The New Jersey Department of Transportation will pilot sensors on state vehicles that track weather conditions in real time. Up to 20 New Jersey DOT vehicles will be fitted with dashboard cameras and weather sensors, allowing the department to improve its awareness of road conditions and more accurately allocate its resources during weather events.

“The New Jersey Department of Transportation is always looking for advancements in technology to improve safety,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.  “This Federal grant allows us to test new technology so we can better manage our roadways ahead of storms, and enhance safety for the motoring public.”

This pilot is funded by a $322,461 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This was one of 10 grants awarded by FHWA in September to fund innovative highway projects.

The Road Weather Management Weather-Savvy Roads program funds vehicle-based observation technologies to proactively manage the road system during and ahead of heavy storms. The vehicle-based cameras will allow for enhanced operational collaboration, improved resource allocation, and enhanced situational awareness for highway operations crews working on the roadway.