Abstract
In Japan approximately 60% of the land is cold and snowy, and is home to 20% of the population. In winter, Japan has deeper and heavier snow than most other nations, and suffers frequent freezing of the road surface. It is therefore difficult and complicated to ensure road safety and traffic flow in winter. This study aimed to achieve efficient wintertime road administration by applying recently developed intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies to snow removers. The authors analyzed the issues, needs, and costs of mechanical snow removal in Japan, and propose decision-making supports for salt spreaders and operation supports for rotary snow removers, both of which are likely to be practical in the near future.