Automatic spreader controls can reduce quantities of deicing materials used, while reducing chances that over application will cause environmental concerns or runoff problems. In a metropolitan area, several remote processing units may be installed to measure the temperature of the roadway surface and moisture levels. These help highway agencies to be completely up to speed on conditions over a large metropolitan area or right where they are. Only when roadway surface temperature falls below the freezing levels should deicing materials be applied. Again saving on the winter roadway deicing bill while providing the safety demanded by the driving public.
Materials are the final ingredient of a successful winter highway maintenance effort.
The key is to have enough of the right deicing materials on hand to take care of estimated needs, lessening the risk of interrupted supply, chaos and accidents on the roads. The most cost effective way to receive deicing materials is to order early so shipments can be made during the normal shipping season e.g. spring through late summer. As days get shorter, deliveries are more likely to be uncertain. Rail and trucking shipments are more costly. You may recall that in the winter of 1993-94, several agencies ran out of deicing materials and were forced to settle for lower levels of roadway maintenance, increasing liability exposure to municipalities.