-7°C and Below: Road Icing Cannot Be Prevented, Says Road Department

The Road Department of Armenia's Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure informs that during snowfall, roads are cleared when the thickness of the snow cover exceeds 3-4 cm. This is followed by treatment with salt and sand. In the case of prolonged snowfall, the process is carried out periodically.

At temperatures below -7°C, salt loses its ability to facilitate melting, and the salt-sand mixture no longer serves its purpose. In this case, sand and slag are used, which, when spread over the snow cover, increase the contact of vehicle tires with the road surface.

By following weather forecasts, it is possible to somewhat mitigate road icing; however, it is impossible to predict the amount of precipitation. At very low temperatures, preventing road icing is not feasible, as time is needed for the snow cover to begin melting through contact with tires after snow clearance and treatment with salt and sand.

Under blizzard conditions, road clearing and treatment efforts are ineffective, as cleared roads are continuously covered by blowing snow, and the salt-sand mixture is swept away by wind currents. Moreover, visibility during blizzards is nearly zero.

The Road Department urges drivers not to obstruct the work of contractor organizations responsible for winter services and to follow all instructions. This way, the organization’s staff can clear snow and apply salt and sand more quickly and easily.

Operational information regarding interstate and republican roads can be obtained by calling the 24/7 hotline at 010 56-25-33, as well as following the official website of the Road Department (https://armroad.am/am) or their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/armroad.am).