Document Summary

This document is the Solid Chemical Application Guidelines for an Effective Anti-icing Program issued by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). It is based on materials modified from the Manual of Practice for an Effective Anti-Icing Program prepared by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Corps of Engineers (1996). The guidelines serve as operational standards for the state's Winter Maintenance Program.

The document provides comprehensive operational protocols for applying solid chemical de-icing agents across five distinct weather event scenarios: light snow storms with moderate to heavy snow periods, 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, initial operation procedures, maintenance actions, and chemical spread rates measured in pounds per lane-mile. Chemical application rates vary from 150 to 400 pounds per lane-mile depending on weather conditions, temperature, and precipitation intensity. The guidelines emphasize proactive chemical application ahead of traffic rush periods and recommend specific treatment protocols such as pre-wetted solid chemicals for temperatures between 15°F and 32°F, with higher application rates for heavier precipitation events. Operational timing, frequency of reapplication, and temperature monitoring requirements are detailed for each scenario, with general recommendations against chemical application below 15°F except for abrasive materials to enhance traction.