MINNEAPOLIS - This autumn, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will try a new solution to the old problem of ice, snow and the other hazards that fall and winter driving can bring.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 6 (weather permitting), INDOT will oversee installation of a new technology, called SafeLane surface overlay, near Seymour, Ind. SafeLane overlay is a patented combination of epoxy and aggregate that acts like a rigid sponge, storing anti-icing solution inside, then automatically releasing it as snow and ice conditions develop. It also provides superior friction, giving drivers better traction year-round, while sealing pavements to help prevent their degradation.

SafeLane overlay will be installed on the northbound lanes of the I-65 bridge over the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River (at mile marker 45.7). In all, the overlay will be applied to 12,000 square feet. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during the installation work, which is scheduled for completion over the weekend.

"INDOT constantly assesses new ways to protect the public''s safety," said Tony McClellan, INDOT highway operations director. "This bridge has a tendency to develop icing problems which drivers are often unaware of - until it''s too late. Motorists get surprised, and that can lead to accidents. Our goal is to reduce winter weather-related crashes at this site."

SafeLane overlay, licensed and marketed by Minnesota-based Cargill, works in this way: prior to a winter storm, INDOT plow truck operators will "charge" the overlay with their standard anti-icing chemicals. The overlay stores the chemicals inside, automatically releasing them to help prevent frost or ice from forming on the roadway. In addition, the overlay keeps releasing the anti-icing chemicals over multiple weather events.

"Billions of tax dollars are spent each year to preserve and maintain roads and bridges. SafeLane surface overlay can extend the life of roads and bridges by acting as a sealant to reduce the effects of chloride and water intrusion. More importantly, it can improve driving conditions and reduce weather-related accidents," said Bob Persichetti, general manager for SafeLane surface overlay.

This will be the second SafeLane overlay installation in Indiana. In 2005, SafeLane overlay was installed on the eastbound lanes of the Ironwood Bridge near South Bend, which had a long history of snow and ice-related crashes. No weather-related crashes have occurred on the bridge since the SafeLane overlay installation. SafeLane overlay is also scheduled to be installed on a roadway near Evansville, Ind., later this month.

SafeLane overlay is currently helping to reduce accidents and improve driving mobility at 38 road and bridge sites in 16 states. An analysis of SafeLane overlay''s winter performance during the past two years by a leading ice and snow control expert has found a significant reduction in weather-related crashes at all test sites reporting data. Many of these sites are bridges that previously had a long history of weather-related crashes. In addition, many of these sites, including those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, reported no weather-related crashes following SafeLane''s installation. Copies of the reports are posted at www.cargillSafeLane.com.