Citation

Lameiras M. Am. City Cty. 2007; 122(4): 36-39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes new anti-icing technologies that can improve road safety during winter storms. Fixed anti-icing spray technology (FAST) systems have been used in Europe since the 1980s and in North America since the 1990s. A FAST system consists of a series of pumps, pipes, valves and nozzles mounted on a bridge, railing or directly in the pavement to spray anti-icing materials at a predetermined rate and pattern onto the bridge or roadway. These systems use pavement sensors to trigger the release of anti-icing chemicals either automatically or by remote control from a central location. Other departments of transportation are using a SafeLane system that consists of layers of epoxy and aggregate topped with anti-icing chemicals in the overlay. The chemicals trickle down into the aggregate, which serves as a rigid sponge and are held there until surface moisture and low temperatures activate them. State departments of transportation that are using the FAST and SafeLane systems find that the systems are expensive, but useful in terms of reducing accidents.