Researchers at Montana State University are working on environmentally friendly ways that use less salt to reduce snow and ice on roads.

The Center for Environmentally Sustainable Transportation in Cold Climate is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is a collaborative effort between Montana State, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and Washington State University.

Roadways made slippery by snow and ice are a big problem in the northern United States. According to The Salt Institute in Alexandria, Virginia, about 17 million tons of deicing salt is applied to roadways in the U.S. each year.

There are growing concerns about the impact of salt and chemical deicers on the environment.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM