This course provides a comprehensive look at winter storm response, from interpreting forecasts to selecting the right equipment and materials. Participants will explore best practices in plowing, chemical application, and environmental stewardship, with insights into liability, contractor coordination, and facility maintenance. Real-world examples and interactive sessions help you build actionable plans and policies for urban and rural winter operations.

• Public works officials, engineers, and superintendents responsible for roadway and facility maintenance.
• Facility and grounds managers overseeing winter operations for buildings, campuses, or commercial sites.
• Contractors and service providers involved in snow and ice control planning and execution.

Winter Storms

• Understanding winter storms
• How to interpret forecasts

Using Winter Weather Technology

• Contract forecast services
• Pavement temperature sensors
• Road Weather Information Services (RWIS)
• Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)
• Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS)

Snow and Ice Chemicals

• Snow and ice pavement conditions
• Selecting materials and methods
• Salt properties and performance
• Alternative chemicals
• Anti-icing chemicals as a bond preventer
• Abrasives

Winter Maintenance Liability

• Liability concerns in winter operations
• How to minimize potential for liability
• Case examples

Winter Maintenance Environmental Considerations

• Environmental impacts of salt
• Salt impacts data and trends
• Stormwater permit conditions
• Changes in operations to address salt impacts
• Winter maintenance equipment calibration

Street Winter Maintenance Operations

• Planning & coordination of operations
• Staff training
• Equipment
• Mechanical Removal
• Deicing and Anti-icing
  
  • Deicing Anti-icing policy
  • Chemical blends
  • Application rates

Winter Maintenance from a Contractor’s Perspective

• Coordination of winter operations
• Equipment selection/productivity
• Use of liquids for anti-icing and de-icing
• Innovative approaches to winter maintenance
• Effective winter services contract

Winter Maintenance for Facilities Buildings and Grounds

• Planning and policies for effective winter grounds maintenance
• Mobilizing personnel and equipment
• Sidewalks, steps, and building enterences
• Parking lots and parking structures
• Equipment and techniques
• Anti-icing
• Reducing environmental impacts

We reserve the right to alter course schedule and substitute speakers when necessary.

"Excellent training!  There are not many seminars like this around. It is a must for all snow and ice supervisors and managers."

"A lot of insight into programs others operate that we can use to change and improve our operations"

Benjamin Jordan

Benjamin J. Jordan, PE, is a program director with Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the transportation sector. He has over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and public works. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and a Master of Public Affairs degree with a Certificate in Public Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.