Description
The West Virginia Department of Highways is seeking a direct award contract with Atlantic Containment LLC to provide Gator Getter Debris Catchers. The Gator Getter is a tool that allows debris to be removed from roadways safely while traveling at highway speed, thus eliminating the need for highway maintenance crews to exit their vehicles and enter an active roadway to remove debris. The device attaches to the front of a dump truck and consists of a metal drum with a blade attached. The State of West Virginia has experienced over 1,300 motor vehicle crashes related to roadway debris and roadway obstructions in the past 5 years, resulting in the death of 11 individuals. The WVDOT proposes to utilize a grant to purchase 8 Gator Getters to utilize as a pilot for the removal of roadway debris on Interstates and other high-speed expressways.
• The Gator Getter will allow workers to pick up road debris without having to leave the safety of their vehicles.
• No flaggers would be needed to slow down traffic.
• The safety of the traveling public would also be better because the need for lane closure would be eliminated, and debris is able to be removed more quickly.
• The devices will be distributed to eight different maintenance locations throughout the state.
• After appropriate training, the devices will be utilized to remove debris from the State's Interstates and Expressways.
• Crash data in the locations of assignment will be monitored for a reduction of debris-related crashes.