Topic outline

  • FHWA Best Practices for Road Weather Management

    Credits: 7 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Nationwide, on average, each year over 7,000 fatalities occur in weather-related crashes. In addition, the cost of repairing roads damaged by harsh winter weather consumes a significant portion of transportation budgets. This course presents best management practices for attempting to decrease the number of crashes caused by bad weather and for reducing associated maintenance costs.

    Twenty-seven case studies of systems in 22 states that improve roadway operations under inclement weather conditions are described. Each case study has six sections including a general description of the system, system components, operational procedures, resulting transportation outcomes, implementation issues, as well as contact information and references.

    Topics:

    This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
    • Methods for informing drivers about predicted adverse weather
    • Use of various devices to detect poor visibility and road conditions automatically, without the need for transportation personnel to be present
    • Strategies for minimizing road damage caused by winter storms
    • Effectiveness of various warning systems and road-maintenance techniques as measured by improved safety or reduced costs
    • Implementation problems that may arise with some of the warning systems and road-maintenance techniques
    • Protocols and devices for communicating to transportation managers that potentially dangerous weather conditions exist at some locations in the road network
    • Descriptions of specific system components, including hardware, software, and personnel
    • Strategies for discouraging or, in severe cases, completely restricting drivers’ access to highways, as storm intensity increases

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: transportation engineers and managers concerned with the operation and maintenance of highway systems.
    Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)

    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

    • Topic 1