MnDot Snowplows Testing Technology That Targets Slick Roads [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- MnDot is participating in a new study that federal officials hope will reduce traffic crashes and save on road maintenance costs.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research have designed a sensor that will be placed on snowplows to help measure road and weather conditions.

MnDot spokesman J.P. Gillach says that about 300 trucks statewide will have the sensor on them.

Gillach says the sensor uses cell technology to help provide data that will eventually lead to more accurate data when it comes to winter weather conditions.

The system is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The system, known as the Pikalert™ Enhanced Maintenance Decision Support System (EMDSS), will be tested in Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, and Long Island, N.Y.

For more information about the new technology visit the link to the National Center for Atmospheric Research website.