Tennessee equipping 28 sites with weigh-in-motion systems
Weigh-in-motion technology is being installed at nearly 30 locations across Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has awarded a $5.3 million (Canadian dollars) contract to Canada-based International Road Dynamics Inc. for the installation of the weigh-in-motion technology on interstates and state highways, the company said in a news release.
Weigh-in-motion systems capture and record axle weights and gross vehicle weights as vehicles drive over the measurement sites at highway speeds. Data on commercial vehicle characteristics in certain transit corridors for asset management and design improvements also will be provided.
As part of Tennessee’s plan, some weigh-in-motion sites will be “co-located” with enforcement sites operated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The weigh-in-motion data will be integrated with the state highway patrol’s commercial vehicle inspection program at these locations.
Quarterhill, which owns International Road Dynamics, said its weigh-in-motion system reduces excessive highway wear and tear as well as the number of unsafe vehicles on the road.
“We are pleased to collaborate with TDOT on this project to elevate highway safety and efficiency in Tennessee,” said Chuck Myers, CEO of Quarterhill. “The deployment of advanced weigh-in-motion systems will provide vital data to facilitate effective enforcement, enhance asset management and significantly improve the safety of Tennessee’s highways. This project is our first major initiative in Tennessee, and we look forward to exploring opportunities to expand our footprint further in the state.”
A number of other states currently utilize similar weigh-in-motion systems.
One such state, New York, has drawn criticism for a first-in-the-nation bill authorizing automated truck weight enforcement on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
“The New York City Department of Transportation has changed the calibration standards to support their program with no apparent safety benefit,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA’s director of state government affairs.
E-screening technology, automated driver evaluations and trucking company safety ratings are all potential future upgrades to the weigh-in-motion systems in Tennessee. LL