Winter Maintenance E-Newsletter - May 2011

Produced by CTC & Associates LLC
To be notified of new issues email, info@ctcandassociates.com

Past Newsletters: February 2011, November 2010, August 2010, May 2010, February 2010

News

APWA’s Public Works Congress and Expo
The 2011 American Public Works Association’s International Public Works Congress & Exposition is slated for September 18 to 21, 2011, in Denver, Colo. Attendees can choose from 125 technical and professional development sessions presented by public works professionals and industry vendors using the latest learning models—classroom, interactive and "live" learning labs. Hundreds of exhibitors covering nearly 90,000 square feet of exhibit space will showcase the latest products, services and technologies specific to public works. Details.

Third National Winter Maintenance Peer Exchange
Plans are under way for the third National Winter Maintenance Peer Exchange slated for Bozeman, Mont., on September 19 through 21, 2011. The peer exchange brings together participants from snow states across the country, industry, and organizations actively involved in winter maintenance research issues to share information and network on snow- and ice-related issues. See the Western Transportation Institute website to learn about the 2007 and 2009 peer exchanges and for details of the 2011 conference as they become available.

Western Snow & Ice Conference
Estes Park, Colo., is the site of the 31st Annual APWA Western Snow and Ice Conference and National Snow Roadeo scheduled for September 28 through 30, 2011. The National Snow Roadeo tests the skills and knowledge of equipment operators from around the country in four events: single- and tandem-axle snowplow, loader and grader. Details.

Modeling Weather Conditions with New Traffic Analysis Module
The newly released Volume XI of the FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox guides traffic engineers and transportation operations managers in analyzing and modeling weather impacts on the transportation system. The weather module is expected to produce better estimates and predictions of real-world traffic parameters during inclement weather conditions. Volume XI.

Thermal Mapping Expands the Reach of RWIS
Using road weather information systems to predict the potential for black ice formation at night is the subject of an article in the February 2011 issue of Roads & Bridges. Thermal mapping is used with RWIS site forecasts to predict pavement conditions along continuous stretches of road. The new system produces a color-coded forecast map that indicates the earliest possible time for icing to begin for an entire route—not just at the points where pavement data are continuously collected. The thermal-mapping forecasting technique can also be used to forecast other pavement-related parameters. Article.

New Winter Maintenance Practices in South Dakota
South Dakota DOT has found success with new winter maintenance procedures that save money while still providing the expected levels of service. An article in the February 2011 issue of Roads & Bridges describes the new program, which includes a transition from heavy use of salt/sand abrasive mixtures to the use of a maintenance decision and support system that provides guidance in applying the right treatment at the right time using the right application rate for conditions. Article.

The View from a Snowplow
With a January nor’easter providing the backdrop, representatives from New Hampshire newspapers and radio had the chance to experience the challenges faced by winter maintenance professionals from inside the cab of a New Hampshire DOT snowplow. The Spring 2011 issue of NHDOT’s On the Move newsletter describes the educational benefits of these ride-alongs with experienced snowplow operators. See page 8 of the newsletter.

Research Reports

Snow Rendering for Interactive Snowplow Simulation—Supporting Safety in Snowplow Design
Report CTS 11-04, February 2011
In this project, researchers developed a software architecture for rendering blowing snow in a real-time virtual environment. The simulated environment enhanced by the rendering of blowing snow can be used to test emergency lighting configurations that reduce rear-end collisions with snowplows. Researchers will use the project results to continue an examination of optimal color and lighting configurations on actual snowplows. Report.

Research in Progress

Best Practices and Guidelines for Protecting DOT Equipment from the Corrosive Effect of Chemical Deicers
Researchers are investigating best practices to minimize the effects of deicer corrosion on winter maintenance vehicles and equipment. Design improvements, maintenance practices, and the use of coatings and corrosion inhibitors are among the topics to be examined. Project deliverables include a cost/benefit analysis of select practices and products, implementation recommendations, and best practice guidelines validated by laboratory and field research. Sponsor: Alaska University Transportation Center. Abstract.

Development of an Operational Avalanche Forecasting Model for Highway 12 and 21
This research will produce a real-time avalanche forecasting model—Snow Slope Stability, or SNOSS—tuned specifically for Highways 12 and 21 in Idaho for remote consultation by forecasters. SNOSS is expected to improve process efficiency during difficult forecast periods, which can shorten closures and increase safety for workers and travelers. Sponsor: Idaho Transportation Department. Abstract.

Methods for Estimating the Benefits for Winter Maintenance and Operations (NCHRP 20-07/Task 300)
A researcher has been selected for this project that will focus on identifying methods for estimating the benefits of winter maintenance operations. Work is expected to begin in June 2011. Sponsor: TRB. Abstract.