Citation

Pinet M. APWA Reporter 2007; 74(10): 55-57.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this article, the author focuses on the importance of understanding the economics of winter-focused safety investments. He relates that in addition to evaluating advanced winter maintenance approaches and technologies in terms of the potential improvements in maintenance efficiency, productivity and environmental impact reductions, the benefits toward facilitating safe travel during adverse winter conditions need to also be evaluated. The author discusses performance measures for winter road maintenance, noting that the most commonly used performance measure is the "minimum maintenance standard" that has been adopted by the road authorities. The author contends that improvement of safety during adverse winter conditions should also be treated as a performance measure. Suitable countermeasures for adverse winter conditions are described, such as road weather information systems (RWIS), en-route and pre-trip traveler information systems, and dynamic real-time physical improvements to road conditions. A systematic approach for identifying high-risk locations and selecting the appropriate countermeasures is critical to the success of any winter maintenance program.