Use of chloride-based ice control products for sustainable winter maintenance: A balanced perspective

Drawing upon relevant literature, this work explores various dimensions of using chloride-based ice control products for winter maintenance operations. Winter maintenance operations play an important role in assuring the safety, mobility and productivity of roadways enduring wintery weather. Traditionally, nominal cost and effectiveness are the major criteria when highway professionals select the chemicals for snow and ice control. However, there are growing concerns over negative impacts that chloride-based ice control products pose on motor vehicles, the transportation infrastructure, and the environment. The authors propose that the use of chloride-based products for sustainable winter maintenance necessitates the application of a balanced perspective and collaborative decision-making among all relevant stakeholders. The shortcomings of existing maintenance decision systems are discussed, followed by a new way of thinking under the asset management framework.