SafeLane^® Technology

The anti-icing technology of SafeLane^® surface overlay

A patented, epoxy-aggregate pavement surface, SafeLane^® surface overlay provides anti-icing capability through naturally reactive deicer release. The aggregate in the overlay stores deicing and anti-icing chemicals, such as brine, and releases when needed, helping prevent slippery conditions such as frost, black ice and snow pack formations. The anti-skid aggregate also provides aggressive traction for vehicular traffic in all weather conditions, and the epoxy adhesive protects infrastructure by preventing damaging water and chemicals from permeating the surface.

Academic innovation. Superior anti-icing technology.

Developed at Michigan Technological University’s Institute of Snow Research in the United States, scientists researched and tested various deicing chemical applications on various aggregates to determine what would provide the highest chemical absorption, storage and release characteristics to help prevent ice and frost formation on roads and highways.

Exceptional traction. Infrastructure protection.

Product development also sought to create increased road friction and structural durability to ultimately advance motorist safety and reduce the environmental impacts winter maintenance operations have on infrastructure.

Proactive anti-icing. Increased residual effects.

With traditional anti-icing technology, deicing chemicals must be applied at every frost event. This is difficult to budget and impossible to forecast. As a result, isolated structures may frost over and become dangerous to traffic prior to chemical application or plowing. With SafeLane^® surface overlay, a deicer is applied proactively to prevent frost and ice from ever forming, and a single pretreatment can be effective for multiple frost or ice events.

Lab tested. Scientifically confirmed.

Our research scientists tested SafeLane^® surface overlay against concrete to compare results under simulated conditions. Both samples were sprayed with deicing chemicals and then repeatedly scrubbed under running water, simulating traffic. The SafeLane^® surface overlay was shown to not only hold deicing chemicals far longer than concrete, but the SafeLane^® surface overlay also prevented compressed snow from bonding to the surface.