1

Extending theMaintenance Decision Support

SystemInvestment

Andrew SternMeteorologist, Noblis Inc.

FHWA Road Weather Management Team

ITS America Annual Meeting, Palm Springs, CASession 17, Monday June 4, 2007

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

State DOT Participation in Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS)

2000 - 2007

40 State DOTs + DC

Local & Int’l StakeholdersOntario Ministry of TransportationEnvironment CanadaCity of Grand Prairie, TXDallas Area Rapid TransitCity/County of Denver, CONew York State Thruway Authority

4

MDSS: Requirements Gathering…

5

MDSS Modules: Data Input

National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System

Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface

National Weather Service Data

6

MDSS Modules: Data Fusion

National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System

Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface

Road Weather Forecast System

7

MDSS Modules: Customization

National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System

Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface Road Cond & Treatment Module

8

MDSS Modules: GUI

National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System

Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User InterfaceMDSS Graphical User Interface

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

MODSS: High-level View

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

MODSS: Maintenance Stakeholders

State DOT Participants (8)

Maintenance Beyond Snow & Ice

13

MODSS: Maintenance Activities

Weather Observations

& Forecasts• Air Temperature• Pavement

Temperature• Wind Speed/Gusts• Wind Direction• Rain Chances• Rain Amount• Lightning Location• Relative Humidity

MaintenanceApplications

• Chip Sealing• Patching• Striping• Seal Coating• Herbicide

Application & Spraying

• Mowing• Sweeping/

Cleaning

14

MODSS: Maintenance Activities

Weather Observations

& Forecasts• Air Temperature• Pavement

Temperature• Wind Speed/Gusts• Wind Direction• Rain Chances• Rain Amount• Lightning Location• Relative Humidity

MaintenanceApplications

• Weed Control• Bridge & Deck

Repairs• Setting Signs• Tree Trimming• Small Wedge/

Level Paving• Ditch/Culvert

Maintenance

15

MODSS: Traffic Mgmt Stakeholders

State DOT Participants (8)

Traffic Management

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

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

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)