Better Roads Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85919
HighwayContractor Winter Programs for the Ages S "Sustainability" is an increasingly influential factor in developing winter maintenance programs ustainability in snow removal and winter mainte- nance is about setting goals, embracing account- ability and incorporating core values starting from the beginning with the road design process. But each move into a potentially successful sustain- able practice has its own set of plusses and minuses, and fi nding a balance is a key part of developing a long-lasting sustainable practice. And to be of real value, a sustainable practice must last a long time, free from constant tweaking and changes. "In any winter maintenance operation, building and sustaining working relationships with our stakeholders is an integral aspect in how we administer our respon- sibilities," explains Warren Nicholishen, CRS, supervisor of roads operations and maintenance for Public Works — Transportation in the regional municipality of Peel, Ontario, Canada. "We need to look at the core values of sustainability. We should be more proactive from the beginning to meet demands and the expectation that we are provid- ing a safe, manageable transportation system," says Nicholishen. "We need to begin with creating a sus- tainable road infrastructure to meet the existing and future needs of the population and local economies." Sustainability means building to last, ensuring a bal- ance from design, construction, operations, and in the end, recycling/reuse/demolitions, he says. What agen- cies need to do, Nicholishen says, is create a platform Write 164 on Reader Service Card 16 June 2012 Better Roads Write 165 on Reader Service Card