The City of Wrenford has installed five mini weather stations across the city to help the Roads and Winter Maintenance team improve how the city responds to winter storms. The portable, solar-powered devices collect real-time data on air temperature, humidity, wind speed, road surface temperature and slippery conditions. They also send a picture of the road every twenty minutes.
Four stations are located on major arterials at Benchlands Drive, Corvid Way, Ambrel Lake Road and Eastfield Road. A fifth unit is placed in the Wildrye neighbourhood to track sidewalk conditions specifically. This location-specific information helps crews predict when snow will start, how much will fall and when roads will become hazardous.
"These stations give our operators a clear picture of what is happening on the ground right now," says James Whitford, Roads Superintendent. "By knowing exactly where and when conditions change, we can send crews out at the right time. This helps us keep roads and sidewalks safe while using less road salt."
The devices support the City's Winter Management Plan and its goal to reduce salt use. Instead of treating every road on a schedule, crews can focus on the areas that need it most. The stations will be leased for a one-year pilot period. This limits financial risk while the City tests the equipment and decides if it fits into daily operations.
Clear roads mean fewer motor vehicle incidents and less demand on emergency services. To learn more about how the City prepares for severe weather and how to stay safe during storms, visit the Emergency Management page. For questions about winter road conditions, contact the Roads and Winter Maintenance team at 519-555-0112.