Nov. 10, 2004
For more information contact:
Dennis Burkheimer
515-239-1355 or 515-290-2713
Pavement temperatures key to DOT road treatment strategy
AMES,
Iowa – Air temperature is one of the most often reported pieces of weather
data. Although it’s important information to know if you’re getting dressed
to spend a day outside, detecting pavement temperature is more important for
motorists and the Iowa Department of Transportation during winter operations.
Pavement
temperature is one of the keys to determine how the DOT will treat the roadways
during the winter months. Dennis Burkheimer, winter operations administrator,
says that earlier in the winter season ground temperatures help warm the surface
temperature, which helps with snow removal. Bridges, ramps and overpasses are
surrounded by air and often have the same temperature as the air. This can pose
problems for motorists, especially when moisture is present, because any
moisture in the area may cause freezing on a bridge, overpass or ramp. “Frost
is going to be major issue from now until late spring,” said Burkheimer.
“Our crews have already been out for about two weeks treating bridges, ramps
and overpasses on those mornings when the temperature has dropped.”
The
DOT uses a network of 53 Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) sensors that
report current pavement and subsurface temperatures along with other weather
information, to help snowfighters determine how to treat roadways.
The DOT also employs a meteorlogical service to provide customized
weather information.
To
learn more about the data used by the DOT to determine pavement treatment
strategies, visit the DOT’s weather Web site, www.dotweatherview.com. Pavement
temperature and portions of the DOT’s customized weather and frost forecasts,
along with other weather information, are available on the Web site.
To
find current road conditions, log on to 511ia.org or iowaroadconditions.org for
the latest road conditions. Once you’re on your way, you can call 511 to check
conditions on your route. Burkheimer also cautions motorists to buckle up, turn
on headlights, stop the use of cruise control, and reduce speeds as conditions
warrant.
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(Contact Dennis Burkheimer at 515-239-1355 or 515-290-2713 or dennis.burkheimer@dot.iowa.gov)