Now in its seventh season, AASHTO’s Talkin’ Winter Ops podcast hits the ground running with an all new episode.
Shaken Not Stirred – the Rocker Ice Melting Test Method (Episode 96): Mike Mattison and Jasmine Dondlinger of the Nebraska Department of Transportation explain the science behind the Rocker AASHTO Provisional Test Method and how agencies can use it to determine the ice melting capacity of different deicing products. February 2024. Podcast.
Clear Roads has prepared a listing of technical sessions and posters related to winter maintenance that were presented at the 2024 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. The list includes nearly two dozen papers and posters, with links to presentation materials. The sessions covered a wide range of winter maintenance topics, including materials, equipment, technology and weather.
Note: TRB requires a login to access full papers and presentation materials. If you are having trouble accessing these materials, check with your DOT or other transportation library.
Check out the recent research from transportation organizations around the country:
Cooperative Automation Driving System (C-ADS) with Road Weather Management (RWM) with a Lane Closure, Federal Highway Administration, December 2023. Fact sheet.
Field Test & Evaluation of a Solar Snow Fence, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, May 2023. Research report.
Snow Depth Retrieval with an Autonomous UAV-Mounted Software-Defined Radar, Colorado DOT, April 2023. Research report.
Image source: Colorado Department of Transportation
New research is underway! Learn more about some of the winter maintenance issues that Clear Roads and other transportation organizations around the country are exploring now:
Automating Variable Speed Limits Using Weather, Traffic, and Friction Data, Aurora Pooled Fund. Anticipated completion date: January 2025. Project description.
Developing a Collision Warning and Collision Avoidance System for WYDOT Snowplows, Wyoming DOT. Anticipated completion date: April 2024. Project proposal.
Development of a Public Service Announcement Library, Clear Roads Pooled Fund. Anticipated completion date: March 2025. Project description.
pH Waiver for Deicing Products and the Qualified Products List, Clear Roads Pooled Fund. Anticipated completion date: April 2025. Project description.
Image source: Michigan Department of Transportation
Salt products used during winter maintenance can corrode vehicles, damage vegetation and contaminate road-side wells and waterways. Non-chloride deicers could potentially serve as viable substitutes, but their pros and cons have not always been been well understood.
To help agencies compare and choose the right deicer for their needs, this Clear Roads project synthesized the benefits and drawbacks of non-chloride deicers. The research also produced data sheets for deicers in four categories, and may inform changes to Clear Roads’ Qualified Products List in the future.
Download the final report and two-page brief: Efficacy, Cost, and Impacts of Non-Chloride Deicers, December 2023.
2019 APWA North American Snow Conference
The American Public Works Association will host the 2019 APWA North American Snow Conference May 19-22 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual conference features presentations from snow and ice professionals and an exhibit hall of winter maintenance solutions. Details.
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2019 Snow & Ice Symposium
The Snow & Ice Management Association will host the 22nd Annual Snow & Ice Symposium June 25-28 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The symposium features workshops, classes, a trade show and a field operators training day. Details.
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News
“Weather Responsive-Management Strategies” Innovator, January/February 2019
The Every Day Counts round five (EDC-5) initiative promotes the adoption of weather-responsive management strategies to increase effectiveness of traffic operations and maintenance in adverse weather conditions. This article highlights Michigan DOT’s Weather-Responsive Traveler Information System and local technology investments in West Des Moines, Iowa. Article.
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Research Reports
Developing a Training Video and Manual for Best Practices and Techniques in Clearing Different Interchange Configurations and Other Geometric Layouts Clear Roads Project 14-03
This project involved researching and documenting current snow removal practices used by transportation agencies to determine the most efficient practices for clearing various interchange and intersection geometries. Researchers used these best practices and techniques to develop a training video and manual. Project page.
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Winter Maintenance at the TRB Annual Meeting
Clear Roads has published our annual compilation of papers on winter maintenance that were presented at the 2019 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. The 2019 compilation includes links to 25 papers grouped into six categories, covering a wide range of winter maintenance issues. Report.
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Development of the Nebraska Department of Transportation Winter Severity Index Nebraska DOT
Researchers developed a winter severity index for the state of Nebraska (NEWINS) to capture atmospheric conditions across the diverse regions of the state. NEWINS uses a categorical storm classification framework that can help transportation personnel efficiently allocate resources during adverse weather events while balancing safety, mobility and available budget. Report.
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Evaluation of the Effects of Deicers on Concrete Durability Wisconsin DOT
This study identified the different deicing and anti-icing materials used in Wisconsin and how they adversely affect concrete durability. Based on study results, researchers recommended that WisDOT continue prewetting and anti-icing practices; strive to reduce salt application through equipment updates, training and optimization; and explore blends of rock salt and other materials. Report.
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Pavement Surface Treatments for Ice-Prone Locations in the Illinois Highway System Illinois DOT
This project sought to identify effective built-in pavement surface treatments suitable for implementation at ice-prone locations. Although several technologies showed promise, researchers identified concerns with high implementation costs and uncertain long-term effectiveness, and determined that field deployment would be premature. Report.
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Operational Data to Assess Mobility and Crash Experience During Winter Conditions Iowa DOT
Researchers demonstrated how integrating data from maintenance and traffic sources could help Iowa DOT better understand winter conditions before, during and after crash events. Data analysis could help the agency identify trends and evaluate opportunities for operational improvements. Report.
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Developing Friction Data to Support the Optimal Use of Pre-Wet Deicing Salt for Enhanced Winter Mobility Center for Advanced Multimodal Mobility Solutions and Education University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Researchers used laboratory tests to investigate the effects of prewetting product type, prewetting ratio, and application rate of prewet deicing salt on the friction performance of deiced asphalt pavement. Report.
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A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach to the Location of Road Weather Information System in New York State Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems
Researchers proposed a methodology to optimize new locations for road weather information system (RWIS) stations in New York, accounting for multiple objectives: optimizing coverage for high-traffic roads, multiple geographic areas, and areas with high winter crash rates. Paper.
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Evaluation of a Collision Avoidance and Mitigation System (CAMS) on Winter Maintenance Trucks Michigan DOT
Researchers evaluated a prototype collision avoidance and mitigation system designed to reduce rear-end collisions with winter maintenance trucks. The system uses radar to monitor traffic behind the truck and activates a warning light bar if an encroaching vehicle is detected. Report.
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Road Weather Information Systems for Winter Road Maintenance University Transportation Research Center – Region 2
Two RWIS forecasting models were analyzed to determine their effectiveness in predicting pavement surface temperature. Accurate data can help facilitate better winter maintenance planning and decision making. Report.
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Role of Route Optimization in Benefiting Winter Maintenance Operations Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
This study examined Ohio DOT’s snowplow truck fleet and plow routes to determine optimal routes and fleet size. Based on the analysis, researchers developed a tool to determine the minimum number of trucks needed to clear roadways, assign assets to specific facilities and optimize routes for each truck. Paper and report.
Research in Progress
Evaluate New Equipment or Technology Available for Roadside Fleet Repair Ohio DOT
This project will evaluate technology and tools that could be used to make roadside repairs to the equipment in Ohio DOT’s fleet (such as changing flat tires), with an emphasis on mechanic safety and cost-effectiveness. Project description.
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LED Snowplow Lights New Hampshire DOT
The NHDOT snowplow fleet currently uses halogen lights for nighttime snowplowing operations. This study aims to evaluate and compare the use of halogen lights with LED lights to determine whether the use of LED lights reduces maintenance requirements, increases service life and improves operator visibility. Project description.
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Increasing Safety of Winter Weather Operations Texas DOT
Researchers will evaluate lights, signs and other devices to determine which are the most effective at making snowplow trucks more visible, with a goal of reducing rear-end collisions. Project description.
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Development of an Intelligent Snowplow Truck That Integrates Telematics Technology, Roadway Sensors, and Connected Vehicles Indiana DOT
This project will leverage spreader/plow data from fleet trucks to monitor how winter operation assets are deployed, construct performance measure charts and identify best practices for material application rates. Project description.
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Road Weather Information Systems Life Cycle Cost Analysis Aurora Pooled Fund
This project will develop guidelines for determining long-term life-cycle costs for road weather information systems (RWIS). Researchers will assess the optimal point for agencies to replace RWIS components and examine replacement/repair costs, especially for rapidly evolving technology. Project description.
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2019 APWA North American Snow Conference
The American Public Works Association will host the 2019 APWA North American Snow Conference May 19-22 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual conference features presentations from snow and ice professionals and an exhibit hall of winter maintenance solutions. Details.
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News
“Weathering the Storm: Making a Difference with Weather-Savvy Roads” APWA Reporter, October 2018
FHWA’s Weather-Savvy Roads initiative consists of two innovative road weather management solutions. Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to share forecasts and road conditions across agencies and translate that information into consistent messaging for the public, and Integrating Mobile Observations promotes collecting weather, road and vehicle data from agency fleets to improve situational awareness of road conditions. Article (see page 50).
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“Using Your Existing Work Management Software to Track Your Inclement Weather Program” APWA Reporter, October 2018 The city of Greenville, South Carolina, needed a way to manage sporadic winter weather events without investing in a dedicated snow and ice management technology. The city’s Public Works Department rose to the challenge by leveraging the location-based functionality of its existing work management program. Article (see page 54).
Research Reports
Utilization of AVL/GPS Technology: Case Studies Clear Roads Project 16-01
Researchers profiled six state DOTs that use AVL/GPS in winter maintenance fleets. These case studies provide guidance for successful implementation, and can serve as templates to help agencies get the best value out of different levels of AVL/GPS applications. Project page and final report.
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Effective Snow and Ice Personnel and Equipment Management for Storm Activation Clear Roads Synthesis Project 17-S3
This synthesis project explored how state DOTs determine when to activate winter maintenance crews as a storm approaches, and when to deactivate them as a storm subsides. A survey of 25 Clear Roads states identified the thresholds states use for air temperature, pavement temperature, precipitation levels and other factors that trigger activation. Report.
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Accuracy of Deicer and Abrasive Material Application Equipment Clear Roads Synthesis Project 17-S1
Through a literature review and a practitioner survey, this synthesis project examined state DOTs’ practices for calibrating their deicer application equipment and their confidence in the accuracy of the calibration. Report.
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Reuse of Aqueous Waste Streams in Transportation Related Applications South Dakota DOT
Researchers evaluated the potential to reuse aqueous wastes from municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities in transportation-related applications. Their findings suggest that MIEX brine generated by a municipal water treatment plant can be used as a feed solution to produce final brine products for winter road maintenance, which may reduce costs for both the municipality and South Dakota DOT. Report.
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Quantifying Salt Concentration on Pavement, Phase 2 Aurora Program Researchers evaluated the ability of the Lufft MARWIS and Teconer RCM411 mobile sensors to determine pavement conditions remotely, testing their ability to detect water film/ice depth, friction, surface temperature, and road condition/surface state. Project page and report.
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Continued Evaluation of the TowPlow Trailer System
Caltrans This report summarizes Caltrans’ trial evaluation of the Viking-Cives TowPlow, including a detailed analysis of benefits and limitations. Caltrans tested two units in 2016 and 2017, and the report documents the configuration modifications and deployment activities involved in the tests. Report.
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Workshop on Corrosion Protection Technology for Winter Maintenance – A Summary
Caltrans This report summarizes the results of a two-day workshop on protecting winter maintenance vehicles from corrosion. The workshop was designed to foster an understanding of the methods, equipment and materials used for corrosion protection, including their long-term effectiveness and their level of applicability within state DOTs. Report.
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Comparison of Woody Species for Use in Living Snow Fences in the Midwestern United States Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, May/June 2018 Recent studies have suggested that fast-growing shrub willows can provide affordable and easily established living snow fences. In this study, researchers compared the growth and establishment of four shrub willow cultivars and one native shrub willow species to two shrub species traditionally used for living snow fences in Minnesota. Paper.
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Modeling Surface Temperatures for Snow-Covered Roads: A Case Study for a Heated Pavement in Bærum, Norway Transportation Research Record, May 2018
Assessing the effective thermal conductivity of the snow on the pavement is one aspect of a heated pavement’s operation. This paper identifies two approaches for modeling the thermal conductivity of the snow layer based on the snow’s density and water content. Paper.
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A Review of Environmental Impacts of Winter Road Maintenance Cold Regions Science and Technology, November 2018 Researchers in Norway reviewed recent research on the environmental effects of winter maintenance. Most studies focused on local impacts, with an emphasis on water quality, and a few focused on global impacts, caused primarily by fuel consumption. The researchers concluded that having more studies that consider both local and global effects would be beneficial. Paper.
Research in Progress
Biomimetic Antifreeze Polymers: A Novel Biodegradable Deicing Salt Alternative
NCHRP IDEA Program This project will evaluate a class of low-cost, nontoxic, biodegradable antifreeze biopolymers with behavior similar to natural antifreeze proteins found in fish, plants and insects for their effectiveness in preventing ice formation on roadway and bridge surfaces during winter. Project description.
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Reducing Uncertainties in Snow Fence Design: Development of Methods for Estimation of Snow Drifting and the Snow Relocation Coefficient TR-760 Iowa DOT
This study will assemble, test and deploy a set of new technologies to support the evaluation of snow fence performance using non-intrusive measurement technologies based on imaging of snow drift movement and of snow accumulation at fences. Project description.
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2018 Road Weather Management Stakeholder Meeting (FHWA)
FHWA will host the 2018 Road Weather Management Stakeholder Meeting September 18-20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The meeting provides a venue for peer exchange between the transportation and weather communities, including state DOTs, local agencies, academia, vendors, weather service providers (public and private), and consultants. Details.
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News
“Everyone’s a Scientist: Plow Operator Feedback Is the Right Formula,” Roads and Bridges, June 2018 This article discusses the importance of incorporating observational methods when conducting studies on the performance of deicers and roadway snow removal best practices. Article.
Research Reports
Training Video for the Implementation of Liquid-Only Plow Routes Clear Roads Project 16-06
While some agencies have used liquid-only plow routes with great success, others are unable to secure the buy-in needed to implement this practice. This project produced informational and training videos designed to help state DOTs garner support for and accelerate the implementation of liquid-only plow routes. Project page.
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Emergency Operations Methodology for Extreme Winter Storm Events Clear Roads Project 16-04
An extreme winter storm event can require coordination across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. This project developed six case studies and recommendations that state DOTs can use to improve their response plans and develop more efficient, flexible approaches to ensuring public safety during intense winter storms. Project page.
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Development of a Road Condition Recovery Time Estimation System for Winter Snow Events
Minnesota DOT Researchers further developed a system that uses data from existing traffic control infrastructure and weather stations combined with complex computer algorithms to estimate when road conditions have recovered from a snow event. Report.
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Winter Roadway Maintenance Material Enhancers (Field) Evaluation
Pennsylvania DOT Performance testing and cost analysis were conducted for four deicer products and two references (rock salt and salt brine). The deicers were evaluated through parking lot tests and real-time road tests. Field performance data was compared with previous lab test results for the same products. Report.
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Catastrophic Icefall Hazard Assessment, Avoidance Procedures & Mitigations Strategies: Phase II – Site Specific Studies Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
To better understand icefall hazards and mitigate the risk of impact along state highways, researchers examined seven at-risk roadway sites. They completed preliminary icefall hazard technical evaluations and risk assessments, developed key predictive indicators, and recommended mitigation solutions for consideration. Report.
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Bioindication of Road Salting Impact on Norway Spruce Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, March 2018 Researchers in the Czech Republic studied the damage potential of using deicing salts near Norway spruce trees situated next to roadways. They determined the degree of contamination by assessing the sodium and chloride ion concentrations found in the needles of first- and second-year trees at the test sites. Abstract.
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Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing Course (UTBWC) Snow, Ice, and Wind Effects
Minnesota DOT Ultra-thin bonded wearing courses (UTBWC) are a pavement treatment that can be used as a preventive maintenance option or surface rehabilitation technique. This synthesis report explores agencies’ experience with snow and ice control on UTBWC surfaces. Report.
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Structural Design and Lifecycle Assessment of Heated Pavement Using Conductive Asphalt Journal of Infrastructure Systems, September 2018 This study aimed to find an efficient structural design for a heated pavement system using asphalt concrete containing graphite filler. A life-cycle cost analysis indicated that the pavement’s high initial installation cost would eventually be recouped by a substantial reduction in maintenance costs. Paper.
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Review of Ice-Pavement Adhesion Study and Development of Hydrophobic Surface in Pavement Deicing Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, June 2018
This paper provides an overview of research efforts to develop a hydrophobic pavement surface that would repel ice. Researchers also reviewed studies on the mechanism of ice adhesion and its effect on pavement surfaces. Paper.
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Experimental Study of High-Performance Deicing Asphalt Mixture for Mechanical Performance and Anti-Icing Effectiveness Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, August 2018
This study aimed to design a high-performance deicing asphalt mixture that incorporates a deicing agent and a high-performance modifier. While increasing the amount of deicing agent in the asphalt mixture increased the deicing effectiveness, it also degraded the mechanical performance. To counter this effect, researchers added a high-performance modifier to the mixture, which helped improve mechanical performance without impacting the deicing effectiveness. Abstract.
Research in Progress
Aftermarket Cameras in Winter Maintenance Vehicles
Clear Roads Project 17-03 The goal of this project is to provide guidance to transportation agencies seeking to begin using, or to expand their current use of, aftermarket cameras installed on winter maintenance vehicles. Project description.
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Integrating Advanced Technologies into Winter Operations Decisions
Clear Roads Project 17-01 This project will develop systems-level guidance on the advanced technologies available to evaluate road conditions and how to integrate these technologies into a successful winter maintenance operations strategy. Project description.
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Reducing Winter Maintenance Equipment Fuel Consumption Using Advanced Vehicle Data Analytics
Minnesota DOT This research builds on MnDOT’s existing work in vehicle powertrain and routing co-optimization (VPRO) to harness large quantities of vehicle data to improve snowplow fuel consumption and lower operating costs. Project description.
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Evaluate Opportunities to Provide Training Simulation for ODOT Snow and Ice Drivers Ohio DOT
ODOT will evaluate cost-effective simulation training methods for new snowplow operators. The ideal simulator training would allow operators to experience diverse winter driving conditions before plowing their first snow event. Project description.
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Evaluation of Our Current and Other Available Anti-Icing/De-Icing Products Under Controlled Environmental Conditions to Test Effectiveness Indiana DOT
Researchers will review available information to evaluate the effectiveness and environmental impacts of available anti-icing and deicing products. The expected project deliverables include recommendations on the most cost-effective anti-icing and deicing products. Project description.
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Non-invasive Road Sensors in Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) and AVL Systems Minnesota DOT
This project will implement non-invasive road temperature and road condition sensors at three RWIS locations in Minnesota. Unlike embedded sensors that require replacement after road construction or maintenance projects, the non-invasive sensors are attached to RWIS towers or poles near the roadway and use laser technology to read the road surface temperature and condition. Project description.
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Road Weather Messaging on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) Minnesota DOT
MnDOT will explore how to use dynamic message signs tied to real-time weather services and roadside weather sensors in order to display more timely and accurate reports for the traveling public. Project description.
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AASHTO Committee on Maintenance Annual Meeting
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Maintenance will hold its annual meeting July 21 to 26 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Winter Maintenance Policy Coordination Committee, which serves as the steering committee for the Snow and Ice Pooled Fund Cooperative Program (SICOP), will also meet at this event. Details.
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Recent Publications
Sustainable Winter Road Operations, March 2018
This recently published book addresses a wide range of winter maintenance issues and includes contributions from several Clear Roads investigators. The book provides a comprehensive overview of best practices in sustainable winter road operations currently in use around the world. Topics include materials, processes, equipment, weather services, safety, mobility, strategic planning and performance measures. Book description.
“Liquids: Why You Have Always Used Them,” APWA Reporter, April 2018
Prewetting is a common practice to increase the ice-melting effects of road salt. This article discusses the importance of adding liquids to road salt and provides suggestions on how to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the process. Article.
Research Reports
The Effect of Additives on the Low Temperature Ice-Melting Capacity of NaCl Transportation Research Record, April 2018
Researchers in Norway used a custom-made calorimeter to study the effect of additives on the low temperature ice-melting capacity of sodium chloride (NaCl). Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium formate, calcium magnesium acetate, and sugar were added to NaCl at −18°C. The chemicals were also tested individually. Paper.
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Experimental Study on Anti-icing and Deicing Performance of Polyurethane Concrete as Road Surface Layer Construction and Building Materials, February 2018
In this study, researchers in China investigated the deicing and anti-icing performance of polyurethane concrete pavement surface layers. Laboratory test results showed that polyurethane concrete has greater specific heat than asphalt concrete and can significantly retard ice formation. Abstract.
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Investigating Frost Heave Deterioration at Pavement Joint Locations Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, April 2018
Frost heave can cause severe joint deterioration in concrete pavements. Researchers investigated the frost actions of deteriorated pavements, used temperature sensors embedded in pavements to determine local freeze-thaw conditions, and evaluated the frost-heave and thaw-weakening susceptibility of three pavement foundation materials. Abstract.
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Investigation of Alternative Deicers for Snow and Ice Control Center for Environmentally Sustainable Transportation in Cold Climates, University of Alaska Fairbanks
This research investigated the performance of potassium succinate (KSu) as an alternative deicing agent to sodium chloride (NaCl). Laboratory tests showed that KSu functions as a deicing agent only at -5°C (23°F) or higher, and has a slightly lower ice-melting rate and similar friction performance compared with NaCl. Report.
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Estimating the Application Rate for Liquid Chloride Products Based on Residual Salt Concentration on Pavement Center for Environmentally Sustainable Transportation in Cold Climates, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Researchers conducted laboratory tests to determine the level of chloride left behind from salt brine used on asphalt and concrete pavements after snowplowing. Less chloride was found on asphalt pavement than on concrete, and more chloride was present on both types of pavements in warmer temperatures. Report.
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Assessment of Joints in Concrete Pavements Exposed to Different Winter Conditions Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, April 2018
Deicing salt solutions applied to roads can contribute to premature deterioration in areas adjacent to joints in concrete pavements, although the root causes are not fully understood. Researchers in Canada found that deterioration on regional roads was caused by a combination of physical and chemical factors due to interactions between salts, freeze-thaw cycles, and the pavement. Abstract.
Research in Progress
Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) Enhancements in Support of Winter Road Maintenance Clear Roads Project 16-02
The Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) is a straightforward, publicly available tool developed by the University of Illinois using non-proprietary national data that is available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Researchers will enhance and modify the tool to allow for historical and current winter data comparison and provide better correlation of winter severity index to winter maintenance costs. Project description.
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Expanding Landowner Adoption of Snow Control Measures to Improve Public Safety and Achieve Cost Savings Through a Better Understanding of Landowner Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Minnesota DOT
This research aims to reduce blowing and drifting snow problems by working with and understanding landowners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on the issue. Researchers will design an outreach plan to promote greater adoption of snow fences to improve public safety and increase cost savings. Project description.
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Reducing Winter Maintenance Equipment Fuel Consumption Using Advanced Vehicle Data Analytics Minnesota DOT
This research will explore how in-use vehicle data can be used to help reduce snowplow vehicle fuel consumption and lower operating costs. Project description.
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2018 Snow and Ice Show
The Snow and Ice Show will be held May 1-3 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The trade-show-style conference provides networking opportunities and educational programming focused on the modern principles of successful snow and ice management. Details.
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2018 APWA North American Snow Conference
The 2018 APWA North American Snow Conference will be held May 6-9 in Indianapolis. The annual conference features presentations from snow and ice professionals and an exhibit hall of winter maintenance solutions. Details.
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2018 Snowfighters Conference
Pacific Northwest Snowfighters (PNS) will host its 2018 conference in Spokane, Washington, June 5-6. PNS has become nationally recognized as a leader in establishing and standardizing chemical products for snow and ice control. The conference will focus on training, education and new technology for the snowfighting professional. Details.
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Annual Eastern Snow Conference Meeting
The 2018 Annual Eastern Snow Conference Meeting will be held June 5-8 in College Park, Maryland. The annual conference features presentations from snow and ice professionals and an exhibit hall of winter maintenance solutions. Details.
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News
Photo by Dave Gonzalez, Minnesota DOT
“Clear Conditions,” Roads & Bridges, February 2018
Clear Roads’ recent project to develop a snowplow operator and supervisor training program was featured in the February issue of Roads & Bridges. The project created a standard winter maintenance training curriculum addressing all aspects of a plow driver’s experience. The 22 training modules are available to any agency at no cost. Article.
“What Gets Measured Gets Managed,” APWA Reporter, March 2018
A dedicated office coordinator’s initiative to log salt use and truck operating hours for plow drivers led to an informal salt management process. The openly shared data encouraged plow drivers to participate in a friendly competition, which resulted in more efficient salt use for a Michigan agency. Article.
Research Reports
Identification and Recommendations for Correction of Equipment Factors Causing Fatigue in Snowplow Operators
Clear Roads Report 15-02
Researchers identified in-cab and external equipment factors that cause operator fatigue and made recommendations to reduce, eliminate or correct these factors. The project produced actionable and implementable improvements able to be applied to snowplow trucks. Project page.
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Quantifying the Impact that New Capital Projects Will Have on Roadway Snow and Ice Control Operations
Clear Roads Report 14-02
Researchers developed a software tool to estimate increased costs of roadway snow and ice control operations required for new roadway additions and configurations. These costs can then be considered during the planning process for new road projects. Project page.
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Winter Maintenance at the 2018 TRB Annual Meeting
Clear Roads has published our annual compendium of papers on winter maintenance that were presented at the 2018 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. The 2018 compendium includes abstracts for 19 papers grouped into six categories, covering a wide range of winter maintenance issues. Report.
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Evaluation of Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate as an Alternative Deicer
TRB Annual Meeting Paper 18-01002
Researchers in Japan evaluated disodium succinate hexahydrate (DSH) as an alternative to sodium chloride for use as a deicer. Laboratory and field test results for sodium chloride/DSH mixtures were promising, especially in limiting steel corrosion and environmental effects. Researchers recommended that DSH be used in liquid form as a prewetting agent or liquid deicer. Abstract and paper (requires TRB login).
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Cost–Benefit Analysis of Using the Tow Plow for Winter Maintenance
TRB Annual Meeting Paper 18-0109
Researchers analyzed equipment fleet configurations to identify cost and time saving benefits from using tow plows. Adding tow plows to the fleet with less use of regular plows resulted in cost savings and helped clear roadways faster. Abstract and Paper (requires TRB login).
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Guidelines to Facilitate the Evaluation of Brines for Winter Roadway Maintenance Operations
Texas Department of Transportation
These guidelines are designed to facilitate the evaluation of brines for winter maintenance applications in Texas. Texas DOT maintenance professionals can use the guide to support decision making on the best brines to use based on availability, effectiveness, environmental impact, field performance and cost. Report.
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Evaluation and Analysis of Liquid Deicers for Winter Maintenance
Ohio Department of Transportation
Eight different types of liquid deicers were evaluated on their performance in the field and laboratory. Researchers tested the effectiveness of the deicers under various temperature, environmental and roadway conditions. Optimal liquid deicer practices were recommended based on the evaluation results. Report.
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Field Usage of Alternative Deicers for Snow and Ice Control
Minnesota Department of Transportation This report reviews the non-chloride-based deicers available on the market, including acetate-, formate-, glycol- and succinate-based deicing products. Researchers explored the feasibility of using non-chloride deicers as alternatives to chloride-based ones, and identified next steps to determine the viability of using non-chloride-based deicers in winter maintenance operations by MnDOT and local snow and ice removal providers. Report.
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Guidelines on Selection and Use of Snow and Ice Control Materials
Texas Department of Transportation This document presents guidelines for the selection of snow and ice control materials for winter weather roadway maintenance applications in Texas. Texas DOT maintenance professionals can use the guide to help them address the challenges of winter roadway maintenance and provide safer and more reliable transportation solutions for Texas drivers. Report.
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Study of Deicing Salt Accumulation and Transport Through a Watershed
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Researchers studied chloride transport through surface water runoff and soil infiltration in a Minnesota metro area watershed. Chloride levels were monitored over three years, with results characterizing how weather influences chloride transport and accumulation processes as well as the residence time of chloride in watersheds. Researchers used the results to develop chloride pollution mitigation strategies. Report.
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Anti-Icing of Road Surfaces Using Hydronic Heating Pavement with Low Temperature, Cold Regions Science and Technology, January 2018 Researchers in Sweden investigated the anti-icing performance and effectiveness of a Hydronic Heating Pavement method which uses pipes embedded in the road to mitigate slippery road conditions. Results showed improved performance when the pipes are placed closer together, the depth of embedded pipes is reduced, large pipe sizes are used and when the road surface has a lower emissivity value. Paper.
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Dynamic Heat Load Calculation of a Bridge Anti-Icing System, Applied Thermal Engineering, January 2018
Before using a thermal anti-icing system to treat icy bridge decks, the surface temperature must be accurately measured. Researchers in China developed an inverse heat conduction method to determine the dynamic heat load of a bridge heating system. The calculations were then validated using control algorithms. Paper.
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Research in Progress
Standard Specifications for Plow Blades with Carbide Inserts
Clear Roads Project 17-04
The goal of this project is to develop a set of standard specifications that can be used by agencies across the country to specify carbide-insert plow blades. Having widely accepted specifications could increase buying power for state DOTs and potentially provide cost savings. Project page.
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Relationships Between Weather and Roadway Safety
Iowa Department of Transportation
Using weather, traffic and crash data from different sources, researchers will analyze the relationship between road weather conditions and the frequency of crash occurrences. They aim to develop crash frequency and severity models to aid agencies in identifying high-risk areas, provide predictive road weather information, design effective safety countermeasures and support decision making for road maintenance priorities. Abstract.
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Assessing the Impact of the ODOT Winter Salt Pilot Project on Neighboring Streams and Groundwater
Oregon Department of Transportation
This project aims to better understand how chloride from deicers enters Oregon groundwater systems. In addition, researchers plan to develop a deicer application management tool to help predict chloride levels in local stream water. Abstract.
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