Case Study

Hobart City Council

The City of Hobart, nestled between Mount Wellington and the Derwent River, is Australia’s second oldest city and home to approximately 47,000 people.

Challenge

Ice formation is a regular winter occurrence on Tasmanian roads and is a major hazard to road users. Ice is a particular problem for Hobart City Council, given that many roads within the municipality lie in shaded valleys and on the foothills of Mount Wellington.

The traditional method of treatment - spreading fine gravel over the ice to improve vehicle traction – is dangerous in its application and limited in its effectiveness. The challenge was to find an ice treatment that meets strict environmental guidelines, while providing a safer work practice for employees treating icy conditions, as well as safer road conditions 24 hours a day 7 days a week for road users.

Solution

Following extensive research into best practice ice treatment methods in other parts of Australia and overseas, Stornoway identified calcium spray as the best option. The treatment involves the spraying of a highly diluted calcium solution in areas prone to ice formation prior to the event. Where ice forms in untreated areas, the spray can be applied onto the surface of the ice, resulting in rapid melting. Extensive studies of environmental impacts have shown no evidence of adverse effects, even in sensitive alpine areas. This treatment is widely used in alpine national parks in both Australia and New Zealand.

Council’s first step was to undertake a trial during winter 2006, during which time the University of Tasmania undertook a study of the impact of the spray treatment on roadside vegetation communities.

Results

Results on all fronts were excellent – the treatment successfully prevented ice formation and the study showed no detectable impact. Council has subsequently extended use of the spray treatment, while the adjoining Glenorchy City Council has also requested its application in problem areas.