BLACK ICE DETECTION AND ROAD CLOSURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OKLAHOMA (FHWA-OK-14-01 2239)

Abstract

Black ice is a thin coating of glazed ice on roadways or other transportation surfaces. Black ice has identical appearance with black pavement and wet road, and it often forms during calm weather. It is highly transparent and thus difficult to see. Black ice usually forms at night or early morning, first on bridges and overpasses (due to their elevated nature and being exposed on all sides), then on the roads as temperatures continue to drop. In this project, we develop a prototype decision support system (DSS) to predict and detect black ice formation and pin point dangerous road sections. To reduce accidents caused by back ice, a wireless controlled module control would activate ice-warning and lane-closure signals and lights remotely. The DSS will help Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) make prompt and effective decisions to reduce the number of traffic accidents caused by ice.