Document Summary

This document is the Solid Chemical Application Guidelines for an Effective Anti-icing Program prepared by the New Jersey Department of Transportation for its Winter Maintenance Program. The guidelines are based on materials adapted from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Corps of Engineers manual from 1996. The document applies to the State of New Jersey's winter maintenance operations.

The document provides operational guidelines for applying solid chemical de-icing agents across various winter weather conditions, organized by 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 guidelines specify pavement temperature ranges, maintenance actions, chemical spread rates measured in pounds per lane-mile, and operational recommendations. Chemical spread rates vary significantly based on conditions, ranging from 150 to 350 pounds per lane-mile for initial operations and 150 to 350 pounds per lane-mile for subsequent operations. The guidelines recommend pre-wetted solid chemicals for most temperature ranges above 15°F, timing of applications relative to traffic patterns, and monitoring protocols for pavement conditions. Below 15°F, the guidelines indicate that chemical application is not recommended and abrasives should be used instead to enhance traction. The document emphasizes proactive treatment to prevent ice formation and packed snow development while coordinating chemical application with mechanical snow removal operations.