Road weather information systems (RWISs) can delineate the brief window of time before the onset of a winter weather event, when anti-icing chemicals must be applied to be effective. A pooled-fund consortium, known as Aurora, is taking the lead in setting and promoting a systematic agenda for RWIS-related research, including development of computer-based training for agency staff. Recent research in Canada has spotlighted another, often overlooked benefit of anti-icing programs: less salt on the roadway results in less salt runoff into the adjoining environment. The Aurora coalition, working to optimize RWISs and to enhance the effectiveness of operations that rely on RWIS data, will help agencies meet the goals of enhancing safety for winter travelers, reducing maintenance costs, and minimizing the amount of road salts that seep into the roadside environment.
Samenvatting