Johnson City Public Works is preparing for snow and ice this weekend by applying a preemptive layer of brine to the city’s roads. The salt-and-water solution helps prevent snow and ice buildup, the city said.
When temperatures drop below 30 degrees, brine becomes less effective, so Public Works crews switch to a salt and calcium chloride mixture. A typical two- to three-day storm requires about 1,000 tons of salt. The city reports having over 4,000 tons in storage, ready for use.
The department’s fleet, including dump trucks and knucklebooms, is ready for snow removal operations ahead of the storm. The city asks for public patience with any delays in routine services as these vehicles are repurposed for winter road maintenance.
According to Johnson City, 27 trucks have been assigned across nine zones to plow 812 lane miles. Crews will work two 12-hour shifts to keep roads clear, prioritizing major thoroughfares based on traffic and road design.
Johnson City streets are divided into two priority levels: main streets and subdivision entryways (priority one), and side streets within subdivisions (priority two). Motorists are urged to stay off the roads to allow snow removal. Real-time road conditions are available via TDOT Smartway, and more information can be found on the website.
Residents are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear, as city services focus on roads. Snow and ice removal on privately owned sidewalks falls to property owners.
