Fog detection System on 301 bridge

[aps45819]

Just heard on the radio that starting next Monday, traffic on the Harry Nice bridge (Rt.301) will be alternating so they can install a "Fog detection system"
WTF is that for?
Can't the people that work there 24/7 tell if it's foggy?

 

[belvak]

Just heard on the radio that starting next Monday, traffic on the Harry Nice bridge (Rt.301) will be alternating so they can install a "Fog detection system"
WTF is that for?
Can't the people that work there 24/7 tell if it's foggy?

Ah, but the toll collectors all face away from the bridge! Maybe they can't see the fog and need the detection system to alert them!!

 

[GWguy]

What are they going to do if it's foggy? Say, "Be Careful" ?

 

[aps45819]

What are they going to do if it's foggy? Say, "Be Careful" ?

Exactly What difference does it make to know if it's foggy?
Another waste of our tax dollars

 

[Baja28]

Just heard on the radio that starting next Monday, traffic on the Harry Nice bridge (Rt.301) will be alternating so they can install a "Fog detection system"
WTF is that for?
Can't the people that work there 24/7 tell if it's foggy?

I remember seeing signs in PA that said "FOG AREA". Ummmmm....ok. Is this a warning to all the blind drivers that can't see fog??

 

[itsbob]

I THINK the fog detection system has more to do with ICE on the bridge then visibility.. but a guess on my part.

I'm thinking it doesn't have to be a visible fog for it make ice, so the detection system would detect the mist, temp and determine if it's a condition for ice on the bridge.

MAYBE they are going to make it a smart bridge, and in the future will install automatic anti-deicing.

 

[belvak]

Came across this on the web. Maybe it has something to do with Mirant?

Residents question Mirant’s plans for wet scrubber

 

[G1G4]

I thought it was kinda funny. On the VA side, they have a sign that says 'If sign ahead is flashing, foggy conditions exist' or something to that effect. Sure enough, Saturday when it was clear -- it was flashing!

They spend $1,000,000 to tell me something I already know. Thanks alot!

 

[Aerogal]

Oh let's put up Fog Detectors to make the bridge safer - to heck with building a second span and putting in an emergency lane.

 

[BernieP]

I THINK the fog detection system has more to do with ICE on the bridge then visibility.. but a guess on my part.

I'm thinking it doesn't have to be a visible fog for it make ice, so the detection system would detect the mist, temp and determine if it's a condition for ice on the bridge.

MAYBE they are going to make it a smart bridge, and in the future will install automatic anti-deicing.

You might be onto something. Or they could simply be trying to reduce the dependence on humans to alert the bridge workers and the public in a more timely manner. Think of this scenario, you are traveling southbound at night, as you come down the main bridge and get to the elevated road sectoin you could run right into fog.
I think the idea is to let drivers know that the visibility AHEAD is reduced and to slow down before the plow into the ass end of a vehicle that might be hidden by the fog.
Right now the only way to know if that section of road has reduced visibilty is when a patrol passes thru.

 

[Otter]

Just heard on the radio that starting next Monday, traffic on the Harry Nice bridge (Rt.301) will be alternating so they can install a "Fog detection system"
WTF is that for?
Can't the people that work there 24/7 tell if it's foggy?

Its catering to the blind folks, plain and simple..

 

[cattitude]

Its catering to the blind folks, plain and simple..

So, why is Aps complaining?

 

[somdwatch]

Anti-Deicing?

Originally Posted by itsbob

MAYBE they are going to make it a smart bridge, and in the future will install automatic anti-deicing.

If it's anti-deicing wouldn't that make it a freezer?

The additional weight of this system may lead to the collapse of this ancient bridge!