UDOT maintenance forces serve a very important function when it comes to the planning, designing, construction, and ultimate maintenance of UDOT construction projects. Maintenance forces are asked to provide input in various stages throughout the development of a construction project. It is important that maintenance forces know which projects will be in their area and what impacts these projects will have on maintenance operations. For example, when a widening adds additional lane miles, does maintenance have the proper equipment and staffing to accommodate the additional surface area installed? How does construction affect winter operations and what coordination needs to take place to ensure snow and ice removal are not negatively impacted? Are there assets within the project area that need to be addressed, and do these items reside on the maintenance station’s priority list? What staffing can maintenance provide to construction to ensure all areas of inspection and materials testing are covered to verify the work performed by the contractor meets the project specifications? By having maintenance forces work in construction, they have the ability to ensure a quality product is provided that will lessen the need for future maintenance.

There are many opportunities for maintenance forces to actively engage in construction projects and be involved through the entire project development phase. By being aware of what projects are in design, how these projects will and can affect maintenance operations, and by providing input into the project development process, maintenance forces can ensure that they are prepared for upcoming changes due to construction.