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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Best Practices > Publications > Publication Titles

Title:

Phase II: Development of a Road Weather Information System (RWIS) for Florida's Intelligent Transportation System

Abstract:

The University of North Florida, in cooperation with the Florida State University and the National Weather Service, has completed Phase II of a research program aimed at developing a oad Weather Information System (RWIS) Prototype Research Facility that allows FDOT to evaluate the implementation of a RWIS model that utilizes the existing Motorist Aid System (MAS) microwave tower infrastructure for communications and weather sensor site locations. The primary objective for Phase II was to further develop and evaluate the proposition that the design of the FDOT RWIS should include the capability to use appropriately located between and near-tower wireless weather sensors. A secondary objective was to continue investigations into the relationships between atmospheric effects and signal fades experienced by the MAS tower system. The research team recommends that the statewide implmentation of a RWIS includes the capability for adding wireless weather sensors between or near the 20-mile spaced primary weather stations located on MAS towers. This design feature anticipates the need for specialized stations at fixed locations to address site specific potential hazards such as high wind on high evacuation bridges, locations that are prone to fog, and the deployment of portable units to support wildfire or hazardous material spill response operations. The experience developed through this research project has already been incorporated into the development of a demonstration RWIS for the FHWA-sponsored "iFlorida" project.

Source(s):

Florida DOT, prepared by University of North Florida

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_TE/FDOT_BD537_rpt.pdf

Date: 2005

Author:

Lambert

Keywords:


Communications
Environmental Sensor Station (ESS)
Insitutional issues
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

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