LIQUID ANTI-ICING 'HOT' TOPIC AMONG CONTINENT'S SNOWFIGHTERS

The latest in snowfighting technology is liquid anti-icing, that is, the application of chemical deicers directly onto road surfaces to prevent the bonding of snow and ice to the pavement. This paper discusses the advantages of anti-icing, noting that anti-icing requires a lower material application rate than deicing, reduces environmental impacts associated with winter road maintenance, and helps maintain plowable conditions. The Federal Highway Administration is currently conducting a 2-year anti-icing study that builds on a Strategic Highway Research Program project that ended recently. Brief reports on some state anti-icing research projects are included.