Document Summary

This document is the Solid Chemical Application Guidelines for an Effective Anti-icing Program published by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Winter Maintenance Program. The guidelines were adapted from the Manual of Practice for an Effective Anti-icing Program originally prepared 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 maintenance activities.

The guidelines establish protocols for the application of solid chemical de-icers across five distinct 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 chemical application rates measured in pounds per lane-mile, maintenance actions, pavement conditions, and temperature ranges. Application rates vary from 150 to 350 lb/lane-mi depending on weather severity and pavement temperature. Initial operations typically employ pre-wetted solid chemicals or solid de-icers, while subsequent operations adjust rates and methods based on precipitation intensity and temperature fluctuations. The guidelines recommend applying chemicals ahead of traffic rush periods and advise against chemical application when pavement temperatures fall below 15°F, substituting abrasives for traction in such conditions. Operational decisions regarding timing and frequency of subsequent applications are to be determined primarily by plowing requirements and field conditions.