The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) recently awarded Specialty Groups, a West Virginia-based construction company, a $4.7 million contract to upgrade and install Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations statewide.
The WVDOT operates approximately 40 RWIS units which are components of the agency’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program. The units are roadside weather stations that collect data on weather and road conditions and transmit it to the WVDOT’s Traffic Management Center in Charleston.
WVDOT uses the information to alert drivers on WV 511 and other platforms about adverse weather conditions in real-time. The agency also uses the information to create site-specific forecasts for specific sections of highway, and more efficiently optimize snow removal and ice control operations.
“Making sure our weather stations have the most updated technology to provide accurate information is important to everyone traveling in West Virginia,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “Safety is a top priority, and this funding is really going to help us keep our citizens informed about any potential dangers on the roads before they happen. We want everyone traveling in West Virginia to feel secure and prepared.”
Data collected is provided to third parties, including the National Weather Service, for weather monitoring and forecasting.