Snow Fences Increase Visibility and Reduce Drifts
New snow fences are reducing snow accumulation on Iowa roadways and improving visibility for motorists.
The Challenge
Blowing and drifting snow on Iowa's roadways often made driving hazardous and winter maintenance efforts difficult. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) wanted to find a way to reduce the amount of blowing snow and increase visibility for motorists.
Developing the Strategy
Iowa DOT decided to try new and improved snow fences designed by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). Made of lightweight plastics, these portable fences can be constructed up to 2 m (8 ft) tall. When properly designed and placed, the fences are much more effective at controlling snow than the 1-m-high (4-ft) vertical slat fences previously used.
Putting the Strategy to the Test
In 1993, Iowa DOT installed 792 m (2,600 ft) of snow fence on Highway 9 and Highway 18 in the northern section of the State. "We've been putting the new fences in areas where visibility is a problem during snowstorms," said Jim Schultz, State maintenance foreman for Hancock and Winnebago counties. "Where we've put up the fences, we've gone from zero visibility to good visibility."
In addition to making roads safer for motorists, the fences have reduced maintenance costs.
What They Learned
Iowa DOT found that the new snow fences provide a solution to blowing snow problems, making travel safer and maintenance work easier. The DOT also finds the fences to be an excellent long-term financial investment. Pleased with the fences' success, Iowa plans to expand their use in the northern part of the State.
The Benefits
By preventing snow from blowing across roadways, the new snow fences improve driver visibility.
Highway crews can clear roads faster, thus reducing maintenance costs.
