As winter descends upon us, the challenge of keeping roads clear of snow and ice becomes a top priority for states facing harsh weather conditions. While traditional methods like rock salt have long been the go-to solution, innovative alternatives are emerging to tackle this age-old problem. For example, one such unconventional approach that is gaining attention is using potato juice. These innovative methods to manage snow and ice on the roads are interesting and will hopefully gain traction with maintenance crews.
New Products to Keep Snow and Ice from Accumulating on Roads
New Products to Keep Snow and Ice from Accumulating on RoadsThe Potato Juice Phenomenon
Imagine a solution to icy roads involving a kitchen staple – potatoes. Some states are turning to potato juice as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional de-icing agents. The process involves extracting juice from potatoes and applying it to road surfaces. Or, for those states with a growing distilling industry, this is a solution that uses the byproduct of potato vodka production. The natural sugars in the potato juice lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation. This method not only proves effective but also addresses environmental concerns associated with the excessive use of salt. Tennessee was one of the first states to test this method and found it effective in lower temperatures than other de-icing solutions.
Beet Juice Magic
Potatoes aren’t the only vegetable contributing to the battle against icy roads. Beet juice has also emerged as a valuable resource in the fight against winter weather. States like Michigan have incorporated beet juice into their winter road maintenance strategies. The sugars in beet juice act as a freezing point depressant, reducing the need for traditional salt. Additionally, beet juice enhances the stickiness of salt, helping it adhere to road surfaces more effectively.
Cheese Brine: A Salty Solution with a Twist
Wisconsin, renowned for its cheese production, has found an ingenious way to repurpose a byproduct of the dairy industry – cheese brine. This salty liquid, a residue from the cheese-making process, is used to pre-treat roads before snowfall. By applying cheese brine, states not only improve the effectiveness of salt but also find a sustainable solution for a waste product that would otherwise be discarded. It’s a win-win situation that showcases the potential for creative problem-solving in road maintenance.
Magnesium Chloride – The Mighty Mineral
While not as unconventional as potato juice or cheese brine, magnesium chloride is gaining popularity as a road de-icing agent due to its superior performance. Colorado and Utah have been using magnesium chloride to combat icy conditions. This mineral attracts moisture, forming a brine that prevents ice formation on road surfaces. The lower application rates required than traditional salt make magnesium chloride a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
Smart Technology Methods to Manage Snow and Ice
Technology has made other processes much more efficient, so it should be no surprise that technology can also keep our roads safer during cold winter. Here are a couple of examples of how road maintenance services use new technology to keep the streets clear.
Solar-Powered Roads
Looking beyond liquid solutions, some states invest in cutting-edge technology to keep roads clear of snow and ice. Solar-powered roads with heating elements can actively melt snow and prevent ice buildup. These intelligent roads harness solar energy during the day to power the heating elements at night. While this technology is still in its early stages, it holds promise for revolutionizing how we approach winter road maintenance.
Drones for Precision De-Icing:
In an era dominated by technology, drones are making their mark on winter road maintenance. Some states use drones with thermal imaging cameras to identify areas prone to ice formation. Once identified, these drones can precisely target those areas with de-icing agents, reducing the overall amount of chemicals used while maximizing effectiveness. This high-tech solution not only improves efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact.
Keep your employees safe with quality products from Collins.
As winter challenges persist, states are thinking outside the box to find innovative solutions for keeping roads clear of snow and ice. These unconventional methods offer effective alternatives to traditional de-icing agents, from potato juice and beet juice to cheese brine and magnesium chloride. Technological advancements, such as solar-powered roads and drone-assisted de-icing, also showcase the limitless possibilities for improving winter road maintenance. By embracing creativity and sustainability, states are ensuring safer roads and contributing to a greener and more resilient future.
Collins applies the same focus on innovation with our towing equipment. Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go. Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our products.
Leave a Reply