Florida Develops a Resilience Index for State-Owned Roads and Railways December 12, 2023 - In response to the increased frequency and intensity of natural and human-made disasters in recent years, many states are making preparations now to mitigate any potential disruptions to the public transportation system.
To ensure its road and railway assets will be able to return to normal quickly after a hurricane or other disaster, the Florida Department of Transportation considered past and projected maintenance activities and other factors in its research effort to quantify and measure the vulnerability of its surface transportation system.
Nebraska Develops an Erosion-Resistant Gravel for Road Shoulders December 5, 2023 - As storms become more frequent and severe, roadways are subjected to increased precipitation that can lead to washouts and shoulder erosion.
To identify a gravel mix that’s more likely to stay in place along a road’s shoulders, the Nebraska Department of Transportation initiated a study that developed a new testing device and evaluated a variety of aggregates and binding agents.
Virginia Evaluates Strategies for Reducing Attenuator Crashes November 28, 2023 - Truck-mounted attenuators are designed to alert drivers to the presence of maintenance crews in highway work zones, and to shield crews in the event of a crash. In Virginia, the […]
Webinar to Discuss Revised FHWA Lighting Handbook November 21, 2023 - Earlier this year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published an updated Lighting Handbook for that offers guidance for enhancing nighttime visibility and maintenance activities that should be considered before and […]
FHWA Highlights Innovations from No Boundaries Members November 14, 2023 - The November/December 2023 issue of Innovator, the bimonthly newsletter of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), recognized the efforts of a number of No Boundaries member states.
California Evaluates Portable Snow Melter for Use in Maintenance Yards November 7, 2023 - Snow that accumulates in an agency’s maintenance yard can make it harder for vehicles to maneuver and reduces efficiency and productivity.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) typically removes snow from its maintenance facilities by loading it onto trucks and hauling it offsite, which can add up to significant time, labor and economic costs for the agency throughout a winter season.
Nebraska Evaluates Roadside Maintenance Practices for Maximum Biodiversity October 31, 2023 - Highway roadsides can offer valuable habitat for pollinators, but often lack the plant diversity required to attract a wide range of butterflies and insects.
To determine the seeding and mowing practices that effectively improve the health and variety of roadside plants, the Nebraska Department of Transportation implemented different treatments at sites in the southeast region of the state and monitored the results for two growing seasons.
Ideas and Insights Shared at No Boundaries’ Fall Peer Exchange October 24, 2023 - No Boundaries members convened in Suffolk, Virginia last week from October 17-19 for the group’s fall peer exchange. Hosted by Virginia DOT, members shared their latest innovations and best practices and participated in demonstrations of tools and equipment designed to get maintenance work done faster, better and cheaper.
Minnesota Develops Guidance for Maintaining Smart Warning Devices October 3, 2023 - As dynamic and intelligent warning devices become more common, the need for routine maintenance will become increasingly important.
To help the state's maintenance workers keep these different devices in good working order, the Minnesota Department of Transportation developed a reference guide that includes considerations for cleaning, testing and replacing various components.
FHWA Highlights Innovations From No Boundaries Members September 26, 2023 - The September/October 2023 issue of Innovator, the bimonthly newsletter of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), recognized the efforts of a number of No Boundaries member states.