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Sinkholes: Do You Know the Signs of These Hidden Hazards?

Sinkholes pose significant risks to roads and the motorists who use them. Yet the first signs of trouble are subtle and can go unnoticed until serious damage occurs.

With PILLAR’s proven expertise at your side, you’ll have data and solutions at your fingertips that will transform the way your team manages sinkholes.

Common Warning Signs of Sinkholes

When sinkholes begin to form, the telltale signs are subtle but consistent. These include:

  • Circular or arced cracks in pavement or soil: Small circular or arced fissures that gradually widen, fault, or appear suddenly can indicate instability in the ground below.
  • Dips and depressions: Unexpected depressions in the ground or pavement, especially those that appear overnight, also warn of a potential sinkhole forming below.

With PILLAR’s sinkhole maintenance, you’ll be able to identify the start of a sinkhole quickly, saving you the time and money needed to battle a larger issue later.

Causes of Sinkholes

Sinkholes form as the results of both natural and human factors, and identifying the underlying cause is key to maintenance and prevention.

Natural triggers include underground water sources or repeated heavy rains that seep into the ground carrying away soil particles creating voids. Over time through repeated stresses, these voids increase underneath the surrounding soil and eventually cause the top layers to fall inward or sink. 

Sinkholes also can result from human causes such as leaking water, sewer, and stormwater pipes or poorly designed or maintained drainage systems that lead to similar erosion and soil instability.

Feel Prepared to Act in the Face of a Sinkhole Incident with PILLAR

To effectively manage sinkholes, you must know the condition of your drainage systems and pavement. The best way to do this is through a reliable collection and assessment system.

PILLAR has the expertise and experience to efficiently gather the needed data and respond to a sinkhole according to your DOT’s unique needs. Our approach can identify and make repair recommendations to correct any drainage issues, and ultimately remediate sinkhole-prone areas. If a sinkhole does occur, you’ll have PILLAR on your side to leverage data and make an action plan for a quick response.

Partner with PILLAR for Comprehensive Sinkhole Solutions

DOTs trust PILLAR for their transportation asset management because we offer a complete package that’s data-driven and cost effective. With PILLAR, you’ll always have efficient solutions at the ready. From start to finish, we keep you and your roadways on solid ground, detecting sinkholes when they start to form and offering rapid response to sinkhole incidents.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

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Respond Don’t React During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season brings significant threats, from powerful winds to devastating floods, as well as risks to both lives and property.

For transportation asset managers, your best defense is a proactive response plan that anticipates potential damage and puts protective measures and resources in place before you need them. 

PILLAR stands out in disaster preparedness efforts with its comprehensive collection and assessment services, ensuring you’re ready for the storm whenever it arrives.

Take a Proactive Approach to Disaster Preparedness

Highway slopes and signage are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes. 

Signage can be torn down or damaged by high winds and heavy rains, impacting navigation and safety for the traveling public. Knowing the precise location and condition of these assets prior to a hurricane allows for an efficient after-storm inventory to identify what needs to be replaced. 

Slopes are prone to erosion and landslides under the force of heavy rainfall, adding new hazards for travel. These slides can be deadly which is why stabilization is priority No. 1 and why having an experienced partner matters. PILLAR worked with a DOT to implement slide prevention by identifying over 15,000 square yards of slopes to be stabilized. 

In both cases, data is critical. With data you can prioritize repair and replacement efforts, reduce downtime and restore normal travel faster and efficiently, as well as document repairs for reimbursement purposes. 

Know the location of your assets

When a hurricane is approaching, you don’t want to be guessing. PILLAR provides its partners with robust data and resources through our proven CAPE approach: collection, assessment, planning, and execution. Our imagery scanning technology powers data collection at highway speeds to give you an unrivaled understanding of your assets at street level.

PILLAR’s collection services ensure thorough asset documentation which facilitates efficient recovery post-disaster. Our commitment to knowing the location of assets means that when a hurricane strikes, you can swiftly identify what needs attention, streamlining the restoration process.

Know the condition of your assets

PILLAR’s assessment services, particularly our Automated Feature Extraction System, offer a cutting-edge solution for evaluating asset condition. Our technology enables rapid assessment of damage, providing critical insights for decision-making. By knowing the condition of assets beforehand, you can better anticipate potential vulnerabilities and take preemptive measures to reinforce them.

Contact PILLAR

In times of crisis, having PILLAR as a proactive partner can make all the difference. Our integrated approach to disaster preparedness equips DOTs with the tools and knowledge needed to weather the storm. Contact PILLAR today and be ready to face the challenges of hurricane season head-on.

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Is Your Budget Strategy Costing You Thousands? You May Need an Annual Equipment Budget

Operating and maintaining complex transportation projects requires proactive planning, expertise, and the right tools for the job. Without proper preparation, you risk missing the right resources, purchasing equipment on the fly, and damaging your bottom line.

Fortunately, annual equipment budgets can help—they lower the likelihood of being caught unaware and unprepared when a crisis inevitably happens. These important tools play a crucial role in helping DOTs and transportation asset agencies optimize resources, maintain assets effectively, and ultimately save thousands of dollars.

Be Proactive: Annual Equipment Budgets Can Save You Thousands

Don’t let crisis and chance determine your equipment acquisition. A reactive budgeting strategy is costly in time, money and stress. By investing upfront time creating an annual equipment budget, you can be more prepared and save thousands each year.  Here’s how:

1. Predictive Maintenance: With an annual equipment budget in place, you can allocate funds for regular maintenance and repairs of transportation assets such as vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure. Preventive, scheduled maintenance identifies and addresses potential issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns or failures. You’ll extend the lifespan of your assets and reduce the need for expensive emergency repairs.

2. Replacement Planning: Spread out the financial burden of equipment replacement by allocating funds annually. Strategic replacement planning ensures important tools are replaced at the right time and take into consideration factors like depreciation and changing operational needs. You’ll minimize sudden expenses and service disruptions and save.

3. Cost Control and Budgeting: Use your annual equipment budget to forecast expenses and set budgetary limits for each asset category. This proactive approach helps prevent overspending and budget overruns, allowing you to allocate resources efficiently and maximize returns.

4. Risk Mitigation: Allocate funds for risk mitigation measures such as safety inspections and emergency preparedness using your annual budget. By addressing potential risks proactively, you can reduce the likelihood of costly accidents and legal liabilities, ultimately saving money in the long run.

Be Smart: Turn Your Data into Savings

A budget is a forecast and a forecast is only as good as the information you use to build it. That means your data is a goldmine not just of information but also of savings. To build your budget, you’ll need to examine trends and use historical data to make informed projections about your needs. This is where PILLAR can help.  

Our data analysis technology gives you data-driven insights to inform your operations. Through our tailored solutions you’ll find develop a crystal-clear concept of your future needs. We can provide you with:

  • Data mining
  • Data Visualization 
  • Business Intelligence
  • Optimization
  • Lifecycle costs
  • Risk analysis

Do you have mountains of data, but don’t know how to make it work for you? We specialize in normalizing data to make it usable and actionable. It can take in-house and IT teams months to properly integrate systems.  But with professionals at the helm, you avoid bugs, security flaws, and technical upsets, getting a functional dataset much faster so you can build your annual equipment budget with confidence.

Let PILLAR Help You Develop an Annual Equipment Budget

An annual equipment budget is a powerful tool for saving money and stress. Not only will you be more prepared and flexible if disaster strikes, you’ll save thousands of dollars when compared to a reactive budgeting strategy. 

If you’re ready to see the difference a data-driven annual equipment budget makes, get in touch and learn more about how we can help.

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Don’t Let the Data Dilemma Slow You Down:
AFES Extraction for Existing GIS Data

In the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data reigns supreme. It rightfully serves as the foundation for decisions, strategies, and projects for many DOTs. However, the abundance of GIS data often leads to a conundrum: how do we use it effectively?

Sifting through data to find the answers you need can be an inefficient process that eats into timelines and delays needed repairs. Fortunately, navigating this challenge is not insurmountable. When you partner with the right experts, you can turn your data dilemma into a powerful resource. Keep reading to learn how to unlock the full potential of your GIS data.

Discovery Phase: Uncovering the Context of GIS Data

When you’re grappling with vast repositories of data, determining where the data originated and pinpointing your needs is the critical first step. At PILLAR, we are experts at combining the latest technology with hard-won human experience to set the parameters for your project efficiently. 

We help clients understand where the data originated and define what insights they require, like the dimensions of a structure or the location of assets. This initial step sets the stage for the subsequent extraction process.

Extraction Phase: Instantly Extract Data with AFES 

During extraction, PILLAR meticulously pulls GIS features, or assets, from your data—creating a usable catalog of information such as the location of guardrails or the heights of structures. Our Automated Feature Extraction System (AFES) uses multiple algorithms simultaneously to classify various assets and obtain their attributes. This process is rapid, often reducing cost and time up to tenfold. And we don’t stop there. 

With PILLAR, you’ll receive a nuanced approach that blends automation with human expertise. Our experts can quickly identify any gaps in your data and employ additional methods to fill in critical information. We offer additional LiDAR scans or even a detailed, in-person inspection. 

Addressing Organizational Challenges: Bridging Data from Multiple Departments

Often, within large organizations, siloed departments maintain separate datasets, resulting in fragmented data and missed opportunities. To make matters more complicated, data is often collected without consideration for downstream usability. Agencies may collect vast amounts of data but fail to render it actionable or accessible for end-users. That’s why it’s important to partner with full-service providers who not only extract and organize data but also consult on its practical applications. 

Effective asset management hinges on collaboration with knowledgeable partners who can guide organizations through the entire process—from data extraction to utilization. At PILLAR, we do just that, helping you bridge the silos, and maximize the utility of your GIS data.

Work With PILLAR And Get the Most Out of Your Data

The journey from raw GIS data to actionable insights is multifaceted but navigable. By embracing a structured approach that encompasses discovery, extraction, and utilization, organizations can harness the full potential of their spatial data. Avoid the time and expense of data cleanup by working with an experienced partner that will not only gather and extract your data but also consult with you on how to use it most effectively. PILLAR is ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can leverage our decades of experience to transform your GIS data from a mere resource into a powerful tool for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

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National Work Zone Awareness Week:
April 15-19

Each year the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) works to elevate roadway safety through its National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). The week-long campaign will be observed April 15-19 highlighting the theme, “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

Work Zones Are More Dangerous Than Ever: How to Stay Safe

NWZAW’s 2024 theme is timely. According to a story by USA Today, 857 people died, including 117 road construction workers, in work zone crashes in 2020. This number represents a 10-year high for road construction deaths and crashes. 

In response to the increasing number of crashes and fatalities, the Federal Highway Administration urges drivers to plan ahead, slow down and minimize distractions to prevent life-threatening accidents. Staying alert and cautious in work zones is non-negotiable to preserve driver and worker safety.

Participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week

In addition to adopting safe driving practices, you can help increase road construction worker safety by supporting NWZAW this year. Here are some steps you can take to spread awareness of work zone safety across the nation.

April 15: Work Zone Safety Training Day

This national stand down encourages employers and workers to pause during the day to participate in safety demonstrations, training in hazard recognition and fall prevention and focus on other important prevention steps to maximize the safety in work zones.

April 16: National kickoff event

This year’s NWZAW kickoff is on Tuesday, April 16, and is hosted by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Join the kickoff festivities by hosting your own NWZAW kickoff event! Follow and tag #NWZAW on social media to spread the word.

April 17: Go Orange Day

On Wednesday, April 17, roadway safety workers across America are encouraged to wear orange to proudly show their support for work zone safety. Post your pics on social media with #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety to show your support of the roadway safety industry and of families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones.

April 18: Social Media Storm

Participate in the NWZAW social media storm on Thursday, April 18 from 9am-4pm ET. Join the conversation by taking to social media and sharing messages and pictures of roadway safety and be sure to include the hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkzoneSafety. If you need some inspiration, check out the NWZAW Promotion Guide for posts and examples.

April 19: Moment of Silence

The moment of silence began in 2022 and we will continue the tradition this year. Join PILLAR as we observe a moment of silence to honor those who’ve lost their lives in work zone incidents.

John Meola

PILLAR Supports Work Zone Safety

This year, PILLAR will observe Work Zone Safety Training Day and Go Orange Day to promote a greater awareness of safety protocols for work zones. Most importantly, we will remember John Meola, our former safety director and friend who we lost in 2023. 

John was a consummate and enthusiastic safety professional and beloved by the PILLAR Team. In addition to his work as a safety professional, John was a found object artist, using scrap metal to craft stunning sculptures, including the Lakeside Bike Sculpture, which he composed of recycled bicycles and bicycle parts. John’s sculpture is permanently installed at the Lakeside Farmer’s Market. To honor John’s memory and enduring legacy, PILLAR has designed and installed a plaque to accompany the sculpture that details his work as an artist and safety professional. We will unveil the plaque during NWZAW, to commemorate his passion and contribution to safety and risk mitigation services. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) helps the message of safety grow because of support and involvement from organizations and individuals like you. PILLAR is proud to support work zone safety this and every week. Our services can improve roadway, driver, and worker safety. Browse our website to learn more.

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Bridges on the Brink:
DOTs Overwhelmed by Bridge Inspections

Most DOT asset managers have tens of thousands of bridges to maintain at acceptable service levels. That’s a lot of inspections and condition assessments to work through, not to mention getting the maintenance done. Worrying about the condition and safety of the bridges you are responsible for is enough to keep you up at night.    

While bridge inspections and maintenance are critical to preventing catastrophic incidents, they are typically time-consuming and expensive to execute, pulling on already thin department resources. That’s why PILLAR offers solutions in the form of technology, condition assessment, maintenance plans, and more. We can help you stay organized, quickly identify needs, and address repair and maintenance recommendations so drivers stay safe.

Challenges of Bridge Assessments

Most bridges are inspected every one to two years. This may not seem daunting at first, but consider that a DOT alone manages more than 21,000 bridges and structures. The sheer volume is staggering and each of those bridge inspections can present several challenges:

  • Inspecting large numbers of bridges within limited timeframes and budgets can be difficult so managers must thread the needle of thoroughness and efficiency. 
  • Bridge inspections generate vast amounts of data. 
  • Managing and analyzing this data effectively can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Tracking and executing maintenance recommendations for tens of thousands of bridges requires serious manpower and can be overwhelming.

PILLAR Balances Thoroughness with Efficiency in Bridge Assessment

At PILLAR, we specialize in managing and maintaining transportation infrastructure, helping DOTs and management companies make the most of their resources and keep the public safe. 

Our team is comprised of a unique combination multidisciplined professionals including structural engineers and data analysts. In addition to our decades of tactical, strategic, and operational experience, we have the technology and expertise available to collect and manage your data and use to develop a maintenance plan for any bridge. Here’s how we can help:

  • Quantity Verification: We go into the field to verify the needs identified in your bridge assessment reports. Next, we collate the data, bundling similar repairs on several bridges. With this information you can quickly formulate a contract for completing the repairs.
  • Get Repairs Done Fast: If you have a backlog of maintenance tasks, we can help! Our experienced maintenance professionals can supplement your staff and oversee repairs. You’ll have the job done professionally and efficiently.  
  • Documentation & Data Analysis: At PILLAR, we help you get more from your data. We’re experts at normalizing data and putting into a format you can use quickly. When you work with us, you’ll never spend hours sifting through hard copies trying to find critical information about repairs. We’ll digitize your reports so you can easily find what you need.
  • Risk Assessment: With PILLAR, you can evaluate risks through identified defects or deterioration. We compare current condition data with historical records to assess deterioration rates and trends so you can quickly prioritize maintenance and repair actions based on the severity of the condition. 

If you’re ready to take control of your bridge maintenance, contact us. Our team of experts is ready to speak with you about how we can help.

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AI in the Transportation Industry:
Fusing Human Experience with Powerful Computing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been utilized in the background of many professions for years to analyze data and provide users with evidence-based predictions and recommendations. As developments in AI continue to make headlines, the news is greeted with a mixture of excitement and concern. It’s understandably a hot topic across industries and transportation is no different. 

At PILLAR, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ve broken down some typical applications for AI in transportation and covered the ways we’re combining human experience with powerful computing to give you the gold-standard in transportation asset management.

What is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning? 

Columbia University defines AI as, “the general ability of computers to emulate human thought and perform tasks in real-world environments.” Simply put, AI is a broad term for machines that can process, communicate, and adapt to information. Machine learning is a subset of the larger category of AI that “refers to the technologies and algorithms that enable systems to identify patterns, make decisions, and improve themselves through experience and data.” 

AI Applications in the Transportation Industry

The transportation industry is notoriously complex. Each case, project, or asset is subject to hundreds if not thousands of variables, making predictions and management difficult. AI is a powerful tool to harness your data, tame the variables, and take back control of your job. Here are a few examples of how AI is addressing the challenges in transportation.

  • Asset Management: AI is increasingly being used in the transportation asset management world to great effect. Managers can input data into an AI system and receive predictions on operational and maintenance needs throughout the lifecycle of the asset. Data-based predictions can also forecast the end of an asset lifecycle, making it easier to budget and plan for updates and projects.  
  • Automated Feature Extraction Systems: With AI, gathering insights about your assets has never been more accurate or efficient. Automated Feature Extraction Systems have the capacity to gather data via photo or videos and utilize machine learning to correctly identify signs, guardrails and more. This saves managers hundreds of hours by eliminating the point-and-click method of data extraction in which managers manually combed through data.

PILLAR Combines Human Experience with Powerful Computing

It may feel like AI is ushering into a brave new world where everything is automated (including jobs). Since AI technology is constantly evolving, it’s hard to get clarity on what AI can actually deliver. At PILLAR, we find that AI shines when it works in tandem with people. That’s because while most people are no match for the computing power of AI, there’s no substitute for human wisdom and experience.  

For example, our Automated Feature Extraction System (AFES) uses multiple algorithms simultaneously to classify various assets and obtain their attributes. AFES reduces cost and time up to tenfold—that’s a huge cost savings for resource-strapped departments! But the system isn’t running the show. That’s the job of our experts who understand every aspect of AFES in addition to the transportation industry landscape. If AFES provides wrong outputs, our experts know it immediately and can course correct. At PILLAR you get the power of AI to increase efficiency but the wisdom of experienced professionals to keep you on track.

Contact PILLAR

AI is only as good as the data you feed it and the people who manage it. We view AI as a tool to help transportation asset management companies save time, money, and lives.

One of the best ways to reap the benefits of AI for your transportation asset company is to work with experts who can help. At PILLAR, we integrate AI into our solutions for dozens of happy clients through our proven CAPE approach. It’s a smart solution that fuses technology with human expertise to navigate challenges with precision.

Contact PILLAR to learn more about how we can help make AI work for you.

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Staff Shortages Leave Critical Work Undone 

Calm the chaos with Staff Augmentation.

A tight job market, retirements, cutbacks and hiring freezes create chaos for transportation operations and maintenance teams, often leaving jobs unfilled and critical maintenance undone. Calm your chaos with staff augmentation, a solution that temporarily adds experienced people to your team when and where you need them.

Last year, PILLAR supported municipalities and DOTs by providing more than 56,000 hours in staff augmentation for essential positions such as contract management, bridge, program planning, inclement weather operations, and guardrail, pipe and pavement inspectors. All in effort to help improve safety and maintain smooth operations.

About Staff Augmentation

Transportation asset management and operations agencies routinely leverage staff augmentation services by bringing temporary or contract professionals on board to address critical staffing gaps or manage specific projects. This is especially helpful when organizations need quick access to specialized skills or expertise not readily available within those organizations. 

You’ll see immediate results with PILLAR’s staff augmentation service. These benefits include:

Specialized skills: PILLAR delivers professionals with specific skill sets that are not readily available or deep enough in your organization. 

Flexibility: Staff augmentation through PILLAR allows your organization to remain flexible by helping you manage short-term needs without the long-term commitment and costs of hiring an employee. 

Cost efficiency: Don’t go to the expense of hiring specialized staff for a short-term need. Hiring employees is expensive and training is time consuming which can result in costly implementation delays.  

Faster implementation: Eliminate the knowledge gap that comes with hiring a new employee or changing the focus of an existing one.

Reduce knowledge gaps among new hires: Plug the knowledge gap left after a senior employee exits the workforce. 

Risk mitigation: Compliance regulations and standards are complex to navigate. PILLAR’s technical writers and safety managers keep your organization within compliance and avoid potential operational issues.

Contact Us Today

Don’t staff shortages contribute to your next bad day. PILLAR’s experienced professionals will keep your agency operating efficiently and safely and allow you to maximize available resources. Complete the form below or call us at 276-223-0500 to find out how our staff augmentation service can support you.

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PILLAR’s Technical Writers Provide Vital Resources for DOTs

Don’t face another day mired in paperwork. PILLAR has full-time technical writers ready to step in to develop contracts and technical documents for your agency. 

Technical writers are a critical resource for your transportation asset management and operations team because they create documentation, contracts and other written materials that help keep transportation systems moving forward.

Need maintenance contract development, equipment specifications, or technical writing? PILLAR has you covered. 

Critical Contract Development

Well-written contracts are a must-have for transportation asset management and operations to ensure the smooth operation of transportation systems, protect the interests of all parties involved and minimize legal risks.

These legally binding agreements with government agencies, contractors, suppliers, service providers and other organizations define and detail the terms, conditions, specifications, responsibilities and obligations of each party involved in various transportation projects or services.

It takes a savvy technical writer to draft contracts that are clear and complete. Experience matters too because transportation contracts can vary widely: There are construction contracts, maintenance contracts, procurement contracts, and service agreements with each type serving a specific transportation purpose.

PILLAR’s technical writers have skill to handle all your contract needs, including:

Drafting contract documents, including their terms and conditions

  • Negotiating contract terms with stakeholders
  • Ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation
  • Managing changes and amendments to contracts
  • Resolving disputes and conflicts arising from contracts

Essential Documentation

Technical writers must also generate clear, concise, and accurate documentation that helps transportation systems operate efficiently, meets all legal and regulatory requirements and, most importantly, prevents bad days from happening by keeping motorists and transportation personnel safe.

Technical writers produce a wide range of transportation documents:

  • Asset management plans outline strategies for acquiring, maintaining, and optimizing transportation assets.
  • Operations manuals provide detailed instructions for operating and maintaining transportation systems and equipment.
  • Safety guidelines detail safety protocols and procedures for transportation personnel.
  • Regulatory compliance documentation help your team meet legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Equipment specifications for routine or specialized maintenance equipment

PILLAR’s writers provide the complete package and are proficient in:

  • Researching and understanding complex technical information
  • Writing and editing documents to ensure clarity and accuracy
  • Collaborating with subject-matter experts to gather information
  • Organizing and structuring content for easy comprehension
  • Ensuring that documentation complies with industry standards and regulations

Contact Us Today

With PILLAR’s technical writers on your side, your team doesn’t need to feel understaffed or stress about budgeting to add a full-time writer. Our experienced technical writers are ready to support your team in creating rock solid contracts and detailed documentation whenever and however you need them. Fill out the form below or contact us by phone for more information and conquer your paperwork today.

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Winter Weather Response: In-Storm Management Optimization

Winter is here. It’s only a matter of time before a winter storm hits. Unless you’re prepared, it can quickly turn into one of your worst bad days.

Transportation asset managers know how much goes into winter storm highway management. If you’re not prepared, winter weather can cause chaos for motorists and slick and snow-covered roads can lead to property damage, injuries and, at worst, fatalities.

Having an emergency response plan in place is critical for snow storm highway response. As your trusted asset management partner, PILLAR can help you be prepared with an in-storm management plan before winter weather arrives. 

Essential tasks on your winter storm emergency response plan include:

  • Set snow and ice removal priorities and have a plan to reallocate resources to optimize traffic flow. 
  • Create an emergency response vehicle plan by contracting with wreckers and tow trucks to respond to motorists in need quickly. Pre-planning and developing open lines of communication ensure that wreckers and tow trucks are ready collaborate with emergency services and offer rapid responses to accidents or stranded motorists.
  • Be ready to provide continuous monitoring, tracking the storm’s progress and adjusting response efforts accordingly. Regular assessment of road conditions will help prioritize what needs immediate attention.
  • Develop a public communication plan to provide information about road conditions, closures, and travel advisories through digital platforms including social media, websites, and local media. This should include outreach before a storm to educate the public on safe winter driving practices and recommended equipment. 
  • Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions. Be ready to coordinate snow and ice removal with neighboring counties and municipalities to optimize road clearing, resources, and response times. 
  • Pre-treatment of roadways. Apply anti-icing solutions before the storm arrives, and for steep slope roadways in colder areas, consider additionally applying sand and grit for enhanced traction. 
  • Facilitate online NIMS training for your team. The online training course through the National Incident Management System ensures you’ll be ready when a storm hits.

Start Preparing for the Next Winter Storm

Don’t face a winter storm alone. PILLAR is ready to work beside your team to optimize snow management plans and implement efficiencies, putting the brakes on a bad winter day before it happens. Contact us today and let’s get to work on a proactive in-storm management plan.