ITD adds winter maintenance responses to dashboard

In its commitment to efficiency and transparency, ITD recently added another measure to its dashboard that shows graphically the department’s progress in meeting key performance targets.

The new dashboard element tracks the percent of time highways are clear of snow and ice during winter storms. It is based on a new storm index and winter maintenance standards that incorporate data from Idaho’s RWIS and weather monitoring sites.

Maintenance crews use the information to determine the most appropriate methods of responding to winter storms. They use empirical data to decide when or if plowing is needed and when and how much de-icer to apply. Post-storm analysis enables foremen and equipment operators to evaluate their response using measurable standards.

The new storm response procedure was introduced in District 5 and has become a statewide standard. It has captured international attention and generated inquiries from 14 states, three Canadian provinces and five countries: Belgium, Sweden, Japan and Andorra, along with Canada.

It was one of three finalists in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) national competition for Best New Innovative Practices this year.

Two versions of the new dashboard are available. An internal dashboard site enables maintenance workers to review their winter storm performance and compare it with other operators in their district and with other districts. A “scorecard” shows performances by each of ITD’s six districts and individual segments of every highway, identified by maintenance worker.

An external version of the dashboard provides less route-specific detail but still gives the general public a snapshot of the effectiveness of ITD’s winter maintenance activities.

The new dashboard joins nine other measures that reflect ITD’s overall efficiency from processing driver’s licenses, vehicle titles and registrations, to traffic fatalities, pavement and bridge conditions and contract awards.

ITD dashboards:

  • Percent of Time Highways Clear of Snow/Ice During Winter Storms
  • Five Year Fatality Rate
  • Percent of Pavement in Good or Fair Condition
  • Percent of Bridges in Good Condition
  • Percent of Highway Projects Developed on Time
  • Final Construction Cost as a Percent of Contract Award
  • Construction Cost at Award as a Percent of Budget
  • Administration and Planning Expenditures as a Percent of Total Expenditures
  • Days to Process Vehicle Titles
  • DMV Transactions Processed on the Internet (in thousands)

 

Published 7-26-13