Winter Maintenance Technical Peer Exchange: A Final Report

Gesford, Alan L.; Anderson, John · 2005 · ROSA P / Pennsylvania. Dept. of Transportation. Bureau of Maintenance and Operations

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Summary

This report documents the first national Winter Maintenance Technical Peer Exchange, hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from March 21–23, 2005. The exchange was motivated by the need to improve the dissemination and application of winter maintenance technologies among state and local governments. Pennsylvania, possessing one of the nation’s largest winter maintenance organizations, identified winter operations as critical to transportation mobility, economic stability, safety, and environmental protection. The primary goal was to enhance training, technical assistance, and knowledge resources while identifying technology development needs and improving critical methodologies and networks, such as Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) centers. The methodology involved an intensive two-and-a-half-day peer exchange with technical experts from across the United States, including representatives from FHWA, state Departments of Transportation, LTAP/T2 Centers, and the Salt Institute. Participants collaboratively developed the agenda prior to the event and engaged in structured discussions covering operations, materials, equipment, planning, and communications. The process emphasized knowledge sharing, networking, and the identification of actionable outcomes. Volunteers from the participant group drafted specific discussion items and action items, which were subsequently reviewed by the entire group to ensure consensus and accuracy. The exchange also incorporated input from peers unable to attend, ensuring a broad representation of national concerns. Key findings and recommendations are categorized into discussion items and action items. Discussion items highlighted the necessity for appropriate winter operations policies, diverse training options (including in-house trainers and LTAP resources), and the effective use of the Salt Institute’s website as a primary clearinghouse for winter maintenance information. The report emphasized that LTAP centers must play a stronger role in fostering resource sharing between state DOTs and local governments. It also addressed the misuse of abrasives, legal issues regarding tort liability and risk management, and strategies for implementing new technologies, stressing the importance of management commitment and employee involvement. Specific technical findings included the cost-effectiveness of fabric roof salt storage. Action items developed for immediate implementation included a comprehensive list of essential winter training topics and a categorized list of important winter maintenance technologies based on investment levels. Further recommendations included the creation of an electronic mailing list for trainers, a model winter operations plan for local governments, and driver education programs. The significance of this report lies in its provision of a structured framework for improving winter maintenance practices across the United States. By consolidating expert knowledge and identifying specific resources and technologies, the exchange aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of winter operations. The report serves as a guide for state and local agencies to develop robust training programs, adopt new technologies, and foster collaboration between different levels of government. It underscores the importance of proactive policy development, continuous training, and inter-agency cooperation to mitigate the impacts of winter weather on transportation systems.

Key finding

The peer exchange produced specific resources including a comprehensive winter training topic list, a catalog of important winter maintenance technologies, and recommendations for improving collaboration between state DOTs and local technical assistance centers.

Methodology

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Provenance

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• road surface friction