ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HIGHWAY SNOW AND ICE CONTROL

This report covers an indepth investigation into the economic impact of snow and ice control. The areas covered in the study were maintenance, traffic and safety, environment, structure damage and vehicle corrosion. The maintenance section discusses a method of establishing level of service for winter maintenance based on an economic analysis. Several recommendations for material used in snow and ice control are made. A winter maintenance questionnaire was distributed in Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota and Utah to determine the public attitude toward the maintenance effort in each state. The results of this questionnaire are contained in the appendix of this report. The traffic and safety portion of the study was oriented towards the user costs occurring during winter maintenance. Accident rates, user delay, traffic volumes and vehicle speeds during snow and ice storms were evaluated. A phone survey to businesses to determine loss due to poor traveling conditions was made. Environmental damage to wells, plants and lakes was investigated. The deterioration of roadway, structures and vehicles which can be associated with winter maintenance was covered. The economic computer model (ESIC) developed through the study yields costs for maintenance and traffic and safety on a per storm and level of service basis, written warning for possible environmental damage & annual costs for structural deterioration and vehicle corrosion.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report was sponsored through the National Pooled Fund Study of the Federal Highway Administration and the highway agencies of the following states: Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
• Corporate Authors:

  Utah Department of Transportation

  Research and Development Section, 757 West Second South
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84104
• Authors:
  • McBride, J C
  • Kennedy, W J
  • Thuet, J H
  • Belangie, M C
  • Stewart, R M
  • Sy, C C
  • McConkie, F R
• Publication Date: 1977-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 130 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Crash rates; Economic impacts; Environmental impacts; Highway maintenance; Level of service; Motor vehicles; Snow and ice control; Speed; Traffic safety; Traffic speed; Traffic volume
• Subject Areas: Economics; Environment; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178775
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 95 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8580
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 19 1978 12:00AM