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Title: How Technology Is Helping DOTs Tackle Winter Storms
As winter storms continue to wreak havoc across the country, it has become increasingly clear that outdated methods of snow removal and ice treatment are no longer sufficient. In an effort to stay ahead of the game, Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies are turning to cutting-edge technology to tackle these extreme weather events.
One such tool is the Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), which combines road weather forecasts, maintenance best practices, and real-time data to guide snow and ice treatment strategies. By integrating this information, DOTs can now allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that plows and deicing materials are deployed at the right time and place.
This technology also allows for the collection of valuable data related to weather conditions, road conditions, and winter maintenance vehicle actions, including application rate, type, and plow position. This information further enhances crew scheduling, tracks chemical or salt usage, and monitors vehicle maintenance.
The Growing Impact of Winter Storms
While there may be mixed evidence regarding an overall increase in the frequency of winter storms, it is evident that precipitation intensity is on the rise. In regions expecting heavy snowfall (3- to 5-foot annual snowfalls), power outages, delayed flights, and canceled events have become commonplace.
On the other hand, cities rarely affected by snow are just as vulnerable to minor storm disruptions. In 2014, a rare snowstorm that brought only 2.5 inches of snow to Atlanta (which locals now refer to as “Snowmaggedon”) caused children to sleep at schools and some drivers to abandon their cars and walk home.
More recently, southern states faced unexpected freezing weather, with temperatures plummeting to record lows in Baton Rouge and dumping snow on Florida beaches. These extreme events have left DOTs reevaluating their strategies to keep roads safe and infrastructure resilient, even in areas previously deemed safe from winter’s wrath.
Winter storms can also result in significant financial burdens for local communities. Cities accustomed to heavy snowfall allocate substantial budgets (such as Minneapolis’s $13 million annual allocation) but may still face unexpected expenses or budget shortfalls during particularly snowy years.
To address these challenges, DOTs are exploring innovative solutions, including advanced weather forecasting and decision-support technologies.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
