Clear Roads has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new research project: pH Waiver for Deicing Products and the Qualified Products List MnDOT requests responses for a Clear Roads project that will develop guidance to help determine the appropriate pH range for deicing products included on the Clear Roads Qualified Products List (QPL), … Read more
AASHTO’s SICOP Talks Winter Ops podcast tackles a variety of topics in recent episodes: Potholes and other leftovers from winter storms (Episode 67): Greg Duncan from Tennessee DOT shares his experiences with potholes and other roadside issues caused by winter weather. February 2023. Podcast. Implementing Snow and Ice Control Performance Measures (Episode 66): Caleb Dobbins, SICOP … Read more
A recent Clear Roads synthesis project surveyed state DOTs with winter maintenance programs about their best practices for avoiding corrosion of electrical connectors. Common agency practices for reducing corrosion include installing a waterproof or weatherproof connector, using dielectric silicone and dielectric grease for sealing connections, and applying a heat shrink tubing to cover the crimped … Read more
Using Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies throughout the year can help justify the expenses of purchasing and installing them in maintenance vehicles and training staff to use them. Many AVL/GPS systems have applications that extend beyond winter maintenance practices, increasing the benefits and value of these technologies. This Clear Roads … Read more
Many state and local transportation agencies with winter maintenance programs purchase their road salt before the winter season to secure the best prices and assure availability. However, measuring and monitoring the quantity of salt in widely distributed stockpiles—including many sites without regular staff on-site—can be both challenging and time-consuming. This Clear Roads project examined a … Read more
Clear Roads has published its eighth Annual Survey of State Winter Maintenance Data, which compiles data on winter resources, materials and costs from 36 states for the 2021-2022 winter season. The interactive spreadsheet-based tool includes a United States map that displays many of these metrics.
Clear Roads has reposted Request for Proposals (RFP) for two research projects: Effects of Additives in Deicing Salts at Lower Temperatures Best Management Practices for Liquid Chloride Storage and Pumping Systems To view the details of these RFPs, please visit MnDOT’s Professional Technical Consultant Services page. The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, January 6, 2023.
Have a research idea? This year, Clear Roads is inviting members of the winter maintenance and research communities to submit ideas for consideration as future Clear Roads research topics. We welcome great ideas from anyone! Clear Roads funds winter maintenance research in six topic areas, with a focus on: Evaluating winter maintenance materials, equipment and … Read more
On October 13, 2022, members of the Lake George Association in upstate New York hosted their annual Salt Summit to discuss strategies and technologies for reducing road salt. Clear Roads member Joe Thompson of New York State DOT spoke at the event, sharing highlights of the in-progress Clear Roads research project investigating ways agencies can … Read more
As temperatures drop, sodium chloride loses its deicing power. Depending on conditions, adding more salt to a roadway may be ineffective and wasteful. To help maintenance managers make the most of their stockpiles and keep roads clear, this Clear Roads research project investigated how salt behaves at different temperatures and concentrations. With a new tool … Read more