The new salt barn is on Mount Herman Road and will serve the northern portion of Raleigh, including the airport, Interstate 40, and the I-540 outer loop.
"While we certainly hope that Raleigh doesn't experience any major snow or ice storms this season, the new salt storage facility puts us in a better position to respond quickly," offered City Manager Russell Allen in a statement released to the media.
The city says its goal in a major snow storm is to keep major roadways and public transportation routes open for vehicles equipped with snow tires or chains. Salt brine - a mixture of salt and water - is put down prior to snowfall to make the snow melt as it hits the ground.
Regular salt is then spread on ice or snow after it accumulates.
The city has stockpiled 3,700 tons of salt and 20,000 gallons of brine. Spreading equipment is also checked over regularly to make sure it's ready to go.
