A Statement of Task
This study will examine the research opportunities and required services needed to support improved weather-related information for the nation’s roadways. It will investigate the current state of knowledge regarding road weather conditions (observed and predicted) and recommend key areas of research to enhance operational production of weather-related information for roads. In addition, it will identify possible agency requirements and the observational, computing, and communication infrastructure needed to best provide this information to users. It will have a practical focus, stressing not just research opportunities but how to make this information useful for improved operations and implementation. In essence, the study will provide a framework and recommendations to engage the transportation and weather communities (and other stakeholders) in the development of a strategic plan to guide road weather research and, where appropriate, surface transportation more generally. Topics to be addressed will include:
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Briefly describe the nature and scope of road weather issues and general economic impacts.
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Characterize the current state of road-related weather research, including status of ongoing Federal Highway Administration activities and other federal and state activities, status of activities within the meteorological community, and challenges presented by the interdisciplinary nature of the problems.
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Identify gaps in the scientific knowledge base needed to support improved weather-related information for roadways and recommend research areas to increase understanding of weather specific to roads.
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Discuss how research can be designed so it clearly supports operations and leads most efficiently to practical applications and discuss the scientific and technical feasibility of developing useful weather information.
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Identify needs within the meteorological infrastructure that would be necessary to establish effective road weather research and operational capabilities.