4 Roadway Conditions
Systems falling under the roadway conditions category have been further categorized under:
- Ice Detection/Low Friction,
- Poor Visibility, and
- Road Closure Notification.
4.1 Ice Detection/Low Friction
4.1.1 Automated Ice Detection and Warning System – Wyoming
Impetus for the Activity
The problem that sparked consideration of a technological treatment was a high frequency incident location. Wyoming DOT considered a technological solution because traditional methods do not adequately address the problem.
Criteria for System Selection (Hardware and Software)
This project is under development. The vendor will most likely be selected on the basis of system functionality.
Description of the System
Installation of the system is scheduled for Fiscal Year 2001. The system is an automated ice detection and warning system on a bridge deck in a remote canyon on US 131. The bridge is on a curve, and the combination of poor geometrics and ice has created an isolated crash location. The winter environment can be severe, with high snowfall accumulations, blowing snow, and sub-zero temperatures.
The system will use weather variables (moisture, air temperature, pavement temperature, etc.) as inputs, which will be obtained using several active RWIS “pucks” (embedded pavement sensors). It is anticipated that inputs will be sampled every couple of minutes. The system algorithm will use the inputs to determine when ice is present or inevitable. The output will be the activation of flashing lights attached to a static “ice on bridge” sign. The output is advisory and will be updated as often as the system sensor cycles through its test.
The expected result of deploying the system is to provide increased safety for the traveling public.
Perceived “Hot Spots” for Rural ITS Deployment
Perceived “Hot Spots” for rural ITS deployment include any isolated, known high frequency incident locations. It was noted that part of the advantage of technology is that it can take the place (in some cases) of the human analyst part of a warning equation. It was further noted that the warnings can be more effective since they can be activated when the danger actually exists, thus providing fewer “false alarms.”
Obstacles and Lessons Learned
Obstacles in many remote locations include lack of power and communications, and the difficulty of getting timely continued maintenance of the installations.