Winter Maintenance E-Newsletter - August 2011

Produced by CTC & Associates LLC
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Past Newsletters: May 2011, February 2011, November 2010, August 2010, May 2010, February 2010

News

Ohio DOT’s Best Practices for Snow and Ice Operations
A March 2011 report documents Ohio DOT’s best practices for snow and ice operations in five categories: equipment, materials, guidance, applications and research. Each category contains practices ODOT has developed, adopted or tested to enhance snow and ice control. Find contact information and links to additional resources after each practice. Report.

Training Opportunity
A Click, Listen & Learn program offered by the American Public Works Association, “Liquid Use in Winter Maintenance,” provides insights from both seasoned and new users to help participants add liquid chemicals to their winter maintenance operations. The program addresses the benefits of using liquids, appropriate uses, infrastructure requirements, the impact of climatic conditions, and more. Course date for this two-hour audio/Web broadcast: October 27, 2011. Details.

Certificate Program for Winter Maintenance Supervisors
Providing a base level of knowledge for individuals charged with supervising their winter maintenance operations is the goal of APWA’s Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate program. The June 2011 issue of Better Roads provides an overview of the six-part certification workshop presented by a team of 12 experts from the United States and Canada. Participants can expand their knowledge of planning and preparation, increase their understanding of winter weather, learn how to better use traditional and alternative chemicals, improve the training of their teams, and enhance public outreach efforts. Article.

Research Reports

Investigating Longevity of Corrosion Inhibitors and Performance of Deicer Products Under Storage or After Pavement Application
Research Report WA-RD 759.1, June 2011
This study completed for Washington State DOT evaluated the longevity of corrosion inhibitors and the effectiveness of stored inhibited deicer products once applied to the pavement during a winter storm. No significant degradation of corrosion inhibitor or loss of chlorides was seen during the months of field storage. Report.

Research in Progress

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Winter Chemicals on Reducing Crashes in Idaho
The goal of this research project is to evaluate winter chemicals and provide guidance on the most appropriate winter maintenance strategies to apply under specific roadway and climatic conditions in Idaho. Researchers will also evaluate the effectiveness of different winter chemicals in reducing crashes in Idaho. Sponsor: Idaho Department of Transportation. Abstract.

Risk Mitigation Strategies to Improve Safety of Transportation Operations and Maintenance Activities
In this project, researchers will investigate the application of integrated risk modeling to moving operations and maintenance activities such as snow removal and pavement testing and marking. The goal of the project is to reduce the frequency and intensity of loss events such as property damage and personal injury that occur while these activities are conducted. Sponsor: Midwest Transportation Consortium. Abstract.

Snowplow Warning System for Drivers Using V2V- and/or V2I-based DSRC Communication and Variable Message Signs
Researchers are using dedicated short-range communication, a wireless technology that enables vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, to develop a messaging system that provides timely warning of ongoing snowplow operations. The snowplow warning system will use variable message signs to warn drivers that a snowplow operation is ahead, allowing drivers to adjust their speeds according to the warning messages. Sponsor: ITS Institute, University of Minnesota. Abstract.

Continued Field Testing and Refinement of Novel Water and Ice Sensor Systems on Bridge Decks
This project continues field tests of low-cost sensing systems for monitoring ice and water on bridge deck surfaces. Researchers are using time domain reflectometry, which probes the physical state of precipitation and deicing chemicals on the deck or road surface using low-cost sensors. Sponsor: ITS Institute, University of Minnesota. Abstract.

Understanding and Mitigating Effects of Chloride Deicer Exposure on Concrete
Concrete bridge decks in Oregon and Alaska are the subject of this research project to identify and evaluate best practices and products to mitigate the effects of chloride deicers. Included in the project’s tasks is the development of a practical, on-site measurement method to assess the exposure of concrete components to chloride deicers. Sponsor: Oregon Department of Transportation. Abstract.

Variable Speed Limit System for Wet and Extreme Weather Conditions
Research indicates that traditional approaches such as passive warning signs and flashing beacons that warn drivers about traveling too fast during inclement weather generally lose effectiveness over time as drivers become acclimated to them, resulting in a higher crash occurrence at particular locations. This project considers new approaches to influence motorists' behavior with regard to speed selection when adverse weather conditions present the potential for reduced pavement friction at a given location. Sponsor: Oregon Department of Transportation. Abstract.

Best Practices for Protecting DOT Equipment from the Corrosive Effect of Chemical Deicers
In this project, researchers will identify, evaluate and synthesize best practices to minimize the effects of deicer corrosion on winter maintenance vehicles and equipment. Among the issues researchers will consider are design improvements, maintenance practices, and the use of coatings and corrosion inhibitors. Sponsor: Washington State Department of Transportation. Abstract.

Reducing the Effects of Roadway Deicers on the Natural Environment (NCHRP Synthesis 20-05/Topic 43-12)
This Transportation Research Board synthesis project will review the state-of-industry knowledge spanning a broad range of technologies to limit the environmental effects of deicers. Researchers will examine the availability and applicability of both structural and nonstructural best management practices in minimizing the environmental impacts of deicing chemicals. The project will also identify critical knowledge gaps and the cultural, managerial, technological and other solutions that will facilitate application of BMPs. Sponsor: TRB. Abstract.