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

Title:

2002-03 Salt Pilot Project

Abstract:

The Washington State DOT conducted a field evaluation that compared use of sodium chloride to corrosion-inhibited chemicals for snow and ice control. Sections of highway were designated in which non-inhibited salt products (salt brine and rock salt) were the sole chemicals used. Similar sections of highway were designated in which corrosion-inhibited chemicals (corrosion-inhibited liquid calcium chloride, corrosion-inhibited liquid magnesium chloride, and corrosion-inhibited rock salt) were the sole chemicals used. The aspects evaluated included costs of program delivery, program results, environmental impacts, and corrosion. The cost of materials, equipment, and labor for sections in which salt was used was significantly less than like costs for those sections in which corrosion-inhibited chemicals were used. The results, in terms of average roadway condition during inclement winter weather, were similar between highway sections where salt was used and highway sections where corrosion-inhibited chemicals were used.

Source(s):

Washington State DOT, Office of Highway Maintenance. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.

Date: 2003

Author:

Baroga

Keywords:


Anti-icing/deicing chemicals
Costs
Pavement deterioration
Environment

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