Vermont is one of several northern states testing various approaches to keeping roads clear of ice and snow in winter.
Vermont is in the second winter of testing several stretches of a pavement surface that stores its own anti-icing solution.
The pavement is called SafeLane Surface Overlay, and it’s manufactured by Cargill. The surface contains a deicing solution that’s activated by moisture in snow and ice. Salting the road during a storm recharges the solution.
Agency of Transportation spokesman John Ziconni says last year’s results were encouraging, with no crashes on a steep section of Route 9 in Searsburg where the pavement surface is used.
The state may expand the surface to other short stretches of dangerous road, but Zicconi says the material is very expensive and its use will be limited.