Abstract
Total mechanization of maintenance is not just a dream - it can be achieved. Studies have shown that substantial savings in maintenance expenditures have been achieved by reducing the acreage moved and by better management of newer fleets. Striping costs can be reduced. Raised pavement markers and rubber snowplow blades should be considered. A great deal of work remains to be done in programming snow and ice control work operations and planning for winter maintenance. Maintenance engineers have been very slow in developing and using test equipment, and they may need to rethink their approach to the little-gathering operation if successful litter removal machines are to be developed.