HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut’s Department of Transportation could soon study the corrosive effects of chemical road treatments used to clear ice and snow on state roads and highways.
The Senate on Wednesday voted unanimously in favor of a transportation bill that included language requiring the DOT study.
The bill awaited action in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Pamela Sawyer pushed for the study, prompted by complaints from motorists and truckers about corroded vehicles, including rusted-out brake and fuel lines. Sawyer said she’s also received complaints from citizens, including a mechanic, who believe they’ve become physically ill from the chemicals.
Since 2006, DOT has used a sodium chloride brine to pretreat roads before a storm. The state also uses a mixture of salt and magnesium chloride to prevent snow from bonding to the road.
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