Optimizing winter road maintenance operations under real-time information

0377-2217/$ see front matter 2008 Elsevier B.V. A doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2008.03.001 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 519 888 4567x339 E-mail addresses: [email protected] (L. Fu), vkim@ This paper introduces a real-time optimization model that can be used by maintenance managers to develop and evaluate alternative resources allocation plans for winter road maintenance operations. The model takes into account a wide range of road and weather condition factors such as road network topology, road class, weather forecasts, and contractual service levels, and produces a vehicle dispatch schedule that is optimal with respect to operating costs and quality of service. The model is then used in an analysis on a realistic case to illustrate the potential impact of improved information on winter maintenance operations. 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.