Abstract

The objectives of this study were to monitor and evaluate the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Road Weather Information System (RWIS). Six systems were installed and all became operational in November 1997. Each site includes sensors which measure temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed, pavement temperature, surface condition, and chemical concentration. The data can be accessed remotely using a Windows-based software program. The data are also stored in a central database for future use. The accuracy of the system was evaluated through comparison of atmospheric data with airport data and through site observations of surface condition, pavement temperature, and air temperature. The reliability was evaluated by reviewing the history log files to locate gaps in the data. Problems with individual sensors were also documented. The accuracy of the system was found to be good for the sensors that could be directly evaluated. The reliability was satisfactory with the larger gaps in data being caused by delays in detecting minor problems. Maintenance. of the system was a problem during the evaluation period. Additional installations of RWIS are not recommended until a more formalized process is developed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for use of the data in management of winter weather events.

Report Date

5-1999

Report Number

KTC-99-21

Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.1999.21

Notes

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names and trade names is for identification purposes and is not to be considered an endorsement.

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