Abstract

This study examined the performance and environmental impacts of various deicing materials, assessed their short- and long-term effects on infrastructure, soil, and water quality, and identified opportunities for operational improvement within INDOT’s winter maintenance practices. The study used a comprehensive methodology that included an extensive literature review, a detailed survey of INDOT personnel (both field crews and supervisory staff), in-depth interviews, and rigorous statistical analysis. Additionally, a multi-criteria decision analysis framework was developed and used to evaluate alternative deicing materials based on performance, cost, environmental impact, and ease of application. The results and findings suggest that sodium chloride remains the predominant deicing agent because of its cost efficiency and wide availability, despite its significant drawbacks such as corrosion and environmental degradation. Alternatives like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and environmentally benign deicers offer superior performance under extreme conditions, but face challenges related to higher cost and supply limitations. The survey provided indications of the benefits of specific practices including pre-plowing and reduced driving speeds, and highlighted issues with material overuse and inconsistent application rates. The study recommends greater integration of advanced technologies, more rigorous equipment calibration, enhanced route planning, and comprehensive training of staff, and the development and adoption of standardized guidelines for leftover-salt management, to optimize winter deicing operations.

Comments

Full report to be available in March 2026. Technical Summary available at this time.

Keywords

winter maintenance, de-icing operations, snow, ice control, workforce development

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/15

SPR Number

4808

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of Version

2025

DOI

10.5703/1288284317879

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