FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH ON CALCIUM MAGNESIUM ACETATE - AN ALTERNATIVE DEICER

Abstract

The importance of snow and ice control on highways and the advantages of a clear pavement cannot be overstated. In addition to greatly reducing highway accidents and fatalities, keeping the roads clear has benefited the American economy by allowing the movement of people and goods. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and State highway and transportation departments are investigating the complete laboratory and field deicing, environmental, and economic effects of using calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), the most logical alternative to salt presently available. FHWA-sponsored research to identify alternative deicers shows that CMA is potentially less polluting and corrosive than salt.