The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced it has been awarded a $1 million federal grant to purchase additional Lane Blade devices, vehicle attachments that aid in safe and efficient debris removal from the roadway.
The grant will enable ARDOT to acquire 20 to 25 new Lane Blade attachments, which will provide the department with the largest fleet of these devices in the country. Lane Blades enhance safety on high-volume roadways by ensuring workers do not have to enter the roadway on foot to remove debris, ARDOT said in a news release. They also result in more efficient debris removal, clearing roadways quicker.
The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration Program.
“Debris on our roadways presents an immediate danger to travelers, especially on busy highways,” Steve Frisbee, ARDOT assistant chief engineer for maintenance, said in a news release. “Our goal is to find safer methods of debris removal that protect both our employees and the public. The Lane Blade allows us to do just that by keeping our crews inside their vehicles while effectively clearing the roads.”
ARDOT currently has 18 Lane Blade attachments.
“By removing debris swiftly and safely, we not only protect workers and motorists but also reduce the risk of crashes,” Frisbee added. “This grant is a significant step forward in our commitment to public safety and effective traffic incident management.”
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