A Preemptive Strike on Ice
Washington State has used anti-icing methods to treat roads before the bad weather hits. By preventing ice accumulation on these roads, travel is safer and maintenance costs are lower.
The Challenge
Winter storms and freezing temperatures create major problems for State maintenance crews. The traditional methods of treating icy roads with sand and chemicals after the storm hits are not only costly but can be damaging to the environment.
Developing a Strategy
To reduce costs and lessen the environmental impact, the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) decided to try the new anti-icing techniques that were evaluated under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP).
Putting the Strategy to the Test
During the winter of 1994-1995, anti-icing materials and methods were tested at three locations—Columbia Gorge, Connell, and Bellingham. "The maintenance employees working in those areas received extensive training on anti-icing techniques to ensure that they had a clear understanding of the application process under different weather conditions," says Dale Keep, maintenance methods specialist for Washington DOT.
Instead of repeatedly applying sand and chemicals to roads with a heavy build-up of frost and ice, work crews pretreated the roads with liquid magnesium chloride before the ice could accumulate.
What They Learned
Depending on weather conditions of each site, the new method provided effective ice control for 3 to 10 days.
The Benefits
- With reduced costs for labor and chemical use, Washington DOT saved $7,000 in maintenance costs for the three test locations.
- When required, plowing was easier and faster.
- With fewer chemical applications needed, the anti-icing method was better for the environment.
- Driving conditions were significantly improved.
