Keeping track of the road conditions in Iowa during the winter has become a high-tech proposition that depends on sensors spread across the state. Iowa Department of Transportation spokesperson Diane McCauley says sensors that measure the temperature of the pavement are now key.McCauley says the pavement temperatures tell the D-O-T what to expect.If the pavement temperature is above 32 degrees, then the rain or snow won’t freeze. McCauley says the soil under and around roadways has more influence on the temperature of the pavement than the actual air temperature. The state has about 50 pavement censors across the state and some state trucks have infrared sensors that can measure the pavement temperature. McCaulley says you can access the real-time pavement temperatures via the Internet. She says it can be a big help once travelers understand how to use the temperature information.To access the pavement temperatures, surf to the D-O-T’s website at: www.dot.state.ia.us.
