Road Weather Management Program
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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

Assess Caltrans Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) Devices and Related Sensors

Abstract:

The California DOT (Caltrans) has operated a Road Weather Information System (RWIS) since 1990. RWIS consists of networks of weather monitoring stations that collect weather condition data on roadways. The information is used by transportation officials to determine when de-icing, snow plow or other maintenance operations are required, and can also be used for traffic control and traveler advisory purposes. The goal of this project is to assess the California RWIS in order to improve its effectiveness and increase its use. This final report documents 12 months of research into the state of the practice nationwide, the current use of RWIS in California in each District of the state, staff goals for system expansions and improvements, and existing national standards and guidelines which can guide future development. The report concludes with recommendations for institutional and other changes necessary to achieve Caltrans' objectives for the system.

Source(s):

Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University-Bozeman; prepared for Caltrans New Technology and Research Program. For an electronic copy of this resource, contact Lynette Goodwin at lynette.goodwin@noblis.org.

Date: 2002

Author:

Ballard, et al

Keywords:


Weather information
Institutional issues
Observing network

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