Icy Road Forecast and Alert (IcyRoad): Validation and Refinement Using MDT RWIS Data [Implementation Report]

US Transportation Collection2022PDFBriefFowler, Jennifer WMcBroom, DougCallejas, VanezaMontana. Department of Transportation. Research Management UnitUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationMontana. Department of Transportation. Research Management UnitMontanaUnited StatesBlack iceData analysisIcingRoad weather information systemsWeather forecastingPROJECT NO: 9891-785Implementation ReportState Departments of Transportation (DOTs) need road ice condition forecasts in order to arrange anti-icing/de-icing activities and to enhance public safety and awareness. Icy road fatalities account for 3.6 times more deaths than all other weather hazards combined (USDOT, 2001). The relative risk of vehicle crashes significantly increases given the presence of winter precipitation. Applying anti-icing materials on the roads, has been reported as having a cost reduction of 30%-90% compared to de-icing after road ice forms. In order to help improve public safety this research was divided into two focus areas, Development of IcyRoad Model and Validation of the Ice Formula.133