Washington County, New York, had an issue with gravel buildup alongside highway shoulder guide rails. Surface water accumulated in the travel lanes, creating unsafe conditions for drivers and their passengers.
The county’s solution was to build from scratch a guide-rail grader that can easily fit between the guide-rail posts to clear away excess buildup of gravel and sod. The grader was made with multiple blades and features an angled blade to cut the shoulders first and then push materials away from under the guide rails.
Cost to build the innovation was $1,200. Benefits include a faster and more efficient way to clear away the buildup, increased safety for road users and work crews, and increased pavement longevity. The county says a bonus benefit is that at least one lane of the highway can remain open during the maintenance.
The project received an honorable mention in the Bold Steps category of the 2023 Build a Better Mousetrap national program.
Learn more:
- Michael Newell, Washington County, NY, ael234@cornell.edu, 518-746-2440