Case Study

Tasmanian State Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources (DIER)

DIER are the State government agency responsible for management of Tasmania’s state and federal transport infrastructure. As part of the fulfillment of that duty, they let contracts for routine road maintenance services. Stornoway is contracted to undertake routine services under the Southern Tasmanian Long Term Road Maintenance Contract.

Challenge

Under the requirements of the Southern Tasmanian Long Term Road Maintenance Contract, Stornoway is required to provide effective emergency response services, including dealing with ice affected areas of road across 1260 kms of road network. This work is reactive and generally undertaken between the hours of 5am to 7am the morning after the cold weather is forecast. Given the variable nature of ice formation, it is not possible to find and treat all icy areas prior to road users coming across them.

The challenge was to develop a remote warning system that makes drivers aware of the hazardous conditions without maintenance workers having to be present.

Solution

Stornoway developed permanent signs with temperature sensitive switches that activate a set of flashing lights when the air temperature dropped to zero degrees, a temperature considered the most likely to have to occur before ice or frost formed on the road surface. We also had to set the switch to turn off once the temperature reached five degrees – the frost and ice most likely having melted at this stage.

The idea of installing these signs was presented to DIER who agreed to trial one site of significant concern in an area where the sign’s effectiveness could be monitored. A well known local site – Dysart Hill Cutting on the Midland Highway – was selected.

Results

The sign was seen to be very effective. It caught motorist’s attention and slowed the majority down. Such was the success of the trial, Stornoway installed three additional sets of signs the following year at our own expense. DIER have subsequently installed an additional six sets of signs strategically placed to enhance safety around the network. Where the signs have been erected we have noticed a considerable reduction in minor accidents.