All Roads Lead to Rome (But Not When They're Snow-Covered)

New-fallen snow blankets Wisconsin in pristine serenity. Each flake's delicate intricacy forms a tranquil, glistening landscape. It hushes the world, slowing time, and inviting a quiet, sacred pause. Clean, crisp air refreshes, while the touch of snow on one’s skin feels like nature's gentle embrace, captivating all our senses. 

There’s nothing more magical. 

That is, until we have to go somewhere! 

While the snow-covered landscapes can be picturesque, especially in beautiful Rome, Wisconsin, the challenges that come with it are very real. The good news is that Wisconsin boasts some of the best snow removal systems in the country.  

The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) plays a critical role in ensuring that our roads remain safe and navigable. With 115,609 miles of local streets and county and state highways, 5.6 million registered vehicles (not to mention the millions of visiting vehicles), and varying, often unpredictable, snowfall patterns, WisDOT's snow removal efforts are impressive. True feats of engineering, logistics, technology, and determination.

The climatic diversity of Wisconsin is a significant factor when it comes to winter road maintenance. The state experiences an annual snowfall that ranges from approximately 40 inches in the southern regions to an astonishing 160 inches along the shores of Lake Superior. Adams County typically receives 44 inches of snowfall per year. 

In an average year, 35 to 40 winter weather events occur, making it necessary for the WisDOT to have a well-organized and efficient snow removal program tailored to every region - on call, and ready to roll, often before the first snowflake falls. 

To ensure an effective approach, WisDOT categorizes the state-maintained highways into various categories. These categories are based on factors such as traffic volumes, road usage, and configuration. The goal for each category is to maintain "passable roadways" during winter storms which include not only snow, but ice and freezing rain. 

As you might imagine, certain highways receive special attention and resources as they are crucial for transportation, commerce, and safety. These are typically major highways and roads, including those that connect major cities and regions like our own State Highway 13. 

One of the methods that most of Wisconsin's counties employ to effectively combat winter weather, including Adams, is anti-icing. This technique not only saves time and money but also reduces the amount of effort and materials needed to remove snow and ice. Anti-icing is a proactive approach to preventing frost formation and the bonding of snow and ice to the pavement.

Anti-icing agents, primarily in liquid form, are applied before or early in a snowstorm. These agents create a barrier that inhibits ice from forming on the road surface, making it easier to plow the snow away. This method not only ensures safer roads but also reduces the environmental impact of excessive salt use.

Other techniques used in snow removal include pre-wetting and de-icing. Pre-wetting involves the addition of substances like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, salt brine, or other liquid agents to salt. These liquids enhance the performance of the salt by lowering its freezing point and enabling it to work at lower temperatures.

The most common method, de-icing, involves breaking the bond between ice and the pavement. This can be achieved through chemical or mechanical means, such as plowing and the use of salt or other specialized materials.

To improve the efficiency and accuracy of snow removal, WisDOT employs an advanced Road Weather Information System (RWIS). This system comprises numerous sites across the state, equipped with weather sensors and embedded roadway sensors. These sensors provide real-time data on weather conditions and pavement temperatures, allowing WisDOT to make informed decisions about road treatment.

In addition to RWIS, WisDOT uses the Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) to access continuously-updated weather and pavement forecasts. This system provides recommendations for roadway treatments based on the current and forecasted weather conditions. It's a sophisticated tool that helps optimize the use of resources and ensures the best possible road conditions.

When it comes to snow removal, salt is a crucial player in Wisconsin's strategy. WisDOT uses an impressive amount of salt, averaging over 526,000 tons per season statewide. Salt is an effective de-icer, working well down to pavement temperatures of about 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's essential to note that the effectiveness of salt diminishes significantly as temperatures drop. It takes approximately 13 times more salt to melt ice when the pavement temperature is 0°F compared to when it's 30°F.

Sand is another tool in the winter road maintenance toolkit. While it doesn't melt ice, it provides traction on slippery surfaces, especially when combined with salt. WisDOT uses around 14,000 tons of sand per season.

Clearly, winter road maintenance in Wisconsin is a complex and highly coordinated effort. The collaboration between the Wisconsin DOT and county highway departments, along with innovative techniques and advanced technology, ensures that the state's roads remain safe and passable even in the face of challenging winter conditions. 

So, let’s enjoy the new fallen snow as long as we can. But when it’s time to hit the road, do it with confidence knowing that the best of the best are out there doing everything they can, to not only make travel possible, but to make it safe.

And for that, we owe them all a great deal of gratitude. 

Written by: Lydell Capritta