice-caked streets and hilly avenues. The city is continuing to use sand where necessary and is making good progress today, but is aware there is more ground to cover. Rising temperatures will enable crews to restart with a salt/sand mixture.

The city continues to enforce alternate side parking and buried vehicles prevent city crews from finishing plow operations. Motorists are again urged to drive cautiously and be patient.

Clearing city sidewalks and hauling away snow banks are also a priority for the city in the coming weeks.

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