February 27, 2009

The province is testing the FAST system at eight locations as a pre-emptive strike against winter driving conditions.

Innovation

Ontario’s transport ministry laud automatic roadway de-icing systems

PETER KENTER

correspondent

TORONTO

Ontario Ministry of Transportation experts are convinced that automated FAST (Fixed Automated Spray Technology) de-icing systems are helping to make the province’s bridges and roads safer.

They consist of an Advanced Road Weather Information System (ARWIS) station which has pavement sensors and a liquid distribution system that coats the structure with potassium acetate, an environmentally-friendly product that is non-corrosive and does not attack concrete and steel.

When inclement weather conditions threaten to make bridges, ramps or tunnels slippery, a computer analyzes the weather information and a series of nozzles sprays de-icing fluid on the road surface.

“The first FAST system installation in Canada was by MTO as a pilot project in the fall of 2000 on the northbound Highway 416/401 interchange structure at Prescott in Eastern Ontario,” says MTO spokesperson Bob Nichols. “The system was in service for the winter of 2000/01 and, based on the initial season, the FAST technology proved to be very promising. Based on our own research and the experience of other agencies, the ministry believes that there is an opportunity to significantly reduce icing on structures, and has expanded the use of FAST systems.”

Currently, the province is operating eight FAST installations in addition to the Prescott site: QEW/Welland River at Niagara Falls, Highway 401/Highway 8 at Cambridge, Highway 11/Magnetewan River at Burks Falls, Highway 17/Madawaska River at Arnprior, Highway 401/Salmon River at Shannonville, Highway 401/Highway 404 in Toronto, and Highway 8/Conestoga Parkway in Kitchener.

An upgrade to the Burks Falls site is planned for later this year.

Nichols notes the FAST system doesn’t preclude normal snow removal or salting operations, but acts as a pre-emptive strike against slippery road conditions.

On average, the estimated cost of a basic spray system is $2,000 per metre for a two-lane structure. “Cost of a typical FAST system for a 250-metre structure is in the range of $600,000,” says Nichols. “Extensive civil and electrical work is required to install the components of the FAST system. Concrete foundations or appropriate alternatives are required for both the pump house and the ARWIS tower.”

Typically, a FAST system can be installed in approximately 30 working days.

“We have studied or designed over 25 FAST systems, including Ontario’s, and others in New York State, as well as Alberta,” says Mark Pinet, manager of intelligent transportation systems for Western and Central Canada, with AECOM Transportation, Canada. Pinet managed MTO’s FAST pilot project and continues to work with the ministry on installations.

“These systems come as a package, but experience has proven that each installation is different, just as driving conditions are different depending on such factors as road grade, alignment or proximity to sources of moisture,” he says.

“We customize the design for each location given the local climate, roadway geometry and operating characteristics. What’s unique to Ontario is its combination of cold and humidity. At one northern Ontario location adjacent to a dam we were getting frost events at temperatures as low as -25 degrees Centigrade. On each installation we do a safety audit, identify risks and propose an equipment array suitable to the risk.”

MTO hasn’t yet crunched the numbers involving detailed statistics relating to icy conditions, but over all reductions in accidents at the eight sites have been encouraging.

“MTO has seen positive results in locations where the FAST system has been installed,” says Nichols. “At the first test site, on a bridge connecting Highways 401 and 416 near Prescott, there has been a significant decrease in accidents. Prior to the installation of the FAST system, there were 14 weather-related accidents reported in 1999-2000. Since the installation, weather-related accidents on the bridge have been eliminated.

“All of the existing and currently-proposed FAST sites are located in areas that have experienced, or are expected to experience, numerous accidents due to ice, slush or snow conditions.”

The Ministry was awarded the 2007 Transportation Association of Canada Road Safety Engineering Award for its advancements in winter road safety.

Print | Email | Comment