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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
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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)
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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
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MDSS: Requirements Gathering…
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MDSS Modules: Data Input
National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System
Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface
National Weather Service Data
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MDSS Modules: Data Fusion
National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System
Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface
Road Weather Forecast System
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MDSS Modules: Customization
National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System
Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User Interface Road Cond & Treatment Module
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MDSS Modules: GUI
National Weather Service Data Road Weather Forecast System
Road Cond & Treatment ModuleMDSS Graphical User InterfaceMDSS Graphical User Interface
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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
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MODSS: High-level View
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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
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MODSS: Maintenance Stakeholders
State DOT Participants (8)
Maintenance Beyond Snow & Ice
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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
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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
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MODSS: Traffic Mgmt Stakeholders
State DOT Participants (8)
Traffic Management
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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)
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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
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Contact Information
• Paul Pisano– Team Leader, FHWA Road Weather
Management– [email protected]– 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)
