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Transportation Management Centers: Streaming Video Sharing and Distribution - Final Report

Long Description for Figure 2. Illustration. Common language used to describe transportation system status levels by agencies in the National Capital Region.

This illustration shows a table describing common language.

Road Condition 5: Impassable / Dangerous / Treacherous. Some roads could be temporarily impassable. This may be the result of severe weather (low visibility, etc.) or road conditions (drifting, excessive unplowed snow, glare, ice, accidents, stranded vehicles, etc.) Skeletal transit services. Limited above-ground rail service if more than 8" of accumulation. Lane drops in certain sections.

A photo shows an example of road condition 5, with heavy snow banks.

Suggested terminology and PIO templates for road condition 5 include: "treacherous", "impassable", "dangerous" Be where you need to be by <time>.
Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad.
Stay where you are.

Road Condition 4: Icy/Snow Packed. The pavement surface is covered with packed snow and/or ice. There may be loose snow on top of the icy or packed snow surface. Transit lifeline services only with significant delays for rail and bus. Refreeze possible. Lane drops in certain sections.

A photo shows an example of road condition 4, with a road heavily covered in snow.

Suggested terminology and PIO templates for road condition 4 include: "unsafe", "impassable" "major delays" Be where you need to be by <time>. Avoid or postpone travel for next <hours>.
Stay at the office an extra <hour>, or leave early, to avoid travel during a winter storm.

Road Condition 3: Snow and/or Slush Covered. The pavement surface has continuous stretches of packed snow with or without loose snow on top of the packed snow or ice. Core bus services only, delays in rail services. Lane drops on certain sections of roadways.

A photo shows an example of road condition 3, with a road covered in snow.

Suggested terminology and PIO templates for road condition 3 include: "caution", "passable" Avoid being stranded at bus stops, Avoid or postpone travel for next <hours>.
Stay off the roads.
Stay at the office an extra <hour>, or leave early, to avoid travel during a winter storm.

Road Condition 2: Snow/Slush Covered w/ wheel tracks exposed. Accumulations of loose snow or slush up to 2 inches are found on the pavement surface. Packed and bonded snow and ice are not present. Regular transit services with some minor exceptions and detours for buses. Drifting snow.

A photo shows an example of road condition 2, with a road that has wheel tracks in the snow.

Suggested terminology and PIO templates for road condition 2 include: "passable" Avoid discretionary travel. Road crews engaged in clearing activities.
Curtail "elective" travel. Avoid unnecessary travel.

Road Condition 1: Clear Wet / Dry. Clear and wet/dry pavement surface is the general condition. There are occasional areas having snow or ice accumulations resulting in drifting, sheltering, cold spots, frozen melt-water, etc. Transit operations per schedules.

A photo shows an example of road condition 1, with a road that has snow on the sides but not on the road.

Suggested terminology and PIO templates for road condition 1 include: "passable".

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