RESEARCH NEEDS/ IDEAS FOCUSED ON TRAFFIC OPERATIONS & ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE
Suggested by the Traffic Operations and Roadside Maintenance Technical Advisory Group (TAG); the Contact is TAG Leader Aaron Weatherholt (e-mail Aaron.Weatherholt@illinois.gov)
The snow-related suggestions below would be an expansion of the Statewide Snow and Ice Committee's ongoing research to improve our snow and ice operations. By having a standardized testing and evaluation procedures, IDOT would have statistical data and documentation available to make informed decisions rather than basing decisions on personal perceptions. The items below will help the committee develop a structured evaluation process to help in their assigned task.
Evaluation of Snowplow Blades
To study and recommend the most cost effective, and best performing blades to be used in snow and ice removal. Examples of comparison would be the following:
• General steel blades
• Carbide blades - bullet carbide inserts
• JOMA carbide segmented blades
• Kueper blades
Ag Based Chemicals Used for Snow and Ice Operations
• Effectiveness of beet juice and any soy or corn based by-products in the manufacturing process.
• Effectiveness of a salt brine waste product.
Snowplow Evaluation
Compare and evaluate
• Standard IDOT 41" reversible 11' and 12' plows
• Alaska snowplow
• One-way plows
• Expressway plows
• Underbody scrapers
• Lower moldboard 11' and 12' reversible plows - 36" moldboard
Routing and Crack Sealing
Evaluate the cost benefit of routing and crack sealing of HMA pavements.