Nova Scotians can count on safer roads this winter as the province expands its anti-icing program and introduces the province's first new tow plows. The plows are based out of Truro and Sydney.

"We're getting tougher on icy roads this winter," said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Staff work hard all year long to come up with the most efficient and effective approach to maintaining our roads during the winter. I have every confidence the province-wide anti-icing program and tow plows will go a long way to minimize the amount of snow and ice build-up on our busiest roads and keep us all even safer."

Anti-icing takes place before ice can form on roadways. It involves applying salt brine, a liquid solution of water and rock salt, to reduce the chance of snow bonding to the road surface. It can be applied up to 16 hours before a predicted frost or snowfall. Anti-icing returns road surfaces to normal condition faster and results in fewer accidents and delays. Salt is also used more efficiently and crews can cover more territory. Anti-icing is also better for the environment, as traditional road salt application can bounce off the road and into surrounding vegetation.

"The goal of anti-icing is to prevent slippery conditions for drivers," said Barb Baillie, executive director, Maintenance and Operations, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Anti-icing was piloted last year and we saw dramatic results using the salt brine product. Rolling it out provincewide this year will allow us to be proactive in keeping drivers safe on series 100 highways."

Two new tow plows are also coming to the province. These types of plows are very effective for clearing twinned highways. They enable an extra-wide plow to be hooked up to a regular plow vehicle and pulled behind the unit. This means there are two plows on one vehicle, which allows both sides of a twinned highway to be cleared at the same time.

"Tow plows mean we can clear our most-traveled roads more efficiently," said Ms. Baillie. "The objective is to make the drive safer for motorists."

The province is purchasing two tow plows this year at a of about $80,000 each. Many jurisdictions across Canada and the United States already use tow plows. This year is the first time they will be used on Nova Scotia roads.

The department continues to encourage drivers to get ready for winter. Vehicles should have snow tires, cold-temperature antifreeze and an emergency kit.

Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions before heading out by calling 511 or visiting the 511 website. They can also check conditions using provincial highway cameras, available at http://novascotia.ca/tran/.

For tips on winter driving and the province's plowing, salting and sanding standards, visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/winter.