If icy weather occurs this winter, the NTTA will be prepared. In fact, the NTTA received a national award earlier this year for its superior response to icy road conditions. The Authority accepted an Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award from the American Public Works Association, a national educational and professional group.

 

With safety the number-one concern at the NTTA, the Authority uses cutting-edge technology to monitor roadway conditions and swiftly respond to icy conditions. The Authority initially installed its Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) in 2004 at the Dallas North Tollway (DNT)/President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) Interchange to measure pavement temperature and surface conditions on its roads, bridges and elevated ramps. Two more sets of sensors were installed in 2006 at the PGBT/I-35 and PGBT/I-635 Interchanges. 

 

The Command Center uses an internet web browser to view pavement sensor information gathered by a pavement sensor server located at Main Lane Plaza 7. Command Center staff members monitor the roadways 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

 

If freezing conditions begin to develop, the Command Center responds by dispatching maintenance crews and vehicles to the scene. The NTTA has sand stock piles at the President George Bush Turnpike and the 121 Tollway that it can use to spread on slick pavement.

 

The Command Center also notifies motorists and suggests alternate routes, if necessary.