Title

Assessment and Recommendations for Using High-Resolution Weather Information to Improve Winter Maintenance Operations

Authors

Michael Baldwin, Purdue UniversityFollow
Kimberly Hoogewind, Purdue UniversityFollow
Derrick Snyder, Purdue UniversityFollow
Matthew Price, Purdue UniversityFollow
R. Jeffrey Trapp, Purdue UniversityFollow

Recommended Citation

Baldwin, M., K. Hoogewind, D. Snyder, M. Price, and R. J. Trapp. Assessment and Recommendations for Using High-Resolution Weather Information to Improve Winter Maintenance Operations. Publication FHWA/IN/JTRP-2013/22. Joint Transportation Research Program, Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 2013. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284315224

DOI

10.5703/1288284315224

Abstract

A variety of methods for obtaining detailed analyses regarding the timing and duration of winter weather across the state of Indiana for multiple seasons were compared and evaluated during this project. Meteorological information from sources such as surface reporting stations, National Weather Service radars, and three-dimensional weather analysis and prediction systems were utilized in this work. In addition, daily weather forecasts were provided by students at Purdue University during the 2012-13 winter season. These forecasts supplemented the weather forecast information already in use at INDOT. Purdue weather forecasts were systematically evaluated during this project. The results from these assessments are provided in this report, along with a set of recommendations for sources of detailed weather information to be utilized by INDOT in future winter seasons.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2013/22

Keywords

winter maintenance, road weather analysis, road weather forecasting

SPR Number

3718

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Sponsoring Organization

Indiana Department of Transportation

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of this Version

11-2013