1. 1 Extending the Maintenance Decision Support System Investment Andrew Stern Meteorologist, Noblis Inc. FHWA Road Weather Management Team ITS America Annual Meeting, Palm Springs, CA Session 17, Monday June 4, 2007

2. 2 MDSS Background MDSS merges road-specific weather predictions with computerized rules of practice Provides treatment recommendations for application type, amount & timing Excellent tool for training & post-storm review of maintenance actions Has potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs and save lives (improved LOS)

3. 3 State DOT Participation in Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) 2000 - 2007 40 State DOTs + DC Local & Int’l Stakeholders Ontario Ministry of Transportation Environment Canada City of Grand Prairie, TX Dallas Area Rapid Transit City/County of Denver, CO New York State Thruway Authority

4. 4 MDSS: Requirements Gathering…

5. 5 MDSS Modules: Data Input National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System Road Cond & Treatment Module MDSS Graphical User Interface National Weather Service Data

6. 6 MDSS Modules: Data Fusion National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System Road Cond & Treatment Module MDSS Graphical User Interface Road Weather Forecast System

7. 7 MDSS Modules: Customization National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System Road Cond & Treatment Module MDSS Graphical User Interface Road Cond & Treatment Module

8. 8 MDSS Modules: GUI National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System Road Cond & Treatment Module MDSS Graphical User Interface

9. 9 Transition to MODSS National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System Road Cond & Treatment Module Graphical User Interface Maintenance beyond Snow & Ice Traffic Management Construction New Customized Modules

10. 10 MODSS: High-level View

11. 11 MODSS ConOps Stakeholder meetings were held at NCAR in Boulder to gather requirements –Maintenance beyond Snow & Ice (Feb 27-28) –Traffic Management (Mar 1-2) NCAR to deliver Concepts of Operations (ConOps) documents in June Next stakeholder meetings in Fall 07 Customization modules to be developed during FY08

12. 12 MODSS: Maintenance Stakeholders State DOT Participants (8) Maintenance Beyond Snow & Ice

13. 13 MODSS: Maintenance Activities Weather Observations & Forecasts Air Temperature Pavement Temperature Wind Speed/Gusts Wind Direction Rain Chances Rain Amount Lightning Location Relative Humidity Maintenance Applications Chip Sealing Patching Striping Seal Coating Herbicide Application & Spraying Mowing Sweeping/Cleaning

14. 14 MODSS: Maintenance Activities Weather Observations & Forecasts Air Temperature Pavement Temperature Wind Speed/Gusts Wind Direction Rain Chances Rain Amount Lightning Location Relative Humidity Maintenance Applications Weed Control Bridge & Deck Repairs Setting Signs Tree Trimming Small Wedge/ Level Paving Ditch/Culvert Maintenance

15. 15 MODSS: Traffic Mgmt Stakeholders State DOT Participants (8) Traffic Management

16. 16 MODSS: Traffic Mgmt Today Weather is typically not integrated with operations Many rely on watching maintenance personnel actions Use loop detectors/cameras to monitor traffic volumes Most do not have plans for or the capability to modify signal timing in response to weather Most are reactive to weather (e.g. only using DMS for cautionary phrases)

17. 17 MODSS: Traffic Mgmt Future Integrated weather, pavement, traffic & road attribute data with decision support Weather-related traffic signal timing Variable speed limits based upon prevailing road weather conditions Enhanced road weather information for travelers Proactive traffic management with respect to weather

18. 18 Contact Information Paul Pisano –Team Leader, FHWA Road Weather Management –Paul.Pisano@dot.gov –202-366-1301 Next MODSS Maintenance Meeting –September 18-19, 2007, Kansas City, MO Next MODSS Traffic Management Meeting –In coordination with the next TMC Pooled-Fund Meeting (TBD)