An automated web-based management tool that helps winter maintenance decision makers efficiently utilize salt resources saves Iowa $2.7 million per year.

A report from the Clear Roads collaborative research program.

Date Posted
11/25/2019
Identifier
2019-B01418
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Iowa's Salt Dashboard Helps Garages Use Salt Efficiently

Summary Information

Spreading salt on road surfaces is one of the primary means for removing and preventing accumulation of snow and ice. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) has a new management dashboard that helps winter maintenance decision makers efficiently use salt resources. The "Salt Dashboard" is an automated web-based tool that compares the amount of salt used by each garage to targets based on salt application rate guidelines, weather information, lane miles, and level-of-service expectations. The Dashboard can also provide analysis on a district or statewide level.

FINDINGS



Iowa DOT reported that after the agency started using the Salt Dashboard in 2012, the state saves more than $2.7 million annually on salt.

Goal Areas
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