Page 18 - May-June2018
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STATEWIDE By Jan Compton
TDOT Explores Affordable,
Sustainable Deicing Options
Tennessee winters present real along the way, such as that unexpected fall below 20 degrees, but it is used only
challenges for residents and visitors precipitation falling during the night. when conditions require it as it is highly
alike as they navigate a state with a Many question why TDOT is salting the corrosive and more expensive.
diverse range of temperatures, terrain roads when it’s not even snowing. They
and precipitation. The Tennessee are actually using salt brine, which is a Many times in history, it has been
Department of Transportation’s #1 mixture of 2.2 pounds of salt per gallon documented that improvements were
priority is the safety of highway of water to make a solution of 23.3 prompted by severe problems or issues.
motorists. TDOT recognizes that every percent salinity. In Tennessee, the winter of 2010 to
storm is different. They are mentors 2011 was extremely challenging, with
to others in the transportation field The brine mixture is spread on roads severe winter weather events causing
because of their voluntary experimental 24 hours in advance of winter storms the budget to be exceeded. TDOT
innovations in strategy, equipment and to prevent ice from bonding to the took action to evaluate the process
deicing compounds to enhance more road. This is similar to nonstick pans and equipment to more efficiently and
efficient and sustainable options for made of Teflon to prevent food from effectively protect citizens. Do you
managing winters in Tennessee. sticking when cooking. The brine remember watching the salt trucks
mixture is effective down to 20 degrees dump salt constantly even when at a
Strategy is very important in Fahrenheit, and it reduces the amount stop sign or even a red light, leaving a
addressing storm issues. Weather of salt used following the precipitation pile of salt behind?
forecasting has improved, which helps event in addition to employee overtime
for short- and even somewhat long- required. Calcium chloride is a highly TDOT greatly reduced salt waste
term planning for events. As we know effective deicing agent and is added to with new trucks or by modifying older
all too well, there are always surprises the brine mixture when temperatures trucks by equipping them with new
v-box spreaders and ground speed
222 Second Avenue South • Suite 1400 • Nashville, TN 37201 • 615-770-8100
1661 International Drive • Suite 400 • Memphis, TN 38120 • 901-753-5590
2095 Lakeside Centre Way • Suite 120 • Knoxville, TN 37922 • 865-521-6777
www.gspnet.com
18 TPW May/June 2018
