Road Weather Management Program
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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

Evaluation of the FreezeFree Anti-Icing System: Final Report

Abstract:

The Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation Center of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), with support from FHWA, conducted a multiyear study to evaluate the performance of FreezeFree? fixed automated anti-icing spray system. The study was conducted by documenting the experience of users of the system at six different test sites located in the states of Maryland, Wisconsin (two sites), Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oregon, and by studying and analyzing the data obtained from these sites. The FreezeFree system applies calibrated amounts of anti-icing liquids on targeted areas and high-incident locations. To trigger the spraying cycle, highway personnel can either activate the system manually or allow the system to use its Road Weather Information System (RWIS) to monitor ambient conditions and the road surface, and then automatically activate spraying. The system has demonstrated the potential to maintain a high level of service, resulting in only a few cases of ice or snow bonding to the pavement surface, with minimal labor and material used. Consequently, one would expect enhanced traffic safety, reduced winter maintenance costs, and reduced environmental impacts.

Source(s):

Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), prepared for the FHWA Office of Transportation Operations. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.

Date: 2005

Author:

Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF)

Keywords:


Anti-icing/deicing chemicals
Bridge
Winter maintenance
Environmental Sensor Station (ESS)
Crashes
Ice/Frost
Snow
Safety
Cost
Environment

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