Snow and Ice

The white lines you see on certain highways and bridges during the winter months are the result of a preemptive anti-icing treatment. These lines are created by applying a liquid solution to the road surfaces which can be applied up to three days prior to the onset of a winter storm. CTDOT uses a 23% sodium chloride brine solution, also known as salt brine. The purpose is to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement making it easier to clear the surface and ultimately safer for driving. This proactive method helps keep roads safer by reducing the amount of ice and snow that sticks to the road surface, which in turn makes post-storm cleanups faster and more efficient. Much like greasing a pan before cooking–it deters the snow and ice from sticking, making it easier to remove

No, CTDOT has shifted away from using sand for snow and ice treatment primarily due to environmental and practical concerns. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Environmental Impact: Sand can contribute to soil erosion and waterway sedimentation, which can harm aquatic habitats and clog drainage systems.


2. Ineffectiveness in Heavy Snow: Sand alone does not melt ice and snow; it only provides limited, short term, traction which quickly becomes worn down and ineffective. This means that roads still need to be treated with salt or other chemicals to effectively clear ice and snow.


3. Maintenance Challenges: Sand can be difficult to manage and clean up after a snowstorm, often requiring additional sweeping and sedimentation removal efforts.


4. Cost and Efficiency: Using straight sand or a combination of salt and sand has been proven to be more cost-prohibitive and less efficient in maintaining road safety during winter weather.

Instead, CTDOT uses a combination of salt and liquid deicers (like sodium chloride) for a more effective and environmentally friendly approach.

CTDOT utilizes chloride-based products like sodium, magnesium, and calcium chlorides. These are commonly used for deicing roads and sidewalks because they lower the freezing point of water preventing ice formation and bonding to the surface of the road.

Statewide, CTDOT applies approximately 100 lbs per one-lane mile in one direction. One hundred pounds equates to roughly two 5-gallon buckets of material. This is within the lower parameters for the material to remain effective while considering safety and environmental impacts. Compared to neighboring states this amount is lower than those posted in their reduced salt areas. This is also far less material when compared to most commercial and residential deicing operations throughout the state.

CTDOT has and will continue to explore alternative non-chloride materials but so far, nothing can match the effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and availability of products like sodium, magnesium, and calcium chloride for snow and ice control. These products are highly effective in melting ice and snow, reduce the freezing point (even at lower temperatures) are cost-efficient, and readily available. Nationally, the use of chloride-based products is far greater among the snow belt states than that of non-chloride products. Here are some reasons why:

• Effectiveness: Non-chloride alternatives may not perform as well, especially in extreme cold.


• Cost: Non-chloride alternatives are often more expensive, which can be a significant consideration given the large volumes needed for statewide road treatment.


• Availability: Chloride-based deicers are more widely available and easier to store and handle. Non-chloride options are less readily accessible, difficult to store and often require specialized equipment.


• Environmental Concerns: While chloride-based deicers do have environmental impacts, non-chloride alternatives also come with their own set of concerns, such as potential soil and water contamination from certain organic or chemical compounds.

Balancing road safety and environmental impact is a complex challenge, and currently, chloride-based deicers provide the most practical solution.

There are no state laws that prohibit you from passing a snowplow. However, the action of passing a snowplow can be extremely dangerous. Generally, it is best to avoid passing snowplows whenever possible. Here are a few reasons why:

• Safety: Snowplows are clearing and treating the roads, and they often travel at lower speeds to do so effectively. Passing them can be dangerous, as the road ahead might still be icy or covered with snow.


• Visibility: Snowplows can create clouds of snow that reduce visibility and move large piles of snow. Passing through these can increase the risk of accidents.


• Road Conditions: The road ahead of the plow is likely less clear and potentially more hazardous.

In some areas, there may be specific laws or regulations about passing snowplows, so it's always best to check local ordinances and policies.

CTDOT strives to return travel to normal conditions as soon as possible. The time it takes to clear highways after a snowstorm can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the storm, the amount of snowfall, and the personnel, equipment, and resources available. Generally, major interstates are prioritized for clearing, with most highways often cleared within 4 to 6 hours after the snowfall ends. However, it can take longer in cases of heavy snowfall or ongoing storms.

Snowplow schedules can vary depending on the location and the severity of the snowfall. State roads are treated throughout the event and CTDOT snow routes are based on a precise calibration of how far a load of material can go and return while dispersing a full load. For this reason, a typical snow run may take 3 to 4 hours to complete one roundtrip. This timeframe is dependent on many factors, including the type and amount of snow that is falling, the rate at which it falls, the temperature, time of day, traffic congestion (including accidents), available personnel, available equipment, and other factors. During any winter event motorists should expect snow covered and slippery road conditions.

If you live on a state road and your mailbox is damaged by a snowplow, you may contact CTDOT Customer Care Center to start an investigation. If the investigation determines that the damage occurred due to direct contact with CTDOT plowing equipment, then CTDOT may repair or replace the mailbox with a standard plastic mailbox. Homeowners should frequently inspect their mailbox and post to ensure they are sufficiently secured to prevent damage from snow removal operations.

Dealing with corrosion from road salt is a common issue, especially in areas where salt is used for deicing. Here are some steps you can take to mitigate the effects:

• Wash Your Car Regularly: Frequent washing, especially shortly following a snow and ice event, helps remove salt and prevent it from causing rust. Pay special attention to the underbody, wheel wells, and other areas where salt can accumulate.


• Apply Protective Coating: Waxing your car before winter can provide a protective layer against salt and moisture. Additionally, consider applying a rustproofing spray or undercoating to vulnerable areas.


• Inspect and Repair: Regularly check for any chips or scratches in the paint, as exposed metal can quickly rust. Repair any damage promptly to prevent rust from spreading.


• Avoid Driving Closely Behind Snowplows: Snowplows often spread salt, and driving directly behind them can lead to more salt accumulation on your vehicle.

Taking these preventative measures can help reduce the risk of corrosion and extend the life of your vehicle.

The term for this action is “close echelon plowing.” During winter weather, snowplow trucks often travel in a staggered or echelon formation to clear the road more effectively and ensure safety. Here’s why:

• Safety: This method is a safer process for both the plow operations and the traveling public. During a snowstorm, the safest place for drivers to be is behind the snowplow trucks. Patience and maintaining a safe distance behind them are key for your safety. While it can be frustrating to drive behind a convoy of plows, they are working to make the road safer for everyone.


• Maximized Coverage: Plowing in formation allows the trucks to clear multiple lanes at once, eliminates linear snow piles known as windrows, and ensure the entire width of the road is treated.


• Efficiency: By working together, the plows can cover more ground in less time, making the snow removal process quicker and more efficient.

The Governor’s Office will decide on whether a vehicle ban will be established and/or lifted. It is recommended that you check the Governor’s website for information and updates on this topic.

It depends. In Connecticut, the responsibility for clearing sidewalks falls on the town in which you live. This is true even on state-owned roads; however, under CGS Sec. 7-148 municipalities may adopt ordinances requiring property owners to remove snow and ice on sidewalks abutting their property frontage. In addition, under CGS Sec. 7-163a, municipalities may adopt ordinances transferring their liability for damages associated with snow and ice on sidewalks to the abutting property owner.

For sidewalks on state-owned roads, CTDOT is only responsible for snow and ice removal of the sidewalk on the bridge and its approaches to the bridge.

It's always a good idea to check with your local municipality, as some towns and cities may have specific ordinances or policies regarding sidewalk maintenance.

This happens because the snowplows need to push snow off the road to clear it. Here’s why your driveway often ends up having snow pushed into it:

• Efficiency: Snowplows are designed to clear roads quickly and efficiently, pushing snow to the side as they go. This means that any snow in front of the plow blade gets deposited to the side, which can often end up at the end of driveways


• Safety: Clearing the roads quickly is crucial for public safety, ensuring that emergency vehicles and other traffic can move safely and smoothly.


• Limited Options: Plow operators don’t have many options on where to push the snow, especially on narrow roads or in densely populated areas.

To minimize the impact:

• Shovel to the Right: When you shovel your driveway, try to pile snow to the right side (as you face the road). This way, when the plow comes through, it's less likely to push that snow back in front of your driveway.


• Clear a Buffer: If possible, clear a small buffer area on the side of the driveway where the plow will approach. This can help catch some of the snow before it reaches your driveway.

There is no perfect solution to this, but these tips can help reduce the amount of snow that ends up at the end of your driveway.