A report released from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) showed that the implementation of a Road Condition Reporting Application by the Wyoming DOT was successful.
Weather Responsive Traffic Management (WRTM) involves implementation of traffic advisory, control and treatment strategies in direct response to anticipated or occurring roadway and visibility issues that result from forecasted or deteriorating weather conditions. WRTM also includes providing proactive advisories and control strategies based on forecasted weather conditions, and not just the after effects of those conditions.
The initial WRTM project implementation included the development of a new software application to improve the way maintenance staff report road conditions from the field. The App is used by WYDOT maintenance personnel to report road weather information to the TMC, recommend variable speed limit changes, report snow performance measures, and report a number of different traffic incidents including crashes and road hazards. In addition, the App is used to share information with maintenance employees, including the road conditions that are reported to the public, variable speed limit information, weather information, messages posted on dynamic message signs, and map-based asset location information.
Results from the FHWA report state that the use of the WYDOT Road Condition Reporting Application improved the effectiveness and efficiency of road condition reporting and traffic management center activities during weather events. WYDOT plans to expand the installation of the application in as many as 150 vehicles for the next winter season.
