Recommended Citation
Iyer, A. V., Dunlop, S. R., Senicheva, O., Thakkar, D. J., Yan, R., Subramanian, K., Vasu, S., Siddharthan, G., Vasandani, J., & Saurabh, S. (2021). Improve and gain efficiency in winter operations (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2021/11). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317312
DOI
10.5703/1288284317312
Abstract
This report analyzes the current service level of winter operations in Indiana and explores opportunities to optimize performance. We analyze data regarding winter operations managed by INDOT and provide specific quantified estimates of opportunities to improve efficiency while also managing costs. For our exploration, we use data provided by INDOT sources, qualitative insights from interviews with INDOT personnel, literature survey data and benchmarking information, salt and supplier data analysis, and simulation. As part of our research, we developed a simulation model to visually represent the impact of alternate management of trucks for snow removal and a dashboard to understand the impact.
Our analysis suggests the following: (1) opportunities exist to coordinate salt delivery by suppliers and combine local city salt purchases with INDOT’s purchases to save costs, (2) adjusting routes will reduce deadhead, (3) understanding truck maintenance and truck locations improves performance, and (4) incorporating critical locations into snow route planning will meet service thresholds. These insights provide implementable recommendation initiatives to improve winter operations performance.
The simulation tool developed in this project simulates various weather events to draw insights and determine appropriate resource allocations and opportunities for improving operational efficiency. The report thus provides a quantifiable approach to winter operations that can improve the overall service level and efficiency of the process.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2021/11
Keywords
winter operations optimization, fleet analysis, resource allocation analysis, route optimization, improved level of service, maintenance cost analysis, cost optimization
SPR Number
4404
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, IN
Date of this Version
2021
Critical_Locations.xlsx (192 kB)
Exploratory Data_Analysis.xlsx (3051 kB)
Overall Fleet_Data.xlsx (160 kB)
Simulation_Results and Analysis.xlsx (377 kB)
Road Salt_Analysis.xlsx (178 kB)
Maintenance Analysis.twbx (561 kB)
Winter Operations.twbx (51 kB)