Clearing winter roads costly; not clearing them even more costly

We earlier reported that lack of roadway snow and ice removal in China had cost that country $3 billion in economic losses.  Update: the costs have jumped to $15, BBC reports now.  Officials admit they were unprepared and have mobilized 1.3 million soldiers to clear the roads; see a video of the Peoples Liberation Army in action.

A 2004 study by the economic consulting firm Global Insight, Inc. found enormous costs associated with blizzards which might shut down various states and provinces including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin...Ontario and Quebec.

Salt supplies, taken for granted in the US and Canada, are being stretched this winter, too.  The Salt Institute reports widespread anxiety among public works officials in hard-hit regions, particularly in areas with frequent storms that don't permit interim re-supply.

For more background on the vital safety and mobility justification for winter roadway maintenance, see the Salt Institute's website.