Citation

Ito Y, Matsuzawa M, Kajiya Y. Transp. Res. Circular 2004; (E-C063): 158-166.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To maintain road traffic flow and safety in cold regions, it is particularly important to mitigate the visibility reduction and snowdrift formation induced by blowing snow. The "Highway Snowstorm Countermeasure Manual," which was first published in 1990, addresses snowy roads in Japan, but it has neither included specific planning guidelines for blowing-snow countermeasures nor addressed blowing-snow countermeasures for new roads in the road planning stage. In an effort toward developing systematic and efficient installation of blowing-snow control facilities, a planning method has been devised in which the degree of blowing-snow-induced danger is assessed numerically, plans for blowing-snow control measures are formulated according to a new procedure, the proper countermeasures are selected according to a detailed flowchart, and surveys for snow- and ice-related facilities are specified. This method is included in the newest revision of the "Highway Snowstorm Countermeasure Manual," where it is expected to be instrumental in helping road administrators in Hokkaido and other snowy regions of Japan to select and implement blowing-snow countermeasures for roads.