News Releases

Date: September 10, 2007

Contacts:

IDOT installing new technology to help keep ice away, motorists safer in northwestern Chicago suburb

MINNEAPOLIS – This fall the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will try a new solution to the old problem of ice, snow and the other hazards that fall and winter driving can bring.

Beginning the week of Sept. 17 (weather permitting), IDOT will oversee installation of a new technology, called SafeLane™ surface overlay on four bridges in the northwest Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates. SafeLane overlay is a patented combination of epoxy and aggregate that acts like a rigid sponge, storing anti-icing solution inside, then automatically releasing it as snow and ice conditions develop. It also provides superior friction, giving drivers better traction year-round, while sealing pavements to help prevent their degradation.

SafeLane overlay will be installed on all lanes of the IL Route 72 (Higgins Road) bridges over I-90 (Northwest Tollway) west of Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates and on the IL Route 72 (Higgins Road) bridges over the EJE Railroad. In all, the overlay will be applied to 54,000 square feet. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during the installation work, which is scheduled for completion by the end of October.

“IDOT constantly assesses new ways to protect the public’s safety,” said Sarah Wilson, IDOT bridge maintenance engineer. “These bridges, which lie along a heavily traveled commercial route, are known to have icing problems. Our goal is to reduce winter weather-related accidents.” An average of 30,000 vehicles cross the bridges daily.

SafeLane™ surface overlay, licensed and marketed by Minnesota-based Cargill, works in this way: prior to a winter storm, IDOT plow truck operators will “charge” the overlay with their standard anti-icing chemicals. The overlay stores the chemicals inside, automatically releasing them to help prevent frost or ice from forming on the roadway. Plus, it keeps releasing the anti-icing chemicals over multiple events.

“One of our expectations is that by using SafeLane overlay we will need to de-ice these bridges less frequently,” noted Wilson. “That will save us time and money, and will be particularly helpful on these bridges since they are among the furthest from the departure yard for our plows.”

“Billions of tax dollars are spent each year to preserve and maintain roads and bridges. SafeLane overlay can extend the life of roads and bridges by acting as a sealant to reduce the effects of chloride and water intrusion. More importantly, it can improve driving conditions and reduce weather-related accidents,” said Bob Persichetti, general manager for SafeLane surface overlay.

The SafeLane overlay test site in Hoffman Estates will be funded in part through a $450,000 federal grant. IDOT originally considered using the grant money to install a fixed spray deicing system (FAST). Wilson notes SafeLane overlay was ultimately chosen instead because it has no moving parts requiring ongoing maintenance. In addition, IDOT will evaluate SafeLane overlay as a bridge preservation technique. “I like the added benefit of the overlay helping to prevent future chloride intrusion in the bridge decks,” adds Wilson.

SafeLane overlay is currently helping to reduce accidents and improving driving mobility at 37 road and bridge sites in 16 states. That includes a SafeLane overlay test site at the Western Avenue Bridge near 31st street in Chicago installed in August 2006, by the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation. An analysis of SafeLane overlay’s winter performance during the past two years by a leading ice and snow control expert has found significant accident reduction rates among test sites reporting data. Copies of the reports are posted at www.cargillsafelane.com.

About Cargill

Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 149,000 employees in 63 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.