Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway frost heave prevention and results

摘要

The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, located about 30 miles (48km) west of Dillon, Mont., seasonally experiences frost heave problems over a 20-mile (30-km) stretch of road. The road is closed to winter traffic and typically re-opens in May. Longitudinal full-section depth cracks form during the spring thaw. One location, in the high alpine meadows of Moose Park, experiences the largest of these frost heaves, requiring annual maintenance and scheduled repairs. Past repair efforts in 2004 were not successful, so the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Beaverhead County tried a new design using wicking technology to address frost heaves at the worst location on the byway, stretching 375 yards (340m).