OPERATING SPEEDS OF SNOW-AND-ICE CONTROL VEHICLES

The Highway Maintenance Division of the New York State Department of Transportation uses a staffing model to distribute snowplows throughout the state. One of the input parameters - snowplow operating speed - was investigated to determine the effect of drivers, terrain, storm severity, operating task, and highway class. Delay and shutoff times were quantified, but not investigated for cause. None of the variables studied had a significant influence on snowplow operating speed; however, delay and shutoff times represented a significant portion of total time charged to snow-and-ice control work. Average operating speed was found to be 22.3 mph. The overall average speed, including delays and shutoff times, was found to be 14.6 mph. The accomplishment rate, which measures miles of serviced road per hour of crew time, is used to compare work efficiency from one area to another.

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  Engineering Research and Development Bureau, 1220 Washington Avenue
  Albany, NY  United States  12232
• Authors:
  • McDonald, J M
  • Anania, G L
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Control; Highways; Ice; Maintenance; Maintenance equipment; Snow and ice control; Snowplows; Speed control
• Old TRIS Terms: Highway systems
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389617
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res. Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM