4 Roadway Conditions
4.1.4 Automated Bridge Deicing – North Dakota
Impetus for the Activity
The problem that sparked North Dakota DOT to consider a technological treatment was high crash frequency at a location. They placed static signs with flashing lights at the location, but the public still does not slow down enough to prevent a crash.
The expected result of deploying the system is an ice-free deck and lower crash frequency. The system is planned for May/June 2001.
Criteria for System Selection (Hardware and Software)
The system will be selected based on vendor experience and system functionality.
Description of the System
The objective of the planned system is anti-icing of bridge decks.
The system is planned for deployment on the two I-29 railroad overhead structures north of Fargo. These structures are 250 ft in length and are currently equipped with two passive sensors – one in the deck and one in the approach. The plan is to add an active sensor with a deck sprayer system. Manual override capability of the active sensor will also be included. System output triggers the system to spray in order to de-ice the bridge deck.