The Town of Ponoka uses a mixture of three per cent salt (sodium chloride) and sand on the roads during the winter months.
The 'sand' is a 5mm of crushed chip with fines (sand) to provide drivers with some added traction in winter conditions.
The percentage of road salt used by the Town is primarily to keep the sand from clumping and to provide some initial melting to ensure the road sand stays in place. However, at temperatures below -15 C salt loses its effectiveness on the roads.
While the sand does offer some benefit, winter roads are always going to be more slippery in frigid temperatures. Drivers are urged to please slow down and drive for the conditions.
The Town of Ponoka uses a mixture of three per cent salt (sodium chloride) and sand on the roads during the winter months.