FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky transportation officials say the state's first winter storm response of the season went well overall, despite some road accidents and closures. But as winter continues, the state is piloting a new eco-friendly road treatment method to improve snow response.

De-sugared beet juice derivative will be used alongside traditional salt to treat roads. The product is designed to be more environmentally friendly than calcium chloride, which has been used previously.

"This is not like a can of Mott's Beet Juice or whatever off your shelf," explained Eric Bowman, Kentucky's roadway weather program manager.

The beet juice derivative contains no sugar, making it non-sticky. Its primary function is to lower the freezing temperature, allowing salt to more effectively

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