Hiekoitus

Hiekoitus is a road maintenance practice used in Finland and other Nordic countries to improve traffic safety on icy or snowy surfaces. It involves dispersing traction agents—such as sand, grit, or salt—onto road pavements to increase friction between tires and the roadway.

The operation is typically carried out by specialized vehicles equipped with a hopper and a spreader, often referred to as hiekoituskoneet or grit spreaders. These machines can apply material in front of or behind the vehicle and may be used in response to poor road conditions or as a preventive measure when cold weather is forecast. In smaller areas, manual spreading may be employed.

Materials used for hiekoitus include dry sand, crushed gravel (grit), and de-icing agents like rock salt or calcium chloride. The choice depends on weather conditions, pavement type, environmental considerations, and availability. Salt lowers the freezing point and provides chemical de-icing, while sand and grit enhance mechanical traction.

Environmental and safety considerations are important. Over-application can cause pollution, corrosion, or sedimentation in waterways, and excessive grit can contribute to road dust. Many municipalities optimize applications to minimize environmental impact, using methods such as pre-wetting, targeted spreading, or substituting with non-corrosive materials when appropriate.

Hiekoitus is part of broader winter road maintenance, alongside snow plowing and other de-icing strategies. It encompasses both preventive (anti-icing) and corrective measures, aiming to reduce accidents and improve road safety during cold-weather conditions. See also: winter road maintenance, de-icing, road safety.