Iowa Field Tests Snowplow of the Future
Iowa Department of Transportation's state-of-the-art snowplow can beam its location, air and pavement temperatures, and road traction data instantly to State road operations centers. The instant information will improve road condition forecasts and make it easier to manage plow operations for maximum efficiency and safety.
The prototype Iowa snow plow can tell you the temperature of pavement. Equipped with a GPS receiver, temperature sensors, and a friction meter, this plow is so sophisticated that it's not even called a snowplow. It's a "Prototype Concept Highway Maintenance Vehicle." Other advanced technologies on the vehicle include rear-mounted sensors to detect obstacles behind the plow and an engine power booster system fueled by alcohol.
The field evaluation of the vehicle is being funded under FHWA's Priority Technologies Program. Michigan and Minnesota are partners in the project and will also be getting prototype vehicles soon.
The prototype vehicle looks like a typical snowplow, but it is loaded with equipment donated by companies in the United States, Canada, and Norway. If the initial field tests (scheduled for 1997-1998) prove promising, 10 more prototypes will be built for each of the three partnering States.
-- Richard McComb, (202) 366-2792.
