Winter Weather Response Guide

PDFTech ReportReport 0-6669-P1Project 0-6669WinterMaintenanceMaintenance practicesWinter maintenanceWeatherCold weatherWet weatherTexasTexas Transportation InstitutePerkins, Judy A.Carson, JodiMwakalong, JudithObeng-Boampong, KwakuJasek, DebbiePesti, GezaTexas Transportation InstituteTexas. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Construction and MaintenanceUS Transportation CollectionThe Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been given statutory authority for theplanning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the State Highway System. Withfew new highways being constructed, the operation and maintenance of existing facilities hasbecome more important. Increasing traffic volumes and higher public expectations challengeeffective highway operations and maintenance in Texas.A key highway maintenance responsibility is winter weather response. Under adverse weatherconditions\ue2\u20ac\u201dincluding rain and flooding, snow and ice, low visibility, hurricane, and highwinds\ue2\u20ac\u201dTxDOT maintenance personnel strive to balance traveler mobility and safety.Snow and ice control is performed as necessary to facilitate the safe, effective, and efficientmovement of people and goods in accordance with best management practices. What are bestmanagement practices for effective snow and ice control? Although many factors are involved,timing is critical. The time and effort required plowing or clearing roadways dramaticallyincreases once snow and ice bond to the roadway. TxDOT must prepare in advance and make atimely response to snow and ice event with trained personnel, fully functioning and wellmaintainedequipment, adequate supplies of sand, salt, or other materials, and methods forcommunicating with one another as well as the traveling public