Citation

Hanneman R. APWA Reporter 2002; 69(10): 20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As part of a broad effort to make the transportation infrastructure both useful year-round and last well into the future, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) reports on winter maintenance are looking at how chloride de-icers affect pavements and bridges. The first results of that work have led to methods to "salt- proof" many structures. Intelligent transportation systems such as in-pavement sensors offer another kind of opportunity by optimizing the winter maintenance actions and reducing unnecessary or excess use of salt. They can also speed maintenance actions and ensure they are tailored to the conditions of each winter event. Studies show that appropriate and timely treatments contribute significantly to road safety. The savings from injuries and accidents that otherwise would have occurred without salting and plowing produce returns of some $6.50 for every dollar in winter maintenance, according to the Salt Institute. By being able to incorporate traffic conditions into winter maintenance calculations, the new intelligent winter maintenance programs will be able to be even more effective. And intelligent, just-in-time procurement of materials and scheduling of tasks will make winter maintenance programs more cost-effective than ever.