Technology is helping snow plow drivers clear roads more effectively
Technology on snow plows is becoming nearly as important as the salt the drivers use to keep the roads clear and people safe.
Heavy snow hasn't hit the pavement in Waukesha County yet this year, but when it does, plow drivers will be ready.
VIDEO: Snow plow technology helps track road conditions
Waukesha County Highway Operations Manager Peter Chladil said there are five sensors on each truck -- four across the front and one on the back. They help determine the amount of salt or brine to put on the roads.
One of the most valuable tools for any driver is the temperature sensor located on the front of the truck. It relays air and road temperature information from the outside back inside the truck.
In a snow storm, the pavement temperature makes a big difference.
“If the driver knows, ‘Hey my pavement temperature is going down below 20 degrees, I can’t use salt brine any more as my pre-wet, I better put my beet juice mixture in,’” Chladil said.
That helps to de-ice the roads more quickly. The trucks are also tracked by GPS and monitored on computers back at the shop.
“Gives me, again, his speed, the type of material he's using,” Chladil said.
This identifies the most effective plow routes.
“The technology helps us reduce our salt usage, save us money, be better for the environment,” Chladil said.
The technology helps Waukesha County try to reach its goal of having 90 percent of roads cleared two hours after the final snowflakes have fallen.
Waukesha County is still waiting for more salt to be delivered. It received 1,500 tons over the weekend, but used most of that Saturday night.