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511 enhancement automates RWIS
condition alerts

Idaho might lead the nation in automating road condition alerts for its 511 Traveler Services system.

A few other states incorporate data gathered by remote weather sensors into their road reports, but Idaho may be the only state generating automated road condition alerts on the 511 website, explained Tony Ernest, coordinator of ITD’s system.

Recent enhancements to more than 100 Road Weather Information Stations (RWIS) monitoring highways throughout the state provide new tools for motorists to make safe driving decisions.

Down-looking optical sensors added to the RWIS monitors can determine actual road surface conditions, including whether a road surface is dry, snow-covered, icy or slushy. The sensors can also calculate road-surface friction, classified as good, slick or very slick. Standard weather sensors on each site detect hazardous weather conditions such as high winds or fog.

This newest enhancement to the RWIS monitors allows the stations to generate real-time active roadway and hazardous weather condition alerts and alert icons directly to ITD’s 511 system that can be currently accessed through the full-feature site. Work will soon be complete to provide similar automated alerts on the 511 trucker’s site.

Automating the process of updating ITD’s 511 site allows for faster updates, averaging every 15 minutes, and more accurate information.

When accessed, the RWIS displays camera images, weather data and a pink banner identifying any current alerts. A mouse hover over an RWIS station will highlight the area of influence for roadway conditions. A gray circle represents weather condition areas.

“I’m really pleased with the way these enhancements worked out,” said Ernest. “It’s up and working well.”

“The system additions will be useful to travelers during all seasons, not just winter,” he added.