BENEFITS AND COSTS OF SNOW FENCES ON WYOMING INTERSTATE 80
Snow-fence protection along a 100-km section of Wyoming Interstate 80 has gradually been increased from none to 50 percent since 1970. This presents a unique opportunity to identify effects of the snow fences on snow-removal expenditues, accident frequency, and road closure. This information is needed for economic analyses to determine the feasibility of future snow-control projects. The study indicated that snow-removal costs were reduced by more than one-third as a result of the effective elimination of snowdrifts. Accidents during blowing snow conditions decreased in proportion to the length of highway protected, with a 70 percent reduction at the current level of fencing. There is some indication of a comparable reduction in wind-related accidents. These effects reflect the improved visibility and road-surface conditions observed in the areas protected by snow fences. The fences have had no significant effect on the length of time the highway is closed to traffic, and it is hypothesized that protection might have to approach 100 percent before such an effect could be expected. Fence construction costs can be amortized within 10 years through reduced winter maintenance costs and property damage. Effectiveness of the snow fences is attributed primarily to adequate snow-storage capacity and the use of tall (3.78-m) fences. (Author)
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309033632
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Supplemental Notes:
- Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Winter Maintenance. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
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Authors:
- Tabler, Ronald D
- Furnish, Richard P
- Publication Date: 1982
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 13-20
- Monograph Title: Snow control, traffic effects on new concrete, and corrosion
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Serial:
- Transportation Research Record
- Issue Number: 860
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
- ISSN: 0361-1981
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Benefit cost analysis; Crash rates; Snow fences; Snow removal; Snowdrifts; Visibility
- Identifier Terms: Interstate Highway System
- Geographic Terms: Wyoming
- Old TRIS Terms: Road closings
- Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I62: Winter Maintenance;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00369283
- Record Type: Publication
- ISBN: 0309033632
- Files: TRIS, TRB
- Created Date: Jan 31 1983 12:00AM