It’s a challenge every agency faces: making winter roadways safe for drivers while minimizing the environmental impact of salt use. To help its districts meet both goals, Minnesota DOT has developed a best practices guide and a compilation of training resources for operators and supervisors.
MnDOT’s Salt Sustainability resources address:
- Equipment training, including training videos on spreader operation and fabrication instructions for salt chutes and air foils.
- Calibration of spreaders and liquid application equipment.
- Decision-making, including using maintenance decision support systems (MDSS) and selecting materials and methods.
- Material handling and storage.
Compiled as part of MnDOT’s Salt Sustainability initiative, the resources also provide guidance on anti-icing, direct liquid application, truck washing and more.