Road weather information systems : enabling proactive maintenance practices in Washington state

924519173312908Brodin, DougTransferred from EDL on 5/14/2008PDFTech Reporthttp://ntl.bts.gov/lib/29000/29000/29094/13660.htmlhttp://ntl.bts.gov/lib/29000/29000/29094/13660_files/13660.pdfhttp://ntl.bts.gov/lib/30000/30800/30850/13660.pdfWA-RD 529.1NTIS-PB2002105718Agreement T1803, Task 39Road weather information systemsEvaluation and assessmentWashingtonUnited States. Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation SystemsBoon, Catherine BradshawCluett, ChristopherWashington State Transportation CenterWashington (State). Dept. of Transportation. Research OfficeWashington State Transportation CommissionUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Road Weather ManagementIntelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program OfficeWashington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) rWeather program has significantly integrated and expanded the capabilities of road weather information systems (RWIS) in the state, enabling proactive winter maintenance practices and better-informed winter travel decisions. The report reviews the potential benefits of a comprehensive, integrated RWIS, including cost-efficient snow and ice control strategies and improved safety and mobility. Use of, and attitudes toward, RWIS by WSDOT maintenance personnel are examined, and barriers to the expanded use of RWIS technologies are identified. Public response to the rWeather traveler information website is evaluated. Recommendations are presented for more fully utilizing RWIS capabilities