Key Takeaways
- Cincinnati is implementing new technology to enhance snow removal efforts, including drones, mobile tablets, and weather stations.
- The city is upgrading from outdated paper maps to mobile tablets for plow drivers to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Ten new weather stations have been installed at key intersections to provide instant visual analysis of ground conditions.
- City workers and data analysts are paying closer attention to maintenance records to ensure plows and snow trucks remain operational.
- The new technology is aimed at preventing a repeat of the issues that occurred during a major winter storm last January.
Introduction to Winter Storm Preparation
The city of Cincinnati is taking steps to improve its snow removal efforts after a major winter storm last January exposed multiple problems. The storm, which occurred on January 5th and 6th, caused confusion and delays in clearing snowy streets, highlighting the need for modern technology to enhance snow removal efforts. As a result, city administrators have gone down multiple rabbit holes to better understand what happened and have implemented new technology to prevent similar issues in the future.
New Technology for Snow Removal
The city is now using drones to help plow operators identify problem areas. According to Assistant City Manager Kathy Bailey, "To have eyes very quickly to say, ‘Oh, that’s why those streets are not cleared, because there’s three cars that have stalled out and they can’t get down the road.’ And we can see that from the drone footage." This new technology allows plow operators to quickly identify areas that need attention, improving efficiency and reducing delays. Additionally, 10 new weather stations have been installed at key intersections, such as MLK and Reading Road, to provide instant visual analysis of ground conditions.
Upgrading to Mobile Tablets
Plow drivers are now equipped with mobile tablets, replacing paper maps that, in some cases, had not been updated in decades. This upgrade allows drivers to access up-to-date information and navigate streets more efficiently. According to Bailey, "So it was very challenging for us to get up-to-date information. Often, that came many, many hours after the work had been completed." The mobile tablets provide real-time information, enabling drivers to make informed decisions and improve snow removal efforts.
Maintenance Records and Data Analysis
City workers and data analysts are also paying closer attention to maintenance records for plows and snow trucks. This ensures that the vehicles remain operational for as long as possible, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency. By analyzing maintenance records, the city can identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of equipment failure during snow removal operations.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the city of Cincinnati is taking significant steps to improve its snow removal efforts. The implementation of new technology, including drones, mobile tablets, and weather stations, is aimed at preventing a repeat of the issues that occurred during the major winter storm last January. By upgrading to modern technology and paying closer attention to maintenance records, the city is better equipped to handle winter storms and keep its streets clear and safe. As the city continues to refine its snow removal efforts, residents can expect improved efficiency and reduced delays in the event of a winter storm.
