Original Scope: The purpose of the Winter Maintenance Scanning Tour was to seek out and observe the progress that state and local highway agencies are making in advancing today’s technology in the area of winter roadway maintenance. The scan was tailored after three previous scanning tours in European and Asian countries in 1994 and 2002. Much of what was learned from these earlier international scans became a new benchmark to several U.S. counterparts, inspiring them to pursue similar advances.
This scan examined operating methods, equipment, and materials that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of snow and ice control operations, considering local government, as well as state DOT experience. Members reviewed many different aspects of snow and ice control and removal methods and procedures by DOTs from five selected states: Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, Indiana, and Virginia. Topics included: different uses of technology in snow removal activities; avalanche control methods and procedures; different pre-wetting and de-icing methods for bridges and traveled ways; and chain control procedures for safe installation and removal of chains and safe movement of traffic through chain control areas.
Tracing Scan Impacts
Scan Members
(Pictured L to R)
- Steven M. Lund, Minnesota DOT
- Benjamin B. McKeever, U.S. DOT, Scan Co-Chair
- William H. Hoffman, Nevada DOT, Scan Co-Chair
- David J. Ray, Ohio DOT
- Michael D. Schwartz, Virginia DOT
- Terry J. Nye, Pennsylvania DOT
- Rodney A. Pletan, consultant, Subject Matter Expert
Sites Visited
State transportation agencies in:
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Utah
- Indiana
- Virginia
Local transportation agencies in:
- City of Denver
- City of Fort Collins
- City of Grand Junction
- E-470 Public Highway Authority (PHA) (toll highway)
- Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels Hanging Lake Tunnel Operations Centers
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