Montanas 511 System

1
Montanas 511 System

• Brandi Hamilton, Traveler Information Coordinator
• Montana Department of Transportation
• Presented at National 511 Conference
• San Diego, CA

2
Overview

• MDTs 511 Weather Content
• Differences in weather forecasting
• Benefits of area specific forecasts
• Montana National Park Information

3
MDTs 511 Weather Info

• MDT
• Provides RWIS Information
• 63 RWIS Sites Statewide
• Operated and Supported by MDT Staff
• Data is delivered via FTP to Meridian Operations
  Center
• Meridian Environmental
• Location Specific Forecasts Include
• Precipitation
• Wind direction/speed
• Temperature
• Severe Weather Warnings
• Six hour forecast, updated every hour or as
  significant changes occur.

4
MDTs 511 Weather Info

• Benefits of Meridian Forecasts
• Localized for specific roadway segment
• Improved Traveler Safety
• More Efficient Maintenance Operations

5
Differences in Forecasting

• Traditional Weather Forecast
• TonightMostly cloudy with a a 20 percent chance
  of rain. Breezy. Lows near 50 above. North winds
  15 to 25 MPH.
• Roadway Specific Forecast
• Skies will be mostly cloudy
• Visibility will be 10 miles
• There will be occasional thunderstorms
• Winds will be 10 miles gusting to 20 miles per
  hour from the west/southwest
• Temperatures will range from 60-65 degrees
  decreasing to 50-55 degrees

6
Why integrate area specific weather forecasts?

• Provide travelers route specific condition
  information during adverse weather
• Improve planning and allocation of materials and
  labor
• Winter Maintenance
• Construction

7
Montanas National Park Information
8
Glacier National Park Information

• Existing feature on 511
• Partnership with GNP
• GNP provides park info
• GNP associated costs
• Formal agreements
• MOU

9
Yellowstone National Park Information

• Planned feature on 511
• Partnership with YNP, ITD, and WYDOT
• Potentially build YNP into MT database
• Potential for XML feed
• Potential duplication of 511 information onto YNP
  phone line and HAR
• Formal agreement expected

10
Questions?

• Brandi Hamilton
• Traveler Information Coordinator
• MDT Maintenance Division
• [phone]
• brhamilton_at_mt.gov