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 were adapted from the Manual of Practice for an Effective Anti-Icing Program originally developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, and the Corps of Engineers in 1996.

The guidelines provide operational protocols for applying solid chemical de-icers 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 weather condition, the document specifies application rates in pounds per lane-mile, maintenance actions, and chemical spread rates differentiated by pavement temperature ranges. Application rates vary significantly based on conditions, ranging from 150 to 400 pounds per lane-mile, with higher rates recommended for heavier precipitation and lower temperatures. The guidelines emphasize preventative chemical applications to prevent deteriorating conditions and packed snow development, recommend plowing before chemical application to remove excess snow and ice, and advise applying chemicals ahead of traffic rush periods. The document provides specific recommendations for initial operations and subsequent operations, with particular emphasis on temperature monitoring, application frequency adjustments based on precipitation intensity, and the general non-recommendation of chemical application below 15°F, where abrasives are preferred for enhanced traction.