In Brief
The Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) sought to enhance its snow maintenance program to make their plowing efforts more efficient and ensure safer winter road conditions. Collaborating with Resource Data and an Idaho tech company, ITD implemented the Winter Automated Reporting System (WARS). This system leverages GIS data from snowplows to monitor weather conditions and areas plowed, and integrates with multiple state systems.
Challenge
The ITD is responsible for maintaining 12,000 miles of highway during winter with a fleet of 450 snowplows. To manage plowing operations effectively, ITD needed a robust system to track plow routes, driver hours, highways plowed, and materials used. The goal was to improve plowing management and overall efficiency of operations.
Solution
Resource Data, in collaboration with a local tech company, developed the Winter Automated Reporting System (WARS) for ITD. Our Boise-based team provided GIS expertise and business analysis to design and implement the system.
WARS collects and processes GIS data from snowplows, capturing information about weather conditions, areas plowed, plow blades, and materials dispensed by the plow on each route. Sensors on each plow records data every six seconds, which is then uploaded daily. The system integrates this data with ITD’s existing systems, including its GIS, asset management, payroll, and linear reference systems. A Resource Data analyst developed interactive reporting tools, enabling ITD staff to easily view, analyze, and report on snowplow data.
Approach
Resource Data approached the project by leveraging their GIS expertise and thorough business analysis to tailor the WARS to ITD’s needs. The integration with existing state systems was a critical component, ensuring seamless data flow and usability. By focusing on user-friendly reporting functionalities, Resource Data enabled ITD to maximize the system’s potential, ultimately improving plowing efficiency and road safety.
Of Interest
Idaho, with some regions receiving over 100 inches of annual snowfall, is among the first states to adopt such advanced technology for winter maintenance tracking. Though relatively new, WARS is anticipated to significantly enhance plowing efficiency by providing a comprehensive view of plowing and sanding activities and outcomes. The system’s integration with accident tracking systems allows ITD to correlate accident rates with plowing efforts, facilitating increased plowing in problematic areas thereby increasing winter highway safety.