NZTA and MetService trial new road weather guidance for Dunedin

For immediate release

15 July 2015

During last week’s ‘big freeze’ that cloaked the South Island in snow, NZTA and MetService trialled a new form of weather guidance for Dunedin transport operators and motorists.

The Dunedin to Waitati Highway is susceptible to extreme weather events. MetService used historical data, science-based extreme weather forecasting, and observational data to generate a six-hourly ‘Severe Weather Matrix’ for NZTA that defined in a simple online ‘traffic light’ dashboard the probability of snow and ice impacting the Northern Motorway out of Dunedin.

NZTA Dunedin-based Journey Manager, Graeme Hall, says the trial was instigated in response to requests for more information.

“What was unique about this trial was MetService’s speed and agility in designing the matrix when snow was first forecast, and NZTA’s use of social media to communicate the probability of snow and ice. We are pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received, and the highly-accurate guidance,” said Mr Hall.

“With this kind of tool at our disposal, we can now communicate more accurately about the road conditions we’re anticipating rather than simply issuing ‘expect delays’ alerts.

“No one wants transport disruptions and road closures, but our studies have shown that the early restriction of some vehicle types (for example a towing vehicle) or road closures can be more effective measures than road users enduring longer delays and disruption caused by recovery of crashed or stranded vehicles.

NZTA can see that the Severe Weather Matrix and social media engagement could be another useful tool for transport operators and road users to plan their routes and safeguard their investment in vehicles and cargo. This is especially the case where highways are exposed to adverse weather events.

“Situational awareness is far preferable to damaged vehicles and long delays when convoys are snow bound. Extreme weather events can be extremely disruptive if guidance is not readily available or heeded.”

MetService Business Development Manager, Peter Fisher says, “Experienced transport operators fully appreciate the impact of extreme weather on their business. Disrupted supply chains, scheduling changes, rerouting, and damage to cargoes and vehicles can impact an industry juggling margins and expensive assets. An investment in weather guidance can save a whole lot of heartache. No one wants a driver injured, a cargo damaged, or a truck off the road. The Severe Weather Matrix is an easy-to-understand heads up – making the science of meteorology relevant and easy to use.”

NZTA are reviewing the road user feedback from the Dunedin Northern Motorway trial to establish how best to implement this MetService/NZTA partnership approach to pre weather event warnings for significant sections of highways.

ENDS

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