Update on the New AASHTO Guide for Sw and Ice Control

AASHTO is moving forward with the publication of the latest “Guide for Sw and Ice Control Operations.” This updated guide will replace the original manual published in 1999. The latest manual serves as the primary source of guidance on all aspects of sw and ice control and forms the basis of policies and plans for State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), cities, and counties. The guide covers topics including operations and strategies; levels of service; personnel; equipment; materials handling, storage, and application; emerging techlogies; road weather information; and safety. The guide uniquely combines traditional practices used in winter maintenance with emerging trends and real-world application for practitioners. The guide covers all aspects of sw and ice control in a manner that engineering managers and transportation agency leaders can digest and implement the topics into their local programs. Examples of specific topics include workforce recruitment and retention, the application of emerging techlogies, road condition monitoring and reporting, developing and monitoring strategic goals, application of liquid-only materials, environmental stewardship, and incorporating sw and ice control into the project development process.

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be better able to:

• Develop an understanding on how the new Guide is organized. The Guide contains technical information for before, during, and after winter storm events.
• Gain skill on applying the Guide’s content. The Guide has been designed and laid out to serve as a supplement to winter operations training for managers and staff. Helpful advice will be provided on how to best apply the information in the Guide to their winter operations.
• Explore how to best use available resources. The Guide has resources that can enhance communications with elected officials and the media. Attendees will be presented with recommendations on how to best approach the communication aspects of sw and ice control.