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Evaluation data show that anti-icing and pre-wetting strategies can reduce sanding applications by 20 to 30 percent, decrease chemical applications by 10 percent, and reduce chloride and sediment runoff in local waterways.
Date Posted
04/25/2008
Identifier
2008-B00524
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Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report

Summary Information

This report obtained information from literature reviews, agency surveys and phone interviews on the advantages and disadvantages of anti-icing and pre-wetting for winter highway maintenance. Anti-icing is considered a proactive approach in areas where liquid chemicals could be applied early enough (prior to precipitation) to prevent snow or ice from bonding on roadway surfaces. Pre-wetting is typically used as a reactive measure to improve conditions on roadways already covered in snow and ice. In these areas roadway surfaces were treated with pre-wet solid salts and abrasives to enhance ice melting, and reduced the tendency of dry materials to scatter and bounce off roadways.

The research reveals that compared to traditional winter weather maintenance strategies, anti-icing and pre-wetting techniques lead to improved pavement conditions, decreased use of chemical products and abrasives, decreased maintenance costs, lower accident rates. The goals for transportation agencies to utilize proactive winter maintenance solutions include maximizing traveler safety, improving levels of service, mitigating environmental concerns, improving public relations, and identifying cost savings.

The methodology consisted of literature searches and a questionnaire sent to maintenance professionals in 18 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Those that responded to the questionnaire received a follow up interview. The questionnaire explored the state-of-the-practice for winter highway maintenance and documented the advantages and disadvantages of anti-icing and pre-wetting strategies. Many maintenance managers surveyed indicated that the best approach to winter maintenance is to utilize a combination of all tools available. Results are based on the opinions of those interviewed and the statistics they provided.


FINDINGS

In Nebraska, pre-wetting salt reduced salt usage by 35-40 percent.

In Canada, an evaluation of pre-wetting salt has shown that fewer chemical applications are needed, resulting in up to 53 percent less material used.

In the Denver metro area from 1993-2000, Colorado DOT reported a decrease in sanding applications by 37 percent.

Some maintenance managers surveyed indicated a reduction of 20-30 percent for sanding applications and about 10 percent for chemical applications.

Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report

Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report
Source Publication Date
08/20/2005
Author
O’Keefe, Katie, and Xianming Shi (Western Transportation Institute)
Publisher
The Pacific Northwest Snowfighters Association, and the Washington State DOT