Road Weather Management Program
photos of lightning, trucks plowing snow, an empty road before a storm, and an evacuation
Office of Operations 21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

I-68 Reduced Visibility Fog Detection and Warning System: Evaluation Report

Abstract:

This report describes the evaluation of the "Reduced Visibility" warning system on I-68 in Garrett and Allegany Counties in western Maryland. The system uses "Reduced Visibility Possible" signs located in two fog-prone areas, one near Big Savage Mountain and the other near Keysers Ridge. The Evaluation Plan had three specific objectives: (1) to evaluatemotorists' response to the "Reduced Visibility" sign; (2) to evaluate the system's response based on its concept design; and, (3) to evaluate the system's operation, including all components such as the fog sensor, radio equipment, sign and flashing mechanism and communications interface. Overall, the system must be considered a success in the sense that it detects fog when fog is present and provides the relevant information to drivers on I-68 via the sign message. With respect to the operation of the system itself; this was clearly a success as the components (fog sensors, RWIS logic, radio communications, and the sign itself) all operated as designed. Positive feedback from road users has indicated that the motoring public perceives the system as a useful resource.

Source(s):

Sabra, Wang and Associates, prepared for the Maryland State Highway Administration

https://trid.trb.org/View/803159

Date: 2006

Author:

Sabra, Wang & Associates

Keywords:


Visibility
Motorist warning system
Communications
Environmental Sensor Station (ESS)
Speed
Traveler information

PDF files can be viewed with the Acrobat® Reader®.

Office of Operations