Sunshine and Road Salt Good for Business

NORWICH, Conn. -- Cars and trucks coated in the winter's road grime formed a constant line outside washing bays at Colonial Carwash on a 39-degree Saturday afternoon as drivers took advantage of a sunny break in the weather to remove salt and sand from their cars, the Norwich Bulletin reported.

"I'm mostly going to rinse the crud off," said Jerry Z., over the din of the high-powered jet sprays as he waited in line at one of the self-wash bays.

This winter has brought above-average amounts of snow to southeastern Connecticut, which has resulted in more sand and salt spread on city roads -- and layered on vehicles. Carwash owner Herbert Nyberg has been in business four years and said winter is busiest, followed by pollen season.

"This might be our record day since we've been open," Nyberg said, dipping a long brush into a sudsy basin before applying it to the next car in the full-service washing bay as each car advanced every 45 seconds.

The Norwich Public Works Department has spent $140,000 on material since December, which includes 4,200 tons of sand and salt. Starting next month, the department will begin sweeping the excess sand from 160 miles of city streets, a job that will last until August.

"All that sand is out there and it has to be picked up," Norwich Public Works Director Joe Loyacano said. "What we don't pick up in the streets washes into our catch basins. To clean up after a winter is just as extensive as putting the stuff out there."

At the carwash, Robert Kingsbury and his wife waited while attendants finished wiping the windows inside their Buick LeSabre. The couple opted for the $20 wash package.

"I've been doing this all winter, every two weeks," Kingsbury said. "In the winter, I do it more often. The salt they put down is going to rust your car out."

Source: Norwich Bulletin

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