Summary

This document is the Solid Chemical Application Guidelines for an Effective Anti-icing Program, prepared by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for the state's 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 US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Corps of Engineers in 1996.

The guidelines provide operational protocols for applying solid de-icing chemicals across five weather event scenarios: light snow storms, moderate or heavy snow storms, frost or black ice conditions, freezing rain storms, and sleet storms. For each scenario, the document specifies pavement temperature ranges, maintenance actions, and chemical spread rates in pounds per lane-mile for both initial and subsequent operations. Chemical application rates vary by weather condition and temperature, ranging from 150 to 400 lb/lane-mi, with specific recommendations for pre-wetted versus dry solid chemicals. Key operational directives include timing applications to prevent ice bonding and deterioration, plowing before chemical application to remove excess accumulation, and adjusting application frequency and rates based on traffic volume, precipitation intensity, and pavement conditions. The guidelines emphasize continuous monitoring of temperature and precipitation, with recommendations that chemicals generally not be applied below 15°F, and that abrasives may be used to enhance traction in severe cold conditions.