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Florida DOT assessed the 2,700-plus trees planted as part of a highway beautification initiative over a five-year period; the agency calculated a 98.5% survival rate of these trees.

Hoping to help others establish healthy plantings, Florida DOT compiled its findings and practices into a landscaping and maintenance guide.

Read the report: Clear Recovery Zone Vegetation Requirements, and Review of Current Tree Pruning and Maintenance Practices for Landscape, Urban, and Rural Areas within the Right of Way, May 2020.

Image source: Florida DOT

Improving its own specifications and measurement procedures for asphalt tack coats, Oregon DOT improved upon three tests: tack coat quality, application rate accuracy and uniformity and surface cleanliness.

Use of these tests will help ensure strength between asphalt pavement layers in new construction and rehabilitation projects alike, extending the structural design life of Oregon’s roads.

Read the report: Implementation of ODOT Tack Coat Technologies and Procedures to Improve Long-Term Pavement Performance, February 2020.

Image source: Oregon DOT

To combat an increase in work zone crashes, Illinois DOT set out to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of collected data, annual trend calculations, and derived crash modification factors.

With more reliable data and refined models, the state is better positioned to prevent future work zone crashes and harm to construction and maintenance crews.

Read the report: Work Zone Safety Performance on Illinois State Routes, January 2020.

Image source: Michigan DOT

Enjoy a free, hour-long virtual field trip through Washington’s Olympic Region on February 17, 2021 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern to learn how the state’s maintenance teams tackle a variety of challenges related to terrain and weather.

From heavy rains and mudslides to fog and snow, this mountainous highway corridor spans more than 1,000 miles and provides ample opportunity for transportation-related innovations. Ray Willard, State Roadside Asset Manager (pictured), will highlight the technologies and systems his crews use to keep the routes safe for all users.

Register to attend or to receive a link to watch the recorded presentation at a later time.

Image source: Washington State DOT

Compost blankets promote effective slope stabilization when they’re applied correctly on well-prepared roadside sites.

Massachusetts DOT has developed a series of recommendations that crews can follow to increase the likelihood that compost blankets will help establish vegetation for erosion control.

Read the report: Compost Blankets for Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment, April 2020.

Image source: Massachusetts DOT