Blow Ice Detection and Advanced Warning System

Transcription

1 Blow Ice Detection and Advanced Warning System Concept of Operations Final MnDOT OTST MnDOT District 8 September 2013 SRF No. 8221

2 Table of Contents Purpose and Scope... 1 Document Purpose... 1 Project Scope... 1 Related Documentation... 2 Background... 3 Concept for the Proposed System... 4 Proposed System and Potential Alternatives... 4 Proposed Project Phasing... 5 User-Oriented Operational Description... 6 System Users... 6 Operations... 6 Project Stakeholders... 6 Operational Needs... 7 Vision... 7 Goals... 7 Personnel Needs... 7 Operational Environment... 8 Support Environment... 9 Operational Scenarios System Operations During a Winter Event System Operations Following a Winter Event Summary of Impacts Operational Impacts Organizational Impacts Impacts During Implementation Assessing System Performance H:\Projects\8221\IT\Con Ops\ Concept of Operations - Final docx Concept of Operations i SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

3 Purpose and Scope This document provides a high-level concept of operations for the Blow Ice Detection and Advanced Warning System (BIDAWS) that is to be implemented on Trunk Highway (TH) 12 in Minnesota Department of Transportation s (MnDOT) District 8 near Cokato, Minnesota. Document Purpose This Concept of Operations document for the BIDAWS provides a description of the existing conditions and the expected operations of the proposed system. This document is written from the user s perspective. It will serve as an instrument for stakeholder discussion and consensus building to ensure that the system meets stakeholder expectations. This Concept of Operations provides documentation that satisfies the requirements of FHWA Rule 23 CFR Project Scope The goal of this project is to design, construct, and evaluate a BIDAWS using commercial off-theshelf (COTS) components. The COTS components should be non-experimental, designed for the roadside environment, cost effective, and use standard software. The system will provide real-time detection, processing, communications, and display a warning so that drivers and MnDOT maintenance personnel are aware of the icy conditions that exist on this section of roadway. The roadside warnings may be provided using standard flashing beacons in association with a warning sign containing appropriate wording. Custom/specialty and/or blank-out signage may also be considered. Notification to MnDOT maintenance personnel will allow appropriate corrective action when the conditions exist. Concept of Operations 1 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

4 Related Documentation A literature review identified the supporting documents listed in Table 1 that are related to strategic plans, policies, implementation, operations, and maintenance. Table 1. Related Documentation Document Minnesota Statewide ITS Strategic Plan MnDOT ITS Annual Report Minnesota Statewide Regional ITS Architecture MN MUTCD Description The ITS Strategic Plan is a guide for the development and deployment of an integrated statewide program for Intelligent Transportation Systems. The MnDOT ITS Annual Report reviews research, demonstrations, and operational tests of technology based transportation solutions conducted by MnDOT OTST. The Minnesota Statewide Regional ITS Architecture represents a shared vision of how each agency s systems work together by sharing information and resources to enhance transportation safety, efficiency, capacity, mobility and security. The Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MN MUTCD) has been established to provide a uniform policy for all traffic control devices on all public streets, roads and highways within the State of Minnesota. Concept of Operations 2 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

5 Background Trunk Highway 12 between Dassel-Cokato High School and Cokato has a history of snow and sleet blowing across the road, freezing, and creating icy conditions. These conditions, referred to as blow ice, can develop in this relatively short section of TH 12 even when the rest of the highway may be clear and dry. Not only does this condition violate drivers expectations, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries, it also prevents MnDOT from attaining their goal of clear roadways during the winter months. This project will provide a design for an ice detection and advanced warning system that alerts drivers when the pavement becomes icy. COTS products will be used to provide active, real-time warnings that will alert drivers of the icy roadway conditions. With the District 8 maintenance facility located in Hutchinson, approximately 25 miles away, responding to this isolated condition without real-time information is time consuming and costly. The proposed system will also inform MnDOT District 8 Maintenance when these conditions exist so that they may respond to the condition more quickly and efficiently. Concept of Operations 3 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

6 Concept for the Proposed System Proposed System and Potential Alternatives The overall concept of the system is relatively straightforward and leaves minimal alternatives. However, the components used to operate this system are all customizable and there are many combinations which provide for many different system alternatives. Table 2 describes the different components required to operate the system and several of the many options available for each component. Figure 1 shows the relationship of the proposed components. Table 2. System Component Alternatives Component Options Description Power Source Detection Information Processing Communication Internal (between components of the system) Communication External (between the system and outside devices) Commercial Service Solar Array In-Pavement Sensor Non-Invasive Sensor RPU Cable/Conduit (Buried) Wireless Radio Cell Modem Establish a new service via the local electricity provider Provide a DC-powered system using solar panels for each device Install a sensor within the roadway using saw cutting and boring Install a pole-mounted sensor in the right-of-way of the roadway This will operate as the brains of the system, telling each component when to activate or communicate with other components Traditional means of installing cable and conduit between devices for system communication Using wireless technology to transmit signals between system devices over un-licensed radio bands Would act as a cellular device and send data over a wireless-provider s network to outside devices via e- mail or SMS CCTV IP Video Camera Video transmission to check roadway conditions Remote Control Display/Warning Control Via Internet Control Via Local Switch Static Sign with Beacon LED Blank-out Sign System can be activated by accessing an Internet web page System can be activated using a switch inside the field cabinet Standard sign with flashing amber beacon Sign that illuminates a message upon activation messages are hidden until sign activates Concept of Operations 4 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

7 Figure 1. Concept Proposed Project Phasing One of the unknown factors in this project is the accuracy with which the sensors will be able to produce the ice warning. A system that produces unreliable information could lead to complacent drivers and inefficient maintenance operations. For that reason, it is proposed that the project be constructed in three phases. Table 3 provides a description of the proposed phases. Table 3. Proposed Project Phasing Phase Schedule Description Phase 1 Fall 2013-Winter 2013 Install power source, sensor, RPU, and communications equipment. Test the system to ensure accurate information is being collected and the sensor is placed in an appropriate location. Phase 2 Winter 2013 Field test and adjust the system using the data collected in order to produce a more accurate and reliable system. Phase 3 Spring 2014-Fall 2014 Install the dynamic warning signs if the system has been proven to produce reliable information. Concept of Operations 5 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

8 User-Oriented Operational Description System Users MnDOT maintenance personnel will be responsible for responding to alerts provided by the system and clearing the roadway. MnDOT operations personnel will be responsible for monitoring the operations of the system and performing annual maintenance. Operations Under normal operating conditions, there will likely be no interagency interaction. MnDOT will be solely responsible for the operational process of the system. Additionally, the system will not require a complex sequence of operations. Project Stakeholders Table 4 identifies key stakeholders and their role in the BIDAWS project. Table 4. List of Stakeholders Stakeholder MnDOT District 8 MnDOT District 3B MnDOT OTST MnDOT ESS MnDOT Maintenance Wright County Sheriff Dassel-Cokato High School Role System monitoring and operations Project coordination and partnership Project coordination and partnership System maintenance and troubleshooting System inspection and maintenance Emergency response and public awareness Project coordination, partnership, and driver education Concept of Operations 6 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

9 Operational Needs Vision Since there is no existing system in place, the proposed warning system will seek to improve roadway safety and maintenance operations at this location during the winter season. Goals The two primary goals of the proposed system are as follows: Reduce roadway departure and head-on collision crash types. Improve maintenance response time and efficiency. Table 5 provides the current limitations and the identified operational needs for the future system that will aid in attaining the aforementioned goals. Table 5. Current Limitations and Future Operational Needs Current Limitations The driving public is unaware of the icy conditions that can develop unexpectedly on this section of roadway. MnDOT maintenance personnel have no means of determining whether this section of roadway is icy without making a trip to the site. Operational Needs for Future System The future system should provide useful, accurate, reliable, real-time visual notification when icy roadway conditions exist. The future system should provide useful, accurate, reliable, real-time electronic notifications to MnDOT maintenance personnel when the roadway becomes icy. It should also require little maintenance and operator intervention. Personnel Needs When operating under normal conditions, no additional personnel will be needed. During system failure, MnDOT personnel or contractors may need to repair components. Some training will be required so that MnDOT personnel can effectively operate and maintain the system. Concept of Operations 7 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

10 Operational Environment Since this is an isolated system that uses COTS products, the environment required to operate will be straightforward. The physical support for the system will be limited to the roadside and any electronic devices used for receiving alerts sent to maintenance personnel. The personnel support for the system will be MnDOT District 8 Maintenance. Maintenance personnel will use the CCTV to verify proper operations and monitor conditions when the warning is active. Concept of Operations 8 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

11 Support Environment Maintenance under normal operations should be minimal. However, identifying and troubleshooting failure has not been readily established. Currently, aside from a CCTV visual check, there is no means for determining if the system is operational. The data is not being recorded or checked other than with alerts. Maintenance personnel could regularly perform a physical check to see if the system is operational by creating ice and/or checking communications links. An additional monitoring component, such as a network-connected CCTV, could be added to the system in order to monitor the operational status of the system. Concept of Operations 9 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

12 Operational Scenarios This section provides two scenarios in which the BIDAWS would be used to fulfill MnDOT s operational needs. The scenarios were developed collaboratively by design personnel. System Operations during a Winter Event On Tuesday, January 21st at 10:15 AM, the National Weather Service reports a fast moving winter storm approaching and declares a blizzard warning for central and southern Minnesota to be in effect until 2:00 AM on January 22nd. The storm is expected to produce up to ten inches of snow with strong winds out of the northwest. MnDOT District 8 maintenance personnel are notified and prepare for the storm. As the storm works its way across Minnesota, MnDOT maintenance personnel work diligently to clear roads and apply salt. In the meantime, extremely icy conditions have developed on TH 12 near Cokato, MN. The BIDAWS detects ice and sends an alert to maintenance personnel. These conditions are confirmed via the CCTV. Before maintenance personnel are able to clear the roadway between Dassel-Cokato High School and Cokato, MN, the system also activates the warning signs to notify drivers of the icy conditions. Drivers slow down in response to the warning. Around 1:00 AM the storm is starting to leave the area and maintenance crews are starting to head back toward the District Maintenance Facility. However, between the first clearing of the subject roadway and this time, icy conditions have developed again. Maintenance personnel are again notified by the system and are able to react accordingly. These conditions may also be confirmed via the CCTV. In the time between the development of the icy conditions and the return of maintenance personnel, the system notifies drivers of the icy conditions System Operations Following a Winter Event On Friday, January 24, 2014, a few days after a blizzard dropped nine inches of snow in the Dassel- Cokato area, wind speeds pick up in the afternoon and continue through the evening. Even though most roads remain clear, the segment of TH 12 between Dassel-Cokato High School and Cokato, MN becomes extremely icy. Following a narrow defeat at the hands of the Dassel-Cokato Chargers, the Spartans of the Orono High School basketball team board the bus to make the trip back to Orono. Prior to the end of the game, MnDOT maintenance personnel received an alert from the BIDAWS and were able to respond and clear the icy conditions. These conditions also could have been confirmed by the CCTV. As players and fans depart from the school, the advanced warning sign is no longer activated. Concept of Operations 10 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

13 Summary of Impacts This section summarizes the impacts that the BIDAWS will have on MnDOT District 8 operations. Operational Impacts The deployment of the BIDAWS on TH 12 should have a positive impact on MnDOT winter maintenance operations and improve safety on the roadway. By providing real-time pavement condition information, MnDOT personnel will be able to more efficiently respond to icy conditions as they develop. Integration of LED or beacon-equipped signage will provide visual notification to drivers when icy conditions exist and alert them to use caution when traveling on the section of the roadway. Organizational Impacts MnDOT District 8 personnel will need to be trained to maintain and operate the BIDAWS and integrate the information provided by the system into their response procedure. Impacts During Implementation The Contractor and MnDOT construction personnel will collaborate to ensure that traffic impacts during construction are mitigated. Proper traffic control must be implemented; however, the construction of the system will likely only require shoulder and lane closures. MnDOT District 8 personnel will be notified of the construction schedule. Assessing System Performance The performance and effectiveness of the system will be evaluated after implementation according to the forthcoming evaluation plan. This procedure will involve data collection and analysis to determine whether the system was effective in providing the detection, processing, communications, and display so that drivers and MnDOT maintenance personnel are aware of the icy conditions when they exist on this section of the roadway. Concept of Operations 11 SRF Consulting Group, Inc.