2018-181 Traffic and Roadway Project TechnologyDate: December 14, 2018 Report No. 2018-181
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Technology and innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency for traffic and roadway
projects.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Dec. 7 Friday Report included a write-up on boring technology that referenced research that
staff is conducting on new street paving machinery. Below is an overview of the research that the
Capital Projects Department has conducted to-date on street paving technology intended to
increase efficiency, reduce safety issues, reduce long term costs and improve roadway quality.
BACKGROUND:
One area that Capital Projects has researched is pothole patching. New purpose-built machines
enable one crew member to complete the work that previously required a crew of two or three
employees to complete. This specific machine that staff is currently considering, the Python 5000,
not only reduces operational headcount, but also improves efficiency by at least 50% while greatly
increasing safety for the operator. Capital Projects is working with the maker of the Python 5000,
Superior Roads Solutions to gather additional information about the product and to schedule a
demonstration to see the machine in action. Capital Projects will continue to research the longevity
of the machine including maintenance costs, availability of parts, and customer feedback prior to
determining if the equipment is worth the investment.
Capital Projects is also sending a few staff to World of Asphalt Conference this February located
in Indianapolis, IN. Staff will be able to talk to many vendors, educators, and fellow public works
employees about their successes and failures. The seminars will allow us to sharpen our skills and
improve our processes. The trade show will allow staff to see many of the new technologies
firsthand while seeking feedback from organizations who have experience using the new
equipment.
Staff is also researching ways to better manage our inventory of street signs. Street signs placed
around the community fade due to the sun and other weather conditions, our on-hand inventory is
used to replace those signs when they are no longer visible. The on-hand sign inventory is stored
in a warehouse; stored signs have an expiration date if left for an extended period in the warehouse.
New printing technology could reduce the need for warehouse storage by increasing the speed and
efficiency of printing signs on an as-needed basis. New technology could also allow staff to replace
the faded ink, or skin, on the sign while reusing the sign plates.
Date: December 14, 2018 Report No. 2018-181
Capital Projects will also send staff the American Traffic Safety Services Association Convention
& Traffic Expo this February. During this conference, staff will learn about new technologies,
meet vendors, and learn new ways to improve processes and efficiency. The seminars will allow
us to sharpen our skills and improve our processes.
CONCLUSION:
Capital Projects will continue to research new technologies and best practices to ensure roadways
are maintained and signalized as efficiently as possible. Staff will provide additional updates as
new technology is implemented to improve the construction and maintenance of our street and
traffic infrastructure.
STAFF CONTACT:
Daniel Kremer
Deputy Director of Operations
Capital Projects Department
(940) 349-7193
Daniel.Kremer@cityofdenton.com