rthern countries that experience winter weather conditions typically use salt to combat slippery conditions caused by sw and ice buildup on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. In 2022, the United States used more than 59 million metric tons of salt, or 390 pounds per person according to Statista. Salt usage continues to increase with climate change and increases in urbanization and infrastructure. Salt has an adverse impact on the environment, including freshwater ecosystems, soil, vegetation, and wildlife, and is considered a toxic substance in Canada. Best Management Practices (BMP) are used to optimize winter road safety, including salt application rates, Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), and Maintenance Decision Support Systems (MDSS). MDSS takes RWIS to the next level integrating forecasts with operational standards and providing planning solutions to best combat upcoming winter storms effectively. WSP has undertaken significant research into leading organizations across rth America, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and developed winter material application rates for parking lots and sidewalks. WSP has incorporated these rates into MDSS, providing an efficient maintenance plan for parking lots and sidewalks, including the following conditions. Infrastructure: Parking lots, sidewalks, pathways Materials: Salt, pre-wet salt, pre-treated salt, sand Weather conditions: Frost, sw, and freezing rain/drizzle Temperature ranges: 0 °C to -6 °C

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be better able to:

• Recognize opportunities to increase the effectiveness of winter maintenance operations for parking lots and sidewalks.
• Apply the road salt management best practice strategy Maintenance Decision Support Systems (MDSS) to parking lots and sidewalks.
• Assess the benefits of using MDSS on parking lots and sidewalks.

Contributor/Source

Heather McClintock

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