Following the "Blizzard of 1996," which nearly paralyzed transportation in the eastern United States by dropping between 46 centimeters (18 inches) and 0.92 meter (3 feet) of snow, FHWA set out to develop a forum that would expedite the exchange of information and technologies available to manage

winter weather. The result was the Eastern Winter Road Maintenance Symposium and Equipment Expo--now held annually in September--for winter maintenance managers and other public works practitioners from cities, townships, counties, and States (as well as other public agencies and private sector partners) east of the Mississippi River.

FHWA and the Tennessee DOT recently sponsored the 9th annual symposium in Knoxville, TN, drawing an audience of 1,000 winter maintenance professionals. Participants learned about the latest developments in road maintenance during the winter season and viewed the newest equipment and technology available to battle snow and ice, gaining insights into best practices and materials, while comparing notes with peers from other States.

The topics discussed included state-of-the-practice anti-icing techniques and technologies, such as salt-brine pretreatment and automated bridge deck deicing systems. Also highlighted were Weather Information Systems, which use meteorological measurement stations strategically positioned to collect data on local pavement and atmospheric conditions. In addition, this year's symposium focused on environmental concerns, such as how to store chemicals safely and how to clean and fuel maintenance equipment.

For more information, contact Mark Sandifer at 708-283-3528 or mark.sandifer@fhwa.dot.gov.