Dane County Highway Department and Wisconsin Salt Wise to Host Winter Equipment Open House

September 22, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Land & Water Resources

Event will showcase equipment and best practices for safer, more efficient winter maintenance

 

DANE COUNTY – The Dane County Highway Department, in partnership with Wisconsin Salt Wise, will host a free Winter Equipment Open House on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together local municipalities, neighboring counties, policymakers, and winter maintenance professionals to share best practices for snow and ice control. The event will showcase equipment and strategies Dane County and other local agencies are using to keep roads safe while improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary salt use.

 

“Keeping our roads safe throughout a Wisconsin winter is essential, and we can do that while being thoughtful about the impact road salt has on our lakes, streams, and drinking water,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Dane County is proud to bring communities together to share what works, learn from one another, and continue improving how we approach winter maintenance.”

 

The Dane County Highway Department has made significant improvements to its winter maintenance program in recent years. The open house will provide an opportunity for operators, mechanics, managers, and local officials to see equipment firsthand, discuss current practices, and learn about strategies they can implement in their own communities.

 

Winter Equipment Open House

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Recommended arrival time for pictures/interviews: 10:15am)

Dane County Highway Eastside District Campus, 7625 Luds Lane

 Wisconsin Salt Wise is coordinating seven equipment open houses across Wisconsin this fall with local highway departments and municipalities. The coalition works to reduce salt pollution in Wisconsin’s lakes, streams, and drinking water by educating residents and decision-makers, providing training for winter maintenance professionals, and promoting practices that use the right amount of salt for conditions.

The event is free and open to the public. Visit the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department event page to learn more and register.