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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Debris Removal System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607965</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is responsible for maintaining safe roadways for the motoring public. 67-3-16 requires the State Highway Commission, the governing body of the NMDOT, to construct, repair, and maintain highways within the state, as in their judgment will best serve the interest of the general public. Part of maintaining the roadways in good operation is to clear debris that can be hazardous to the public. Currently, NMDOT personnel are required to close traffic lanes as well as leave the safety of their vehicle, putting themselves in harm's way,  to remove roadway debris. A safer and more effective way for the Department to meet this statutory requirement would be to use devices to clear the roadway. 
 
The Department is currently conducting a Debris Removal System pilot study with vendors J-Tech (Lane Blade) and IC Innovations (Incident Clear). The units selected are equipped on the front of the vehicles and are truck-mounted hydraulic-actuated blade attachments to collect litter. This will allow the NMDOT personnel to remove hazardous road debris without leaving the safety of their vehicle. At the end of the pilot study, the Department will select the best Debris Removal System to ultimately provide safer roadways and reduce delays for the Department and the motoring public of New Mexico. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:17:13 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Comparing Plow Blade Wear and Tolerances on NHDOT Trucks and Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083741</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Different plow blades wear at different rates. There are varied technologies and systems being promoted at a range of pricing. Plow blades that are changed less frequently and wear longer enable staff to focus more on plowing saving time and the associated labor costs. A more expensive, lighter plow blade can also result in fewer injuries to highway maintainers and NHDOT personnel and potentially fewer workers comp claims.
The goal of this research is to determine which blades are the most cost effective and to share this research data with national organizations collecting similar data from other states. The research consists of sampling 3 to 5 different types of plow blades on trucks with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) installed to accurately measure the miles plowed and to record plowing speeds. Research results are dependent on snowstorm weather so trucks with the blades can be used in real time and authentic conditions. A tally of related injuries during the use of these blades would be factored into the total cost with comparison to heavier plow blades.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:48:20 GMT</pubDate>
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