Economic Analysis of Vegetation Management Practices

Details

• Creators:
  Martin, James B. ; Bhadury, Joyendu ; Gaustad, Brittany V.
• Corporate Creators:
  North Carolina State University. Institute for Transportation Research & Education ; State University of New York, Brockport
• Corporate Contributors:
  North Carolina. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Development Unit ; United States. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Economic analysis
  • Mowing
  • Savings
  • Vegetation control
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHWA/NC/20016-17
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2017
• Corporate Publisher:
  North Carolina. Dept. of Transportation
• Abstract:
  The purpose of this study was to conduct a thorough evaluation of the mechanical, chemical and cultural components of all vegetation management operations and their governing organizational structures to determine cost-effective practices and efficient administrative procedures and structures. The research problem being investigated is how to reduce costs associated with vegetation management as well as how to administer the vegetation management program within the NCDOT more effectively. The research design used was mixed methods, with a quantitative cost analysis, as well as qualitative interviews, peer state comparisons, and gathering relevant background information. The major conclusion that resulted from this study is that it would be cost-effective to replace one mowing cycle by one PGR application cycle, which would result in an estimated $2.5 million in yearly savings.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  NDOT Project 2016-17
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/40075/dot_40075_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.81 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:4b0aaffe6d05b7f3edad791496f5d373883375bee4a592c3765ea264ee7f175b