David Reeves | CDOT

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Presentation Description

This presentation describes research projects that CDOT has completed over the last decade by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to winter maintenance that could minimize the environmental impact. The management of winter maintenance activities, also taking into consideration financial impacts. Winter maintenance on Colorado highways is a critical to ensure safe and efficient transportation. This presentation will report key findings and provide insights and strategies for mitigating environmental impacts. The research falls into three areas: anti-icing treatments, technology advancements, and avalanche detection and control.

Traditional roadway treatment methods such as sodium chloride (road salt) application can have detrimental effects on soil, water quality, and vegetation along highways. Consequently, CDOT has explored alternatives such as magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, and organic-based deicers (brine), which can have lower environmental impacts while maintaining effectiveness in icy conditions and bringing our highways back to a clear state that is safe for the traveling public.

Advancements in technology have also played a significant role in improving CDOT’s winter maintenance practices, including route optimization and avalanche detection. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS), including road weather information systems (RWIS) and automated vehicle location (AVL) systems, enable more precise and timely application of deicing agents, reducing overuse, and minimize environmental contamination. This data-driven approach enables CDOT to make informed decisions and adjust practices accordingly. Technology for remote avalanche mitigation and detection has also allowed for better winter maintenance.

This presentation underscores the value of ongoing research and innovation to improve winter maintenance on Colorado highways. By leveraging scientific findings and reduce its environmental impact. Through research, transportation agencies can develop and implement strategies that prioritize safety and economy while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Speaker Biography

David has been managing research projects at CDOT since 2009 in the fields related to Traffic & Safety, Maintenance & Operations along with transportation policy topics. He is a Civil Engineer from University of Waterloo (Ontario Canada) and also has a GIS degree from the BCIT in Vancouver Canada. He moved to the USA in 2000 for what he thought would be for a couple of years - well 24 years later , 2 kids, a dog and a cat, a mortgage, two kids in college, a wife and her parents and he's still here!

David is directly responsible for running traffic, safety, maintenance & operations (TSM&O) Engineering Research Program for a typical annual budget of over $1 Million. Generally, this consisted of 6-10 new research projects every year in this popular area of research and has managed 58 projects to completion and more on the way! David also runs many pooled funded projects through FHWA. David also leads the CO LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program) with Front Range Community College which provides technical training and assistance to local public agencies in Colorado.

Before running research, David worked as a GIS analyst at CDOT since 2003 and is used to working with large datasets and teaching end users how to use GIS but also how to use their computers and really anything technical that comes up.

Co-presenters

Michael Chapman
CDOT

Tyler Weldon
CDOT

Presentation File