Environmental impact of practices and storage protocols relative to deicing agents

The scope of this study is to learn more about the impact of storing sodium chloride-type deicing agents on the natural environment while assessing the environmental impact of the most recent "best practices" (e.g. management mode, investment) in an effort to minimize the loss of deicing agents. The conclusions seek to set forth practical and quantitative guidelines to managing such sites more optimally. The data generated as part of this study may thus help guide, prioritize and justify future [...]

Exceptional Snow Removal Effort at Bonneval-sur-Arc, France

Departmental Highway 902, which crosses the Iseran pass via the Maurienne Valley in France’s Savoy Department, is heavily exposed to avalanches over its final section, lying between Bessans and Bonneval-sur-Arc.

Sweep-Salting - A Method for Winter Maintenance of Bicycle Paths in Sweden

A high winter maintenance service level could encourage more people to cycle during winter – with environmental and health benefits as a result. It is also important considering the safety of cyclists. According to accident analysis, eight out of ten bicycle crashes in Sweden are single bicycle crashes and the most common cause in wintertime is slipperiness caused by ice or snow. In the springtime, a common accident cause is slipperiness due to grit from winter maintenance. Instead of traditional [...]

Safety Effects of Lower Speed Limits During Winter Months in Finland

In Northern countries, accident risks are usually higher in winter than in summer. To tackle the problem winter maintenance has been intensified and systems developed to help drivers. However, safety benefits may be partly lost because drivers are tempted to travel faster in these improved conditions.

An Investigation of the Road Salt Phytoremediation Possibilities in France

Between 800,000 and 2,000,000 tons of road salt are applied each year on the French roads. Due to weather conditions and traffic, they are transported out of the roads. Hence, large quantities end up either in the surrounding environment or in ponds used for road runoff remediation and flow control. However, these ponds are not designed for the treatment of salt, despite its adverse environmental impacts. After passing through the ponds, salt is then rejected into the environment. To diminish the [...]