New technology to assist City of Independence in better treating, preparing for winter weather

The City of Independence has installed new road sensor technology across the community to help monitor road conditions before and during winter weather.

The seven physical road sensors monitor air temperatures, precipitation levels, grip, and pavement and ground temperatures. They also use up-to-date data to provide predictive patterns to the City’s Municipal Services Division to plan the best methods of treating roads before or during a winter weather event.

Ten additional virtual sensors will give the City additional coverage across our area using weather models and available weather data. They will also allow for more detailed and specific data, which can be pulled from targeted locations.

The sensors will be used for everything related to winter operations: when to call in staff for plowing, how many staff members will be needed, how much material to use, areas of greater need and when winter is expected to start and stop.

“The information these sensors and forecasting provide will save us an estimated $50,000 annually on average by allowing us to be more targeted in our approach and making more effective use of our materials and staffing,” Streets Operations Superintendent for the City of Independence Zan McKinney said.

“We understand that the response of the City to snow on the streets is very important to our residents. I am incredibly proud of the creativity the Municipal Services team has used to find a technological solution that will not only save our residents money but help us target resources more efficiently and effectively this winter,” City Manager Zach Walker said.

Sensors began being installed in the spring. Funding for them comes from the City’s Streets Sales Tax.