Black ice blanketed the area in the early morning, leaving state roads closed and motorists in the ditch all over the northern half of Indiana. The phenomenon is caused by a light mist and temperatures around the freezing mark, according to Haeck.
“It puts that thin coating of ice on everything,” said Haeck. “The temperature is just right to keep it frozen that way. It’s everywhere. If it can just warm up a degree or two it will make our life a lot easier.”
Crews battle the condition with salt and sand but it can be difficult.
“We do what we can but it’s slow going for us too,” said Haeck. “We have to be careful to keep the trucks on the road the same as everybody else.”
The county uses a mixture of sand and a substance called “Boost” instead of salt. It’s a calcium chloride based substance that is not as corrosive as salt so it’s easier on auto finishes and the environment. It is a course of action made necessary for the county. Road salt for sale was hard to find over the summer, and what small amount was available was prohibitively expensive.
“It’s not quite as potent as salt but its pretty close,” said Haeck. “The main thing is it was available and not at a premium price. You have to do what you have to do with the money available.”