Road friction sensors are high-tech tools that can quickly indicate slippery spots on roadways. Iowa DOT uses these sensors to better understand where salt or other deicing treatments are needed most; however, not all sensors produce the same results and their high cost means they can only be placed in key areas.
To ensure the data collected is reliable and better understand road conditions in locations without sensors, Iowa DOT and 18 other states shared the costs of testing different sensors under simulated conditions and developing a computer model that can use weather and atmospheric data to infer the level of friction on the road.
As more data is collected over the time, Iowa DOT will eventually be able to predict road friction anywhere in the state.
This project was recently awarded a 2023 AASHTO High Value Research Award in the Safety Focus area. Learn more about this award highlighted in a recent News item.
Learn more about this project in Iowa DOT’s new research brief, and check out other Iowa DOT research efforts on the News & Publications page.
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