Low volume highways in northern Ontario are maintained to winter standards that result in either a centre bare pavement followed by complete clearing within a day after a winter storm, or in a drivable but snow packed surface through most of the winter that is sanded frequently to improve traction. The resulting use of road salt, winter sand and equipment operation add to the environmental effects and the cost of highway operations. A study was undertaken to evaluate whether these impacts can be reduced through a new spreading technology that helps to hold winter sand to a snow packed road surface by pre-wetting it with hot water during application. Operational experience with the technology was gained at three highway locations over 80 days of winter service. The potential for reduction of environmental impacts and direct costs, and of improving winter safety and mobility, were assessed with maintenance records from conventional operations being compared to predictions for a highway maintained with a Hot Water Sander. It was concluded that all the benefits may be achieved through the integration of the existing winter classes into a single class maintained with the innovative technology. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD number E220308.
Abstract