Medford viaduct ice detection system : final report.

PDFTech ReportIcingDetection and identification systemsPerformance evaluationsSensorsTemperature measurementData collectionTraffic safetyOregonOregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research UnitAnhorn, MikeKuhlman, ThomasOregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research UnitUS Transportation CollectionThe Medford Viaduct is a 3230 foot long structure which carries Interstate 5 across Bear Creek and several city streets. Two ice related accidents which occurred on the structure in December of 1984 prompted concern about its safety during subfreezing weather conditions. During the same time period, state maintenance personnel were finding success in using an ice detection system on the Fremont Bridge in Portland (Experimental Feature Final Report OR 80-01). It was felt that a similar system could help to reduce the accident rate on the Medford Viaduct by giving maintenance personnel an early warning of potential icing conditions. This would allow prompt application of sand and would signal the police to turn on ice warning signs.The system chosen for installation was a System 16 EF, Surface Condition Analyzer (SCAN) developed by Surface Systems Inc. (SSI) The purpose of this report is to describe this system and to evaluate its reliability and effectiveness in improving the management of sanding operation and traffic