Document Summary

This document is the Solid Chemical Application Guidelines for an Effective Anti-icing Program prepared by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Winter Maintenance Program. The guidelines are adapted from the Manual of Practice for an Effective Anti-Icing Program originally developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Corps of Engineers in 1996. The document serves as operational guidance for the state of New Jersey's winter road maintenance activities.

The guidelines provide comprehensive specifications for the application of solid chemical de-icers across five distinct weather events: light snow storms, moderate or heavy snow storms, frost or black ice conditions, freezing rain storms, and sleet storms. For each weather event, the guidelines establish application rates measured in pounds per lane-mile, differentiated by pavement temperature ranges and temperature trends. Chemical application rates vary significantly based on conditions, ranging from 150 to 400 pounds per lane-mile depending on temperature, precipitation intensity, and traffic volume. The document specifies whether pre-wetted solid chemicals or dry solid chemicals should be applied during initial operations and subsequent operations, with particular emphasis on applying chemicals ahead of traffic rush periods to prevent ice bond formation. Application strategies are tailored to optimize effectiveness while managing chemical consumption, with higher rates recommended for heavier precipitation and lower temperatures, and reduced rates applicable during lighter precipitation periods or after heavy snow clearing operations.