News Releases

Date: Jan. 16, 2007

Contacts:

Contact:	Company:	Phone:	Email:
Bill Brady	Cargill	952-742-6608	bill_brady@cargill.com
Jackie Renner	RCC	612-859-2626	rennercomm@aol.com

 

New Technology for Safer Roads and Bridges Expanding to Parking Ramps, Commercial Venues

MINNEAPOLIS – Cargill’s SafeLane™ Surface Overlay, the revolutionary technology that is making roads and bridges safer for winter driving in 14 U.S. states, is introducing a new product for parking lots and ramps, sidewalks, airport baggage handling areas and outdoor commercial venues. SafeLane CA-48™ Overlay has all the benefits of its parent, SafeLane HDX™, but uses a smaller aggregate material.

The new SafeLane CA-48 overlay has already been installed at parking lots in South Portland, Maine, and Hartford, Conn., as well as a rail load-out facility in Eddyville, Iowa. Businesses that have installed SafeLane CA-48 overlay say they hope to reduce pedestrian injuries from slips and falls on sidewalks, walkways and outdoor work platforms.

SafeLane™ Surface Overlay is a patented combination of epoxy and aggregate rock. When liquid anti-icing chemicals are applied to the overlay before ice or snowstorms hit, the material acts like a rigid sponge, storing the chemicals inside and automatically releasing them as conditions develop for the formation of ice or snow. The result is safer surfaces with better mobility and less maintenance, because the overlay helps prevent ice or frost from ever forming on treated surfaces.

The installations of SafeLane CA-48 follow AASHTO Task force 34 protocols, but a single application of epoxy and aggregate results in a lower cost installation that still provides all the anti-icing and mobility benefits. The smaller aggregate is important for airport applications because of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) protocols regarding prevention of foreign object debris.

An analysis of SafeLane overlay’s performance during the 2005-2006 winter season found no weather-related accidents at any of the nine test sites in place last winter, even though most of the sites had a history of dangerous winter accidents.

“SafeLane anti-icing and anti-skid overlay is already keeping ice away and drivers safer, while improving traction year round,” says Bob Persichetti, general manager for SafeLane™ Surface Overlay. “Now, we can provide that same safety assurance for people using parking lots, public walkways and commercial property.”

Safelane’s patented technology is licensed to Cargill by Michigan Tech University, where it was invented by Russ Alger, director of MTU’s Institute for Snow Research.

 

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.