Cui, Na

The purpose of this manual is to present best practices and techniques for snow plowing various intersection layouts in a format that is easy to use and access. While it is understood that different agencies have different vehicles and equipment and their experience of clearing certain type of layout varies, this compilation represents the best practices as determined from a nationwide survey with responses and inputs from a wide group of state agencies, municipal public works, federal agency, tribal and territorial agencies, and metropolitan airport agency. Accompanying with the manual, a training video with animations and a set of reference cards were also developed. Using the snapshots of training video animations, the manual will show the key vehicle maneuver and plowing pattern of the best practice for clearing various layouts

A manual on environmental best management practices used for snow and ice control was developed using information gain from a literature review, survey, and follow-up interviews. The document presents information on commonly used snow and ice control products and their potential impacts, and pathways into the environment. Following this information is presented on many aspects of snow and ice control operations from material handling and storage, application techniques and equipment, advanced technology for decision making, environmental management tools, pre-storm to mid-storm practices, post storm clean-up, and training. The manual summarizes common areas for improvement in snow and ice control practices to realize material and cost saving, while reducing impacts to the environment.

A refined return on investment (ROI) methodology is explored to supplement existing benefit-cost analysis (BCA) tools; data; and methodologies available to evaluate MnPASS managed lane projects. This would also facilitate more consistent and standardized measures for MnPASS system assessment and comparison. In this study; researchers investigated a more comprehensive set of factors; variables; and perspectives to include within the refined ROI analysis framework based on the limitations summarized in the current MnPASS BCA methodology; the major concerns identified from agency staff interviews; and available data resources. The selected cost components included initial capital costs; annual operating and maintenance costs; remaining capital value; and the potential benefit components consisted of travel time savings; vehicle operating cost savings; safety benefits; travel time reliability; transit benefit; induced traffic; emergency response; emissions impacts; and noise impacts. Tractable calculation methods were further explored for each cost and benefit measurement in order to facilitate use of the economic analysis tool. To verify the performance of the proposed methodology; the research team conducted a comparative demonstration; which produced a higher benefit-cost ratio than previous work. Furthermore; the contributions from additional benefit considerations highlighted the importance of integrating a wider range of project impact categories in the MnPASS ROI analyses.