2017 Agency Winner
Clearwater County: Ditching Bucket

• Problem: Clearwater County needed a better solution for ditching along the county roads than a backhoe or loader bucket and a grader. We were looking for an attachment of some sort that would save time, wear and tear on the machine and create a better ditch line.
• Solution: At that time, our County Supervisor Rob Simon, saw a video of an attachment to a loader that would allow the machine to run parallel to the ditch line while loading ditch material. He took measurements of an attachment that was in Skamania, Washington and decided that the crew a the Clearwater County Road Department could build one very similar to it, with some slight modifications, that would work on our 966 Cat loader.
• Labor, Equipment, Materials: Material costs were $8469.98. That included: plate metal, valves, hoses, fittings and connectors to completely build the attachment. Labor to build it was $2499.90. Equipment used to build it was a welder, cutting torch, and an overhead hoist.
• Expenses: Total cost to build the attachment was $10,969.88.
• Savings: The use of this bucket attachment prevents loss of gravel and other roadway surface materials because it runs in line with the ditch. It also does a much better job of cleaning the ditch, saves time ditching and wear and tear on our backhoe, as it mounts to the Cat loader. Another cost savings is that it eliminates the need for a grader to come along behind the backhoe to align and clean up the ditch line. The ditching bucket has been extremely beneficial as it has worked very efficiently for its intended use making it well worth every penny of its fabrication costs.

2017 Agency Winner
Ada County Highway District: Remote Vehicle Camera Inspections

• Problem: ACHD Bridge Inspectors cannot access all culverts for condition evaluation, some have less than ideal conditions. Cost to have contracted camera inspection is expensive, and cannot work in all situations. 
• Solution: Use of a floating camera rig for underneath structures with flowing water, and a motorized truck that can self propel over dry ground, obstacles, slow water, ice or even combinations of these. Two smaller trucks that can travel through pipes as small as 8-inch diameter.  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVhpH_RUCXk
• Labor, Equipment, Materials: Usually two individuals operate the system which consists of a tethered remote vehicle fitted with GoPro cameras and led lights, a wifi repeater, and an iPad for live video feed. Remotes vehicles are off the shelf units heavily modified  
• Expenses: Custom home made float-rig, approx $350, Large modified RC trucks $1500 ea. Small RC truck $500. Mini truck $200. iPad $500. Misc supplies & accessories $500.
• Savings: Saving of $200-$300 per use ($18,750 yr for structures, pipe inspection based on frequency used). Finding deficiencies and replacing before failure – priceless.

On behalf of the selection committee for the Innovation Idea Award, congratulations to all our 2017 Winners!

It was our pleasure to see so many outstanding nomination from local highway jurisdictions around the state. The nominations we received illustrated how hard the transportation community is continuously striving to develop both time and cost saving efficiencies. (more…)