FHWA Local Aid Support Newsletter - Summer 2022 Edition

Courtesy: Marilee Enus, NH LTAP

You are invited to a special event webinar celebrating 40 Years and Counting of service from the Local and Tribal Technical Assistance Programs (LTAP/TTAP). The purpose of the LTAP/TTAP is to provide training and technical assistance to local governments in every state and Tribal agencies in every Bureau of Indian Affairs region. The Federal Highway Administration is proud to continue our support of the LTAP/TTAP network, doing our part to help grow the transportation workforce, encourage the use of innovative solutions that improve safety and provide subject-matter support on transportation issues that help build communities.

The special event webinar is Tuesday, June 21 at 2PM EST. Here is the registration link. A list of special guest speakers are planned to reflect on the impact the LTAP/TTAP Centers have made in Transportation through the past 40 years.

Independence, KY

For years, Kenton County relied on an old, overused fire truck from its Emergency Management department to clean surfaces and structures in a local park located on a flood plain. The truck leaked badly and was very inefficient. Shaun Lauderman with the Kenton County Public Works said, “We could only spray about two minutes a load, which we had to refill the tanks multiple times.” So, county employees created a high-pressure spray bar that can be mounted for use on multiple types of trucks. They also found a way to rinse areas that are inaccessible by service vehicles.

Using a trash pump, 500-gallon brine tank, and fire hose that were owned, donated, or purchased for less than $700, the team was able to reduce water consumption and improve labor utilization. When full, the tank can now spray continuously for 26 minutes; the old truck's larger 750-gallon tank would be empty after less than five minutes. In addition, the spray bar on the front of the truck—when coupled with the fire hose pumping directly out of the tank—can be used on roadways after construction, for storm cleanup, in preparation for paving projects, and for general cleaning before local events. “We did face some challenges finding the right spray pattern,” said Shaun, “The advice I would give to other agencies is, if you have an idea, go with it. Sometimes the smallest ideas can save you a lot of work and make your job easier.”

Other agencies have contacted Kenton County about the Spray Rig innovation. Shaun says, “If was to add anything, it would be to use stainless steel pipe and make it where I would be able to move the sprayer. I would probably put it on an old plow bracket, that way I could use the hydraulics in the truck to move it around.”

Contact: Shaun Lauderman, Kenton County Public Works/Kenton County Parks (859) 392-1920 or shaun.lauderman@kentoncounty.org

Durham, New Hampshire

To make snow removal easier and maintain adequate drainage, Concord General Services in New Hampshire paints arrows toward roadway drains. The arrows serve as visual cues during winter operations, but must be repainted regularly due to wear. Previously, the team painted arrows on pavement manually with a standard flat stencil and nylon cord. Workers would need to crouch, paint, stand, and repeat the process many times in just a day.  “You can paint hundreds of arrows a day and that can get tiring,” says Josh Brown, a Laborer/Truck Driver with Concord General Services. The process also could be hazardous, because workers were unable to pay attention to oncoming traffic—and heat guns used to remove old roadway paint would sometimes burn through the nylon.

With a sturdy metal arrow stencil created from an old “one-way” road sign bolted to a metal pole, one employee devised a way for technicians to remain standing while painting. The innovation eliminated the need to bend down, reposition the stencil by hand, and replace the nylon cord. “Now with the stencil attached to a handle you don't have to be bent over in moving traffic and it promotes good ergonomics to complete this task while standing,” says Josh. “I tried to keep it (the innovation) simple and easy. The stencil was made out of an old aluminum street sign and the handle was a tool that broke so I figured the handle part would be better reused on the stencil. I had much support from my supervisor and my peers.”

For the cost of a few hours' labor, Concord was able to increase safety for its team members and enhance the efficiency of its operations.   Josh's advice to others on being innovative, “I would say don't be scared to think outside the box and come up with your own idea. The idea could turn out to be something that is way more efficient and create a safer work environment.”

Contact: Josh Brown, Concord General Services, 603-228-2737 or ttommila@concordnh.gov

Fergus Falls, MN

To correctly position temporary pavement markings following chip seal treatments, Otter Tail County highway crew members had to bend over repeatedly and get on and off of a pickup truck's tailgate continuously. According to Jon Bratvold with the Otter Tail County Highway Department, “We got tired of hopping on and off the truck, bending over to position the pavement markers and then repeating it again every 50 ft.”

With the help of a spring-loaded applicator or “sticky stump,” road crews can install temporary road markers twice as fast with the same amount of manpower. They made the handheld tool with round bar stock and flat iron in approximately one hour using a drill press and welder—all for under $20. The markers can be clipped into the end of the tool, then pressed onto asphalt where required. Jon's advice to encourage innovative solutions, “Think outside the box. If it fails the first time, try to improve and learn from your mistakes.”

For more information: Stephen Goerdt, Otter Tail County Highway Department, (218) 998-8471 or sgoerdt@co.ottertail.mn.us

By: Derek Troyer, PE, Hillary Isebrands, PE, PhD, Jerry Roche, PE

By: Bryan Cawley (FHWA); City of West Memphis