Benefit

Automatic anti-icing systems on bridges reduced crashes by 25 to 100 percent and benefit-to-cost ratios ranged from 1.8:1 to 3.4:1.

August 2003
Duluth,Minnesota,United States; Winona,Minnesota,United States; Dresbach,Minnesota,United States; Statewide,Utah,United States; Nationwide,United States

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Summary Information

During severe winter conditions bridges freeze before the roadways, usually catching unsuspecting drivers off guard. To mitigate the issue, some state transportation agencies have successfully implemented automatic bridge deck anti-icing systems. This study documented the research performed to develop a decision-aid tool for Nebraska to prioritize bridges for the most efficient installation. As part of the research, the benefits of automatic bridge deck anti-icing systems in other states were evaluated.

An extensive literature review on automatic bridge deck anti-icing systems was executed. Researchers also reviewed the experiences of several transportation agencies that deploy such systems.

FINDINGS FROM THE LITERATURE REVIEW
  • After the installation of an automatic bridge deck anti-icing system in Utah there was a 64 percent reduction in reported crashes.
  • In Minnesota, the installation of automatic anti-icing systems reduced crashes at three sites:
    • Interstate 35 bridge near Duluth by 56 percent. The benefit-to-cost ratio was 2.0:1.
    • Truck Hwy 61 bridge near Winona by 100 percent. The benefit-to-cost ratio was 3.1:1.
    • An intersection in Dresbach by 100 percent. The benefit-to-cost ration was 2.7:1.
  • In Minnesota, another anti-icing system installed on I-35W at the Mississippi River Bridge resulted in a 68 percent reduction in winter season crashes and a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.4:1.
In summary:
  • Accident frequency reduction varies from 25 to 100 percent.
  • Benefit-to-cost ratios of such systems are in the range of 1.8:1 to 3.4:1.

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Source

Bridge Prioritization for Installation of Automatic Anti-icing Systems in Nebraska

Author: Khattak, A.P., and Geza Pesti.

Published By: Proceedings of the 2003 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Symposium. Iowa State University. Ames, Iowa.

Source Date: August 2003


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Application Areas

Intelligent Transportation Systems > Road Weather Management > Response & Treatment > Fixed Winter Maintenance

Goal Areas

Safety
Productivity

Typical Deployment Locations

Metropolitan Areas, Rural Areas, Statewide

Keywords

None defined

Benefit ID: 2008-00534