DOT upgrading Road Weather Information System

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is in the process of making upgrades to their Road Weather Information System (RWIS) network across the state. The network of more than 75 RWIS locations, most commonly used by highway travelers accessing live camera and weather feeds via Alaska 511, has required repairs and updated maintenance that the department is continuing to provide for the safety and benefit of all those who travel within the state.

“This is not just about one camera—it’s about modernizing an entire system that allows us to be proactive, efficient, and responsive,” Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson said in a press release. “The work we’ve done to repair and upgrade our RWIS infrastructure is making it easier for both the public and our crews to stay informed and stay safe.”

Most notably in their ongoing repairs and upgrades, the DOT&PF recently replaced the Turnagain Pass RWIS along the Seward Highway to become 100% solar powered.

“It's working and it's going to be a huge improvement for this winter,” DOT&PF Communications Director Shannon McCarthy said.

The Turnagain Pass RWIS, formerly operated by a diesel generator, required consistent maintenance and fuel delivery. Changing this system to run off of solar power and a high capacity battery will greatly minimize future maintenance of the site, even during the coldest and darkest months of winter.

RWIS network repairs have been ongoing for the last two and a half years. During that time, the department has made repairs and upgrades to over 20 camera systems. The DOT&PF is working to replace all old systems with higher quality cameras and with greater energy efficiency, a project that came to a halt during the COVID Pandemic.

The DOT&PF is also upgrading their Alaska 511 system, making it stronger and more reliable according to McCarthy. She said that the upgrades in both the Alaska 511 system and the RWIS network will benefit users with more accurate, consistent weather information and road conditions.

“We'll have more consistent images for them to review, fewer outages and they'll be able to not just look at our information that we post on 511, but they can see for themselves,” McCarthy said.