How does CDOT determine when to use anti-icing and de-icing techniques?
A variety of factors are taken into account when deciding upon a course of action to treat winter roadways. Product application combinations are chosen after maintenance workers evaluate many factors including air and pavement temperature, humidity levels, dew point temperatures, exposure to solar radiation, type and rate of precipitation, weather forecast, weather radar data, and satellite data. CDOT monitors road conditions using infrared sensors, thermal mapping, and Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS). Operational treatments are continuously evaluated by CDOT before, during and after a winter weather storm. Road treatments and applications are modified through all phases of a storm based on careful analysis of intensity, duration and type of precipitation.
