There are a variety of issues that should be considered before an agency replaces its existing fleet of diesel-fueled winter maintenance vehicles and equipment with versions that run on electric vehicle technologies (EVT) or alternative fuels. To help agencies understand the available technologies and related operational considerations of transitioning their fleet, a new Clear Roads … Read more
At its 2023 spring meeting, the Clear Roads Technical Advisory Committee reviewed new research proposals and selected projects to fund. This year, the committee selected eight projects: Development of a Public Service Announcement Library Quantifying the Economic Value of Snow and Ice Operational Success Update to CR 14-02: Quantifying the Impact that New Capital Projects … Read more
A variety of factors can affect a snowplow blade’s long-term performance, making it difficult for an agency to determine which blades are the most cost-effective overall. By developing a field test protocol and cost-benefit analysis methodology, the new research will make it easier for Clear Roads agencies to evaluate and compare blades in the future … Read more
Interested in sharing your knowledge, experience, and vision for the future? Organizers of the 2024 North American Snow Conference are looking for public works professionals with new perspectives, solid best practices or innovative twists to winter maintenance, workforce development, and operations. The 2024 conference will feature presentations on the following aspects of winter operations: information … Read more
AASHTO’s SICOP Talks Winter Ops podcast addresses a variety of cutting-edge topics in recent episodes: Alternative Fuels for Winter Maintenance – Part 1 (Episode 70): A recently completed Clear Roads synthesis project, 21-05: Evaluation of EVT and Alternative Fuels for Winter Operations provided a comprehensive review of fuel alternatives for maintenance fleets. Project champion Justin Droste … Read more
Clear Roads has prepared a listing of technical sessions and posters related to winter maintenance that were presented at the 2023 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. The list includes nearly two dozen papers and posters, with links to presentation materials. The sessions covered a wide range of winter maintenance topics, including materials, equipment, technology and … Read more
Clear Roads has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new research project: pH Waiver for Deicing Products and the Qualified Products List MnDOT requests responses for a Clear Roads project that will develop guidance to help determine the appropriate pH range for deicing products included on the Clear Roads Qualified Products List (QPL), … Read more
AASHTO’s SICOP Talks Winter Ops podcast tackles a variety of topics in recent episodes: Potholes and other leftovers from winter storms (Episode 67): Greg Duncan from Tennessee DOT shares his experiences with potholes and other roadside issues caused by winter weather. February 2023. Podcast. Implementing Snow and Ice Control Performance Measures (Episode 66): Caleb Dobbins, SICOP … Read more
A recent Clear Roads synthesis project surveyed state DOTs with winter maintenance programs about their best practices for avoiding corrosion of electrical connectors. Common agency practices for reducing corrosion include installing a waterproof or weatherproof connector, using dielectric silicone and dielectric grease for sealing connections, and applying a heat shrink tubing to cover the crimped … Read more
Using Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies throughout the year can help justify the expenses of purchasing and installing them in maintenance vehicles and training staff to use them. Many AVL/GPS systems have applications that extend beyond winter maintenance practices, increasing the benefits and value of these technologies. This Clear Roads … Read more