Snowplows

To support snowplow operators in low-visibility conditions, a snowplow driver-assist system was developed to provide the driver with lane guidance and forward obstacle detection feedback. The guidance system used a real-time kinematic global navigation satellite system receiver and high accuracy digital maps of the roadway to communicate lateral positions of the snowplow to the driver.

The Connected Vehicle Traveler Alert System project was implemented to increase traveler awareness and subsequently increase safety of the traveling public by notifying them of upcoming maintenance vehicles or snowplows that may not have been in the line of sight. This was tested by sending maintenance vehicle location data gathered by an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system to a MnDOT server where the data was sent to: • The Transportation Management Center (TMC) which allowed for the display of a dynamic message sign (DMS) message to the traveling public that a maintenance vehicle was ahead. • An application running on a smart phone/mobile device of drivers who were approaching the maintenance vehicle at a specified distance.

The Smart Snelling project was comprised of two main components: • Testing a third-party application to provide users signal phasing and timing (SPaT) information. • Testing snowplow signal priority. MnDOT and Ramsey County installed connected vehicle technology equipment at 16 intersections owned by MnDOT and Ramsey County. The project tested the equipment’s ability to provide snowplow signal priority by communicating with the onboard unit on the plow truck. The project also tested the “TravelSafely” mobile phone application’s capabilities to provide real-time information accurately and effectively about signal phasing and timing to inform travelers of phase changes, red-light running, and presence of pedestrians/cyclists.

You're Killin' Me Squalls is one of the winners of the 2024 Name a Snowplow contest. It plows in District 6.

Waipahinte is one of the winners of the 2024 Name a Snowplow contest. It plows in District 8.

Taylor Drift is one of the winners from the 2024 Name a Snowplow contest. It plows in District 2.

Fast and Flurrious is one of the winners of the 2024 Name a Snowplow contest. It plows in District 7.

Dolly Plowton is one of the winners of the 2024 Name a Snowplow contest. It plows in District 1.

Clark W. Blizzwald is one of the winners from the 2024 Name a Snowplow Contest. It plows in District 3.

Beyonsleigh is one of the winning names from the 2024 Name a Snowplow Contest. It plows in District 4.