InTrans / Dec 02, 2020

InTrans project featured as AASHTO High Value Research

An Institute for Transportation (InTrans) research project on snowplow route optimization earned recognition as a 2020 high-value research project by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Research Advisory Committee (RAC).

Each year, state departments of transportation (DOTs) submit research projects to the AASHTO RAC that are innovative, impact their agencies’ practices and policies, and benefit the traveling public. The projects are spotlighted in an annual compilation of research results as well as in various brochures. The full list of projects recognized in 2020 is available here.

The InTrans project Iowa DOT Office of Maintenance Snowplow Optimization, led by principal investigator Jing Dong, was recognized in the area of maintenance, management, and preservation. The work also will be presented at the 2021 Transportation Research Board (TRB) annual meeting in the “High Value Research Supplemental Projects” session.

The project looked at snowplow operations for the Iowa DOT’s District 3, located in northwest Iowa, which services about 4,000 lane miles from 20 depots, to solve two optimization problems that could ultimately expand to other districts and local agencies. Optimizing the current routes used by snowplows has the potential to result in significant cost savings, improved safety and mobility, and reduced environmental and societal impacts.

Additional information about the project is also available here.

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