Winter Maintenance
E-Newsletter
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February 2011
Produced by CTC & Associates
LLC
To be notified of new issues email, info@ctcandassociates.com
Past Newsletters: November 2010, August 2010, May 2010, February 2010, November 2009, August 2009
News
SIMA’s Snow & Ice Symposium
The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumberg, Ill., hosts the Snow & Ice Management Association’s 14th annual national symposium from June 22 to 25, 2011. A pre-symposium workshop on snow management efficiency gives attendees the opportunity to consult with experts on topics such as salt and liquid application, snowplow deployment, and measuring efficiency. The symposium also offers a two-day trade show, a new member/first-timer reception, snack-and-chat sessions, and educational sessions in administration, operations and techniques, sales and marketing, and management and leadership. Details.
APWA Reporter Online Covers Winter Maintenance
The November 2010 issue of APWA Reporter Online is all about the winter maintenance operations that enhance the quality of life, improve economic prosperity and provide for a sustainable environment. Read the issue to learn more about establishing levels of service, validating environmental impacts, pre- and post-storm meetings, and optimizing snowplow routing. Articles.
Smart Controllers Help Reduce Environmental Impacts
An often-used maxim of effective winter maintenance is to apply salt and other chemicals at the right place, at the right time, and for the right reason. The January 2011 issue of Better Roads describes how Mn/DOT and the city of Minneapolis are going one step further to reduce environmental impacts with the use of smart controllers. These electronic devices allow equipment to be precalibrated for the amount of granule or liquid material being applied. Smart controller units that collect speed and application rates can be used to help operators adhere to sensible salting guidelines. Article.
Ohio DOT’s New Cybertools Target Ice and Snow
This winter, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are added to Ohio DOT’s traffic website to help motorists “KNO B4 U GO.” Facebook users can find winter driving tips and statistics and share winter weather conditions, photographs and feedback with ODOT’s Ice and Snow team. ODOT is also launching the Ohio Transportation Channel on YouTube, where dozens of videos give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at ODOT’s ice and snow operations, highway maintenance efforts and progress on major construction projects. News release.
Developing Sustainable Levels of Service
An article in the February 2011 issue of Better Roads takes a closer look at how the winter maintenance process can incorporate sustainability. Winter maintenance managers are advised to find the appropriate balance of three key factors—societal impacts, economy and safety—and take a holistic approach to winter maintenance. Article.
Managing Traffic Operations During Adverse Weather Events
FHWA is working with transportation and meteorological experts to develop strategies to reduce crashes and delays due to storms and harsh atmospheric conditions. A January/February 2011 article in Public Roads highlights efforts in areas such as: Weather Responsive Traffic Management; traffic analysis and modeling; traffic estimation and prediction; human factors and road weather information; and future studies that address mobile sensing and data collection technologies for traffic and weather. Article.
Research Reports
Snowplow Simulation Training Study
Report ICT-11-077, January 2011
Results of an evaluation of simulator training of Illinois DOT snowplow operators show favorable driver evaluations after the fall training but less positive evaluations after the snow season. Researchers report no conclusive findings on driver performance when comparing drivers whose training included simulation to drivers not receiving simulator training. This evaluation supports the idea that simulator training should be viewed as a complement to on-the-road training rather than a replacement for it. Report.
Optimal Workforce Planning and Shift Scheduling for Snow and Ice Removal
Mn/DOT Report No. 2011-03, December 2010
Researchers developed methodologies for estimating workforce requirements and an economic evaluation of the impact of using contract employees, split shifts and staggered shifts. Using St. Louis County, Minn., as a test case for data analysis and model development, researchers created a decision support tool that aids winter maintenance managers in determining crew size and evaluating different deployment strategies. Report.
Grand Challenges: A Research Plan for Winter Maintenance
NCHRP 20-07/Task 287, December 2010
Workshop participants that included winter maintenance professionals from state highway agencies, FHWA, AASHTO, academia, local agencies and consulting firms identified six grand challenges that represent areas for research on a specific aspect of winter maintenance operations. The challenges, which will require a major research effort and substantial funding, include: new technologies; balancing social, environmental and economic factors; increasing the recognition of the value of winter maintenance; systems management; comprehensive communications capabilities; and workforce development. Report.
Establishing Best Practices for Removing Snow and Ice from California Roadways
Report No. CA10-1101, December 2010
This research effort focused on synthesizing available information regarding winter maintenance best practices and establishing a set of preliminary guidelines to implement anti-icing strategies in California. Further research will optimize this methodology based on specific temperature scenarios, storm types, precipitation levels and application methods. Report.
Research in Progress
Salt Management Guide Update
First published in 1999, the Transportation Association of Canada’s Salt Management Guide addresses key issues related to road salt management and the effect of road salting on the economy, quality of life and the environment. As the first update of the guide, this project is expected to include a literature review, a survey of road authorities and recommendations regarding possible changes. Sponsor: Transportation Association of Canada. Abstract.