This paper was presented at the session titled `Road weather information systems(RWIS): an emerging technology'. Potential rural Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications for Alberta's highway system can be found in winter maintenance operations. In partnership with Alberta Infrastructure, Volker Stevin Contacting Ltd. (a private maintenance company operating in the Lethbridge region) began a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking trial with a fleet of seventeen snowplow trucks. The system would record accurately the movements of the trucks, the application of spread material, the actions of the plow, and transmit the data wirelessly, and finally reduce the data into work performed. This was a follow-up to previous small-scale trials begun by the government and the new study's purpose was to evaluate and document quantifiable benefits. These potential benefits included: replace existing labour-intensive log books with an electronic method of capturing actual work performed and generating invoices; provide accountability and optimise usage of chemicals; provide the department with a speedy and accurate tool to track and audit contractors' work; assist in resolving any public disputes. Another example of ITS application in action in winter maintenance was the use of an Eaton Vorad radar-based Collision Warning System (CWS) on a Volker Stevin Contacting snowplow truck. It consists of two radar sensors - one for the front of the truck to warn of errant or parked vehicles and the rear to warn the plow driver of fast-approaching traffic. The rear radar was the first time used in such an application in the world. The obvious intended impact is to reduce preventable incidents and collisions. (A)
Abstract