Digital road condition monitoring for efficient and sustainable Winter Maintenance

Important results from the project

The project aimed to evaluate benefits of using digital winter road condition information as a system support for improving the efficiency of winter road maintenance. The goal was: - Evaluate the use of digital winter road condition information for more efficient winter maintenance. - Implementation of digital winter weather information by identifying and implementing the necessary adaptations in terms of organization, operations and working methods. - Apply digital winter road maintenance information as system support for winter road maintenance.

Expected long term effects

The project is expected to have the following effects: - cost-efficient winter road maintenance due to optimized winter road maintenance. - Reduction of negative environmental impact of winter road maintenance through reduced use of de-icing salt and reduced emissions. - Reduction of traffic accident costs through improved road surface condition. - Increased gender equality due to a more attractive and modernized work environment. Several of the expected effects described above have already been realized, such as fewer slips and improved winter road maintenance quality.

Approach and implementation

The project was conducted as a system demonstration where the digital tools for winter road maintenance were tested and evaluated during two winters. Prerequisites for the implementation of the results were created. To justify the implementation, a cost-benefit analysis was carried out, which showed major benefits in the form of savings in winter road maintenance costs and reduced costs for traffic accidents. A tender document for the procurement of the digital tools was produced. Needs for adaptations of the working methods and organization were identified and implemented.