Louisiana Explores Machine Learning to Detect Pavement Cracks March 23, 2021 - After studying and classifying more than 2,500 images depicting concrete surface cracking, researchers working with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development applied complex mathematical formulas to create an improved digital modeling method to identify pavement cracks.
Together with visual imagery collected with drone or through other means, this could potentially change how roadway maintenance projects are identified and lead to improvements in the speed and accuracy of pavement crack detection.
No Boundaries Hosts First Virtual Peer Exchange March 19, 2021 - No Boundaries' first virtual peer exchange of 2021 was a resounding success, bringing together pooled fund members, their agency colleagues, and guests to learn about and discuss timely issues in the field of transportation maintenance.
Illinois Discovers Treatment Alternatives for Polluted Roadside Soils March 9, 2021 - Seeking to reduce polluted and contaminated roadside soils, Illinois DOT worked to develop effective on-site treatment options.
The remediation suggestions that resulted from this project are environmentally friendly and cost-conscious, and aim to minimize construction delays.
Read the report: Summary of Illinois Regulations and Review of Treatment Alternatives for Contaminated Soils in Right-of-Ways, September 2020.
Image source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Florida Shares Guidance for Planting and Caring for Roadside Trees March 2, 2021 - 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
Oregon Develops Tests for Improved Tack Coat Adhesion and Performance February 23, 2021 - 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
Improved Data Help Illinois Reduce Work Zone Crashes February 16, 2021 - 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
Webinar Addresses Road Maintenance Challenges in Washington State February 12, 2021 - 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.
No Boundaries’ First Virtual Peer Exchange Begins This Month February 10, 2021 - Share ideas and learn from other agency members at No Boundaries' first virtual peer exchange of 2021!
Offering two-hour sessions over two days (Thursday, February 18, and Tuesday, March 2), the event provides opportunities for discussion and discovery on a variety of timely issues in the field of transportation maintenance.
Members can participate in all or part of the event, and are encouraged to invite their agency colleagues to attend as well!
Compost Blankets Help Reduce Erosion on Slopes in Massachusetts February 2, 2021 - 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
Missouri Compiles 20-Year Database of Concrete Overlay Projects January 26, 2021 - To improve its concrete overlay process, Missouri DOT documented and evaluated more than 40 bonded and unbonded overlay projects completed throughout the state over the last 20 years.
The result is a comprehensive database of important design, construction, and performance data from 1999 to 2019, which can be used to identify trends and factors that contribute to successful projects.
Read the report: Evaluating Performance of Concrete Overlays for Pavement Rehabilitation, November 2020.