Remote Sensing Can Help Minnesota Improve Maintenance Safety April 20, 2021 - Areas with tall grass can obscure hidden objects or even people, posing serious risk to maintenance crews. To reduce the risk, Minnesota DOT investigated remote sensing tools that could be used to identify dangers hidden from the naked eye.
The most promising tools offer a range of sensing capabilities, including infrared/thermal imaging, polarization filtering and radar. These are detailed based on applicability, availability, cost and more.
Read the research synthesis report: Remote Sensing in Maintenance Work, October 2020.
Image source: Minnesota DOT
Illinois Compiles Best Practices for Pothole Repair April 14, 2021 - To better understand how pavement repairs are addressed by transportation agencies across the country, Illinois DOT thoroughly examined available resources to identify the materials, equipment, and techniques commonly used.
The result is a compilation of current pothole repair practices for dozens of state transportation agencies, and the researchers' recommended steps for improving practices in Illinois.
Read the report: Current and Future Best Practices for Pothole Repair in Illinois, February 2021.
Ohio Assesses Influence of Roadside Tree Canopies April 6, 2021 - Properly maintained roadside trees improve air quality and beautify roadways. Whether trees' canopies adversely affects pavement condition or motorist safety, however, has not been well understood.
Comparing shaded and unshaded road segments, researchers working with Ohio DOT did not find significant differences in the condition of pavements or in driver behavior/performance. They concluded that roadside trees should not be removed routinely, but instead individual trees and specific cases should be addressed.
Iowa Improves Accuracy of Work Zone Data March 30, 2021 - Accurate construction and maintenance work zone data are essential for all kinds of transportation-related operations, such as traffic management, emergency response, and even post-project evaluation and analysis.
To improve the accuracy of Iowa DOT's data, researchers developed a work zone database that draws real-time information from a variety of sources and integrates it with the agency's existing systems.
Read the report: Developing a Research-Grade Iowa Work Zone Database Final Report, December 2020.
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