Analysis of NDDOT's FAST systems.
Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Cummings, North Dakota, United States
Evaluation of North Dakota's Fixed Automated Spray Technology Systems
Summary Information
North Dakota's winters are quite cold, with nearly 95 percent of days from November through March having low temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures require application of anti-icing solution to the roadways in order to reduce the formation of frost and ice on the roadways, which is particularly likely on bridge decks. Two fixed automated spray technology (FAST) systems were installed on highways in North Dakota because of the high crash rates at the two locations. The Buxton Bridge FAST system became operational in December 2002, and the Red River Bridge FAST system came online in January 2007. The Buxton Bridge system covers 370 feet of roadway and bridge decking, while the North Dakota DOT-Minnesota DOT (NDDOT-Mn/DOT) jointly operated Red River Bridge system covers 2300 feet, with 1300 feet of that being bridge decking.
Buxton Bridge FAST system
Due to the reduction in crashes attributed to the installation of the FAST system on Buxton Bridge, there is an annual safety benefit of $78,738. Reduced maintenance costs from NDDOT employees no longer needing to manually spray the area, particularly during after normal hours of operation saves NDDOT $31,860 per year in staff overtime, truck, and material/chemicals costs. Buxton Bridge FAST system costs over the 20-year lifecycle are nearly $400,000, including installation, maintenance and replacement, utilities and chemical costs. This results in a 20-year net benefit of $1,257,869. The Buxton Bridge FAST shows an estimated benefit-cost ratio of 4.3 over a 20 year lifecycle.
Red River Bridge FAST system
Due to the reduction in crashes attributed to the installation of the FAST system on Red River Bridge, there is an annual safety benefit of $162,578. Reduced congestion due to lower crash rates also attributes to $4,060 annually in benefits. Reduced maintenance costs from NDDOT and Mn/DOT employees no longer needing to manually spray the area, particularly during after normal hours of operation saves NDDOT and Mn/DOT $48,983 per year in staff overtime, truck, and material/chemicals costs. Red River Bridge FAST system costs over the 20-year lifecycle are $2,520,963, including installation, maintenance and replacement, utilities and chemical costs. This results in a 20-year net benefit of $675,184. The Red River Bridge FAST shows an estimated benefit-cost ratio of 1.3 over a 20 year lifecycle.
