One of the most useful points of reference available to winter maintenance managers and others charged with decision-making are the costs, benefits, and effectiveness associated with winter maintenance of practices, equipment, and operations. However, a significant level of effort may be required to track down this information, and access to published reports and papers is not always guaranteed. This paper brings recent research results into one document to assist practitioners in understanding the current state of the practice related to specific items. The information presented here specifically focuses on the top ten winter maintenance practices, equipment and procedures as identified by practitioners, including anti-icing,deicing, front and underbody blades, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)/Global Positioning System (GPS), pavement temperature sensors, Road Weather Information System (RWIS), Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), carbide blades, air temperature sensors; and zero velocity spreaders. A review of the literature pertaining to these items indicated that, depending onthe item of interest, significant data gaps may exist. This was less true for items such as RWIS, but more true of items such as temperature sensors and material placement systems. Overall, quantified costs and benefitsrelated to many items are still needed. In addition, further investigation is necessary to quantify the dollar values of costs and benefits associated with many items considered intangible at present. The determination of such information would assist in the conduct of cost-benefit studies and decision-making.
Abstract