Beating Winter Storms to the Punch with an Advance Warning System
The Kansas Department of Transportation combines better weather prediction and anti-icing techniques to clean up snow faster and at less cost.
The Challenge
In what seems to be an unending battle each winter, snowplows and sanders struggle to keep Kansas highways and local roads cleared of snow. The Kansas Department of Transportation (DOT) needed more accurate weather information to be able to respond more quickly when snowstorms threatened.
Developing a Strategy
Kansas DOT decided to test the road weather information system (RWIS) evaluated by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). An RWIS collects information from pavement temperature sensors and ice detectors, meteorological sensors in the atmosphere, and weather forecasts from various sources. Kansas felt this information would assist in better scheduling of crews and improved use of chemical anti-icing techniques.
Putting the Strategy to the Test
Installation of RWIS stations began in 1988. By 1995 Kansas had a network of 40 across the State.
What They Learned
"Shortly after we had installed one of the first RWIS sites, it snowed lightly in the Kansas City area," says Dave Meggers, research development engineer for Kansas DOT. "Previously, we would have sent out a crew. But up-to-date information from the system indicated we didn't need to dispatch crews, saving time and money."
Based on the accuracy of weather forecasts, Kansas DOT was able to adopt an anti-icing strategy involving the application of chemicals to the road before the storm. They found that this kept roadways clear longer and reduced the amount of chemicals used.
The Benefits
- In the first eight times the new winter maintenance strategy was used, at one location, it saved $12,700 in labor and materials.
- The use of chemicals is reduced.
- Driving is safer.
- There is less adverse environmental impact.
