Latest News

Iowa DOT Research Explores the Potential of Corn-Based Deicers

While not yet widely available, corn-based deicers have shown some promise as an environmentally friendly alternative that could reduce the use of salt. Iowa DOT researchers conducted lab tests on a series of corn-based deicer blends—mixes of salt brine and three types of corn-derived alcohols. They identified several combinations that performed well in terms of freezing-point depression, corrosion inhibition and ice-melting capacity. While cost and logistics issues must be explored further, the blends’ performance showed enough promise to warrant further study. Read the final report and two-page research brief: Corn-Based Deicers, July 2020. Image source: Iowa DOT

Winter Research Lightning Talks from Minnesota DOT

Clear Roads is pleased to share the following opportunity from lead state Minnesota DOT: Winter maintenance professionals from all agencies are invited to join Minnesota DOT’s Winter Research Lightning Talks on Wednesday, February 24, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST.  The event will include 5-minute presentations from researchers about five in-progress MnDOT research projects: … Read more

Green Warning Lights Enhance Plow Truck Visibility in Michigan

A Michigan DOT research study confirmed that adding green strobe lights to existing amber warning lights on winter maintenance vehicles increases the trucks’ visibility to other motorists. Researchers evaluated dozens of lighting configurations to identify the best options for increasing the plows’ visibility while minimizing glare. MDOT began using green warning lights on winter maintenance … Read more

New Podcast Episode from SICOP Talks Winter Ops

AASHTO’s SICOP Talks Winter Ops podcast is back with new episodes for 2021. Check out the latest episode, and catch up on podcasts you may have missed: Let’s Break the Ice (Episode 44): Jed Falgren and Jeff Perkins of Minnesota DOT talk about mechanical ice breakers, which make short work of ice pack without the … Read more

New Clear Roads Synthesis Report: Weather Forecasting Practices

A new Clear Roads synthesis project surveyed state DOTs about how they meet their weather forecasting needs, including which approaches are effective and what additional resources would be valuable. The project also examined the practices DOTs use to convey information about forecasts and road weather conditions to operators in the field. Read the synthesis report: Resources, Practices and Needs for Weather Forecasting to Facilitate Winter Road Maintenance, December 2020.

Winter Maintenance at 2021 TRB Meeting

Clear Roads has prepared a listing of technical sessions and posters related to winter maintenance that will be presented at the virtual 2021 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. The list includes more than 20 papers and posters, with links to abstracts and presentation materials. The sessions will cover a wide range of winter maintenance topics, including materials, equipment, technology and weather. Download the list: Winter Maintenance at the 2021 TRB Annual Meeting Note: TRB requires a login to access full papers. If you are having trouble accessing the papers, check with your DOT or other transportation library.

National Survey Compiles Sixth Year of Winter Maintenance Data

Clear Roads has published its sixth Annual Survey of State Winter Maintenance Data, which compiles data on winter resources, materials and costs from 36 states for the 2019-2020 winter season. The interactive spreadsheet-based tool includes a United States map that displays many of these metrics. The tool includes six years of data, and displays averages and changes across winter seasons. See the project page.

Recent Clear Roads Research

Check out these recent Clear Roads research reports:
  • Synthesis Report: Mechanic/Operator Equipment Training, August 2020. This synthesis report identified the training materials that state DOTs and others have developed on topics including pre- and post-trip inspections and diagnosing and correcting equipment problems. Synthesis report.
  • Alternative Methods for Deicing, Clear Roads Project 18-05, July 2020. Researchers created a compendium of alternative deicing methods and technologies, ranging from low-investment process changes to larger mechanical improvements. Final report and research brief.
  • Safe Driving and Defensive Driving Training for Snowplow Operators, Clear Roads Project 18-01, June 2020. This project added two new modules to Clear Roads’ training materials for snowplow operators. Final report, training modules and research brief.
  • Test Bed Software for Plug-and-Play Technology, Clear Roads Project 13-05, April 2019. Researchers created a web portal that lets vendors test spreader controllers and AVL equipment for compatibility with the Clear Roads Communications Protocol—a key step toward plug-and-play device compatibility. White paper and research brief.
To see all completed and in-progress Clear Roads projects, visit the Research by Topic page.

Updated Guidance for Qualified Products List (QPL)

Clear Roads has updated the guidance document that outlines how deicing products are evaluated for inclusion on the Clear Roads Qualified Products List (QPL). The revised guidance defines the product submittal process, outlines product specifications and testing protocols, and provides suggested language that agencies can use in their purchasing documents for winter materials. Clear Roads provides guidance and administration for the QPL, which was created to review, test and approve products used for winter maintenance and to provide guidance in the selection and purchasing of environmentally responsible products. For more information, visit the QPL page.

New RFP: Proposals Due October 28

Clear Roads is currently soliciting investigator proposals for a new research project:
  • Evaluation of Indoor Automated Stockpile Measurement Systems
Please see the Clear Roads RFP page for more information. The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, October 28, 2020.