Author: Brian Casey

While not yet widely available, corn-based deicers have shown some promise as an environmentally friendly alternative that could reduce the use of salt.

Iowa DOT researchers conducted lab tests on a series of corn-based deicer blends—mixes of salt brine and three types of corn-derived alcohols.

They identified several combinations that performed well in terms of freezing-point depression, corrosion inhibition and ice-melting capacity. While cost and logistics issues must be explored further, the blends’ performance showed enough promise to warrant further study.

Read the final report and two-page research brief: Corn-Based Deicers, July 2020.

Image source: Iowa DOT

Clear Roads is pleased to share the following opportunity from lead state Minnesota DOT:

Winter maintenance professionals from all agencies are invited to join Minnesota DOT’s Winter Research Lightning Talks on Wednesday, February 24, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST. 

The event will include 5-minute presentations from researchers about five in-progress MnDOT research projects:

• Implementation of Lane Boundary Guidance System for Snowplow Operations
• Reducing Winter Maintenance Equipment Fuel Consumption Using Advanced Vehicle Data Analytics
• Have Minnesota’s Warmer Winters Increased the Number of Freeze-Thaw Cycles?
• Can Automated Vehicles “See” in Minnesota? Ambient Particle Effects on Lidar Systems
• Promoting the Adoption of Snow Fences through Landowner Engagement

The event is free, and no registration is required. To receive a copy of the webinar recording, email research.dot@state.mn.us. This event is provided by MnDOT’s Office of Research & Innovation and Office of Maintenance. To join:

Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only):

+1 763-317-4323, 147459721#

Questions? Email research.dot@state.mn.us.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL or foreign language interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format (such as Braille or large print), please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.

Image credit: Dave Gonzalez, Minnesota DOT

A Michigan DOT research study confirmed that adding green strobe lights to existing amber warning lights on winter maintenance vehicles increases the trucks’ visibility to other motorists.

Researchers evaluated dozens of lighting configurations to identify the best options for increasing the plows’ visibility while minimizing glare. MDOT began using green warning lights on winter maintenance vehicles in 2016.

Read more:

• Research report: Effectiveness of Green Strobes on Winter Maintenance Vehicles and Equipment, August 2020.
• Two-page Research Spotlight
• Video news release

Image source: Michigan DOT

A new Clear Roads synthesis project surveyed state DOTs about how they meet their weather forecasting needs, including which approaches are effective and what additional resources would be valuable. The project also examined the practices DOTs use to convey information about forecasts and road weather conditions to operators in the field.

Read the synthesis report: Resources, Practices and Needs for Weather Forecasting to Facilitate Winter Road Maintenance, December 2020.

Image source: Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension

Clear Roads has published its sixth Annual Survey of State Winter Maintenance Data, which compiles data on winter resources, materials and costs from 36 states for the 2019-2020 winter season. The interactive spreadsheet-based tool includes a United States map that displays many of these metrics. The tool includes six years of data, and displays averages and changes across winter seasons. See the project page.

Check out these recent Clear Roads research reports:

• Synthesis Report: Mechanic/Operator Equipment Training, August 2020.
  This synthesis report identified the training materials that state DOTs and others have developed on topics including pre- and post-trip inspections and diagnosing and correcting equipment problems. Synthesis report.
• Alternative Methods for Deicing, Clear Roads Project 18-05, July 2020. Researchers created a compendium of alternative deicing methods and technologies, ranging from low-investment process changes to larger mechanical improvements. Final report and research brief.
• Safe Driving and Defensive Driving Training for Snowplow Operators, Clear Roads Project 18-01, June 2020. This project added two new modules to Clear Roads’ training materials for snowplow operators. Final report, training modules and research brief.
• Test Bed Software for Plug-and-Play Technology, Clear Roads Project 13-05, April 2019. Researchers created a web portal that lets vendors test spreader controllers and AVL equipment for compatibility with the Clear Roads Communications Protocol—a key step toward plug-and-play device compatibility. White paper and research brief.

To see all completed and in-progress Clear Roads projects, visit the Research by Topic page.

Clear Roads has updated the guidance document that outlines how deicing products are evaluated for inclusion on the Clear Roads Qualified Products List (QPL). The revised guidance defines the product submittal process, outlines product specifications and testing protocols, and provides suggested language that agencies can use in their purchasing documents for winter materials.

Clear Roads provides guidance and administration for the QPL, which was created to review, test and approve products used for winter maintenance and to provide guidance in the selection and purchasing of environmentally responsible products. For more information, visit the QPL page.