No Boundaries

Transportation Maintenance Innovation

Katie Johnson

No Boundaries Synthesis Explores Virtual Reality Options for Maintenance Training

Keeping an agency’s maintenance staff up-to-date on skills, procedures and policies is critical. Virtual reality (VR) technologies – including driving simulators, headsets and desktop computer applications – offer a range of options to ensure staff members have the skills and knowledge they need to safely and effectively operate heavy equipment or conduct maintenance tasks in the field.

The recently published report, No Boundaries Synthesis: Maintenance Training with Virtual Reality Technologies, details specific states’ experiences and interest in VR technologies for maintenance training, including the benefits and challenges. Four case studies provide additional detail of selected states’ experiences using these advanced training tools, with “points of practice” summarizing strategies or findings of particular interest.

Find this and other No Boundaries publications on the Publications and Presentations page.

Image source: No Boundaries

No Boundaries’ Activities and Achievements Highlighted at National Showcase

Last week, AASHTO’s Winter Weather Management Technical Services Program, Maintenance Committee and Maintenance Operations Technical Working Group held a virtual showcase to spotlight the various organizations dedicated to all aspects of winter and year-round maintenance. In all, 14 groups shared highlights of their activities over the past year during this session.

On behalf of No Boundaries, Jim Fox of Colorado DOT provided an overview of No Boundaries and its recent activities and accomplishments, including its online innovation database, recent peer exchange, and other opportunities members have to share maintenance innovations, strategies and best practices.

Watch the recording and download the presentation slides.

Image source: AASHTO Winter Weather Management Technical Services Program

No Boundaries Featured on Premiere Episode of New FHWA Podcast

On August 1, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) unveiled an all-new podcast devoted to research and technology activities. On the very first episode of R&T Now: Interchanges, FHWA Chief Scientist Craig Thor and FHWA Transportation Pooled Fund Program Manager Tricia Sergesondiscussed the benefits of pooled fund participation. During the episode, Sergeson praised No Boundaries for bringing members together to maximize the transfer of different technologies.

“One example is the No Boundaries Pooled Fund study, which holds biannual peer exchanges to discuss current maintenance challenges and explore innovative maintenance and operations practices,” Sergeson said. “These peer exchanges provide the opportunity to see technology and innovation practices first-hand and ask questions directly to the subject matter experts.”

No Boundaries’ new solicitation has just been posted! Learn more about our work and listen to FHWA’s newest podcast episode: Driving Change Together – the Impact of the Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program.

Image source: No Boundaries

No Boundaries’ New Solicitation Just Posted

With its current phase coming to an end, the No Boundaries Transportation Maintenance Innovations pooled fund just released a new solicitation for members to join its next phase to begin in 2025.

The No Boundaries pooled fund is a community of practice dedicated to identifying and sharing innovations that help states save time and money on all aspects of their maintenance-related activities. The group promotes adaptation, implementation and broader use of successful tools, technologies and practices, and facilitates opportunities that encourage collaboration.

This new fourth phase will build upon No Boundaries’ previous work to support successful tech transfer. The group hosts two in-person peer exchange each year where member representatives can meet and discuss their challenges and innovative maintenance solutions. No Boundaries also supports a variety of additional opportunities for learning and exchanging knowledge, and maintains a searchable online database where maintenance innovations can be found and showcased by transportation agencies at all levels of government. 

A three-year commitment of $13,000 per year is encouraged, and single-year commitments are welcomed as well.  

Learn more at maintainroads.org.

New Jersey Identifies Innovations for Repairing Potholes in Asphalt Pavements

Pothole repair is a critical and often-performed highway maintenance activity, requiring a significant investment in time and resources.

To identify ways to help repairs last longer, the New Jersey Department of Transportation launched a research project to evaluate innovative tools, technologies and materials for repairing potholes that form in asphalt pavements.

The American Association of State Highway Officials honored this project with a 2024 High Value Research Award in the supplemental category of Maintenance, Management and Preservation.

Read the report: Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques – Volume 1: Asphalt Pavement – Volume 1: Asphalt Pavement, January 2024.

Image source: New Jersey Department of Transportation

Illinois Identifies Early Warning Devices for Low-Clearance Structures

Bridge and tunnel strikes are serious hazards. When an oversized vehicle exceeds a structure’s vertical clearance, the impact can jeopardize public safety and cause significant property damage.

To mitigate the potential risks, the Illinois Department of Transportation launched a research study to identify the different technologies available for detecting vehicle height and issuing early warnings, as well as the costs and benefits of each option.                                                                                                                                      

Read the report: Review of Low-Clearance Early Warning Device Options for Illinois, July 2024.

Image source: Federal Highway Administration