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Embarking on the renovation or reconstruction of a new public works garage requires the integration of many planning factors that most public works professionals do not typically encounter. Determining what functions should be incorporated, calculating their sizing, arranging the layout, and specifying major equipment needs should be based on best industry practices. This session provides public works professionals with a robust methodology for rationalizing and justifying the design criteria for their garage projects, allowing them to move forward with a compelling rationale for budget approval. Created by both a fleet manager and an industry-experienced architect, this seminar will focus on seven design principles: robust definition of your building program, workflow efficiency, staff productivity, asset control and security, supervision and communications, building performance and sustainability, and integration of future trends.
Read MoreThis session will provide attendees information about the Water Resources Management Committee, provide an opportunity to select water resources topics for discussion, and foster discussion among attendees.
Read MoreThe City of Carlsbad has developed the Automation, Compliance, Tracking, Inspection and Owner Notification (ACTION) System, a comprehensive post-construction best management practice (BMP) data management platform. The ACTION System creates a “big picture” perspective of post-construction BMP compliance using cross-site analytics that allows staff to prioritize sites, schedule inspections, and monitor compliance throughout the City’s network of structures. The system configures geographic information system (GIS) applications into new data scripts, integrates backend data, and packages it into a single user endpoint. This combination has resulted in a completely digital and cohesive data management platform. The ACTION System provides a comprehensive way to virtualize the program as an integrated network. The public exchange of compliance information using the ACTION System has created a measurable shift in norms, processes, and relationships.
Read MoreThe National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System, released November 2019, is the product of a multi-stakeholder collaborative effort that began on November 15, 2018. Recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was firmly supported by EPA, now presents an opportunity for EPA to offer competitive funding grants to Public Works agencies in support of the framework.
Read MoreLevels of Service (LOS) is a component of asset management planning that is significant and has a great deal of impact. Municipalities' core purpose is to provide public services to the…
Read MoreThe supply chain crisis has compelled fleet managers across the country to get creative to solve certain problems that they may have taken for granted in the past. The nationwide…
Read MoreAdverse weather events can significantly affect vehicle and driver behavior. With the advent of automated vehicles (AVs), the Federal Highway Administration Road Weather Management Program has begun research and testing to identify how vehicles and drivers will detect and react to adverse weather and road weather conditions. AVs have sensors and perception systems to detect objects and events in their vicinity. Using this information, they control the steering or speed, or both, to move the vehicle along its selected path. Their ability to properly perceive the situation and execute a maneuver can be affected by atmospheric conditions and road weather. Several tests were developed and conducted with the intent to challenge perception systems across a variety of simulated adverse winter weather conditions in a controlled outdoor laboratory setting in traffic settings. The presentation will describe the tests and results that were obtained during the testing in Winter 2021 along with some videos.
Read MoreRegular reviews of the Winter Maintenance Policy can be time-consuming but very essential to keep it valid for the changing needs of the community. The City of Regina, Saskatchewan, adopted a consultative approach with the community and other stakeholders while completing a review of their Winter Maintenance Policy. The updated policy tries to satisfy the winter maintenance related demands and changing priorities of the community as well as aligns with their corporate vision and strategic goals to promote active, sustainable, and community-friendly transportation year-round.
Read MoreThe Village of Niles maintains geographic information system (GIS) maps of their infrastructure for sewer, water, data, and street lighting. Using GIS maps, the Village self-performs all locate requests. Inaccurate maps are a liability. After a project is built, features are selectively surveyed, field measured and used in combination with a plan mark-up to enter into GIS. This process means the GIS database may not be updated for months after construction. This time gap creates a significant risk for damage. Recently, the Village constructed a 17-mile street lighting and fiber optic infrastructure improvement. Public works (PW) worked with the contractor to use a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver to geolocate the system as it was installed. The benefits include reduced liability from incorrect locate marks, cost-effective survey-grade data, and reduced risk for service outages. PW also worked with the GIS department to have real-time data available to the entire project team.
Read MoreThe Cedars East Storm Drainage Improvement project consists of a 300+ acre watershed located in southeast Charlotte, North Carolina, near Idlewild Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) identified this area for study and improvements to the storm drainage infrastructure due to failing infrastructure and residential structure flooding reports. CMSWS partnered with STV Engineers, Inc. to complete the planning study, design, public outreach, utility coordination, and construction administration services. Drainage improvements within the project area include reinforced concrete box culverts ranging in size from dual 8-foot by 4-foot to 12-foot by 8-foot totaling more than 1,300 feet in length and natural stream enhancement techniques. Due to the space constraints, an extensive shoring plan was developed to protect existing infrastructure. The design reduced impacts to vital existing utilities to reduce relocation costs and disruption of services to the residents in the neighborhood.
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