IMPLEMENTING AN INTEGRATED ROAD WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM IN MINNESOTA

Adverse weather and other harsh environmental features are common throughout the United States, due to the country's vast size and geographic characteristics. Severe winter weather, involving ices, snow and freezing rain occur throughout the northern and central States and in the mountainous areas of the souther regions. Dust storms are experienced in arid zones, while rain, fog and strong winds are common across much of the country. The impact of these conditions on highway users is considerable, with loss of mobility and reduced safety. Statistical analyses have shown that a disproportionate number of accidents and fatalities occur under adverse conditions. It has been estimated that between 25 and 35 percent of all urban accidents occur during adverse weather conditions, with the risk of accidents becoming two to five times greater during bad weather. As part of a concerted effort by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to address these issues, the Department has investigated the benefits arising from the use of Road Weather Information Systems (R/WIS) and found them to be quire substantial. These systems are specialized computer networks that collect, process and disseminate information about weather conditions relating to highway transportation. R/WIS information is ued by highway maintenance managers to help insure that snowplowing and deicing operations are timely and cost-effective. R/WIS data will also provide warnings to travelers and fleet operators through traveler information systems.

• Corporate Authors:

  PTRC Education and Research Services Limited

  Glenthorne House, Hammersmith Grove
  London W6OL9,   England 
• Authors:
  • Wikelius, M
  • Fleege, E
• Conference:
  • Xth PIARC International Winter Road Congress
  • Location: Lulea, Sweden
  • Date: 1998-3-16 to 1998-3-19
• Publication Date: 1998

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: p. 883-897
• Serial:
  • Volume: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash causes; Freezing; Integrated systems; Rain; Snow and ice control; Weather; Weather conditions; Winter maintenance
• Old TRIS Terms: Weather caused accidents
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00752053
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Technical Report, Volume 1, Volume 2
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 21 1998 12:00AM