The benefits of including weather information in traffic control systems are described with reference to systems under trial in Germany. On the autobahn between Ulm and Stuttgart the GFS 2000 system comprises various air and ground probes which detect road surface and air conditions and can activate warning signs under predetermined conditions. The system utilises `active' sensor technology in that road surface scenarios are simulated before they develop. The formation of ice can be reliably predicted with the presence of any residual thawing agent taken into account. On the steel bridge over the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Rheine the GFS-controlled TMS 2000 automatic thawing agent spray system has been installed. Thawing agent is sprayed a few moments before ice formation. Use of the system is reported to have reduced accidents by over 50% and reduced the consumption of thawing agent.
Abstract