Emphasize Importance of Initial Calibration in Road Weather Management Accounting for Site-Specific Variability.
Dual Use Safety Technology Warning System Implemented in Arizona for Dust Storm Alerts Provided Lessons Learned on Technology and Implementation.
Date Posted
02/24/2025
Cochise County
Cochise County,
Arizona,
United States
Identifier
2025-L01249
Arizona Department of Transportation Dual Use Safety Technology (DUST) Warning System
Summary Information
Dust storms are unpredictable events that can significantly disrupt traffic and create unsafe conditions due to reduced visibility. This project introduces the Dual Use Safety Technology (DUST) Warning System, implemented along rural I-10 in Cochise County, Arizona, to enhance road safety during dust storms. The DUST system employs multiple ESS, as well as precipitation and visibility sensors, forming a comprehensive sensor array. In addition, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are used to detect potential low-visibility conditions, enabling timely warnings to mitigate traffic risks.
- Emphasize importance of initial calibration in road weather management accounting for site-specific variability. This would allow the operators to adjust system sensitivity to minimize false alarms in dust storm alerts.
- Allocate operating and maintenance funds to sustain the system, beyond the initial cost for installation. Training on how to operate and maintain the system is a critical item in the funding to be allocated.
- Integrate other measures and engage stakeholders into the technology implementation as needed. The degree of integration, such as online data sharing, or simultaneous system monitoring by multiple agencies should be carefully assessed.
- Use a qualified consultant for specifying, procuring, and installing the technology. This kind of practice should also include a warranty period as well as training and field assistance by the vendor to public-sector Department personnel.
- Pay special attention to data collection, storage and archiving. Any liability concerns regarding data recording could be addressed with consistent communication using a collaborative approach.
- Periodically review weather, crash, and system performance data to validate the system cost effectiveness. A meaningful assessment could justify the technology implementation costs.
Arizona Department of Transportation Dual Use Safety Technology (DUST) Warning System
Arizona Department of Transportation Dual Use Safety Technology (DUST) Warning System
Source Publication Date
01/01/2022
Publisher
Prepared by Arizona DOT for FHWA
Other Reference Number
FHWA-HOP-22-071
Taxonomy (ARC-IT)
Weather »
Weather Information Processing and Distribution (WX02)
