PROJECT SUMMARY: The objective of Phase I of this research was to conduct a four month in-depth analysis of ODOT's current Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) process and provide recommendations on how to improve safety, cost effectiveness, environmental compliance and reduce labor hours. Phase I is now complete and has revealed that ODOT lacks tools and techniques commonly used in cutting-edge rights-of-way (ROW) vegetation management programs, resulting in inefficiencies and increased program costs. Recommendations on process changes with potential cost savings for each were identified.
Phase II is complete and the results are in! This presentation shows which recommendations provided cost savings by comparing the performance of new and alternative mechanical and chemical methods against ODOT's standard vegetation management operating procedures.
Benefits of this project include: 1) improved sight distances (safety) of the traveling public; 2) increased time between needed maintenance cycles on the rights-of-way; 3) reduced annual right-of-way vegetation management costs; 4) updated tools and techniques available for right-of-way maintenance; and 5) increased ODOT staff efficiency, knowledge and worker safety.
This project has required a great amount of project management and time that ODOT does not have the staff or availability to perform. Davey worked with the Districts to monitor the vegetation management, document the progress of each method, and perform a cost benefit analysis that will assist ODOT in determining future changes to the vegetation management program. Objectives of Phase II included: 1) Utilize new mechanical methods for vegetation management; 2) Make use of new chemical methods for vegetation management; 3) Extend maintenance cycles for herbaceous and woody vegetation; 4) Better safety for workers and users; 5) Decrease the amount of noxious weeds on the rights-of-way; and 6) Improve the abilities of workers to utilize equipment and herbicides properly.
