Citation

Ward J. Am. City Cty. 1999; 114(5): 14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Penton Media)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is experimenting with bridges that clear themselves of snow and ice. Under a pilot program that is the first of its kind in the United States, three western Pennsylvania bridges have been outfitted with technology that senses when to apply deicing material--and then applies it. The three bridges are connected to a Road Weather Information System that monitors wind speed and direction, as well as air temperature, humidity, dewpoint, and general weather conditions. Computers relay information to the county offices. When specific conditions are met, nozzles embedded in the bridges' centerlines spray magnesium chloride on the road at a height of 7 in (10 cm).