TxDOT to Enhance Roadway Monitoring in Houston District

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is looking for a highly qualified vendor to maintain and install weather sensors with data transmission lines in its Houston district for a Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS).

The system will allow for advanced traveler alerts and real-time weather monitoring for roadways. Its data would also help initiate road closures due to high water or ice, according to a request for proposals (RFP) due Sept. 30.

An RWIS includes surface sensors, remote processing units, atmospheric sensors, data transmission, data processing and data storage. These systems generally monitor pavement surface conditions, pavement temperature, freeze point temperature and subsurface temperature.

The scope of work for this contract includes:

• Maintain and install sensor equipment
• Ensure compatibility with existing Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time 2 (ALERT2) system
• Maintain and install weather monitoring stations
• Maintain and install advance warning signs

TxDOT plans to connect the new sensors and data transmissions to the weather alert systems used by the Harris County Office of Emergency Management and Harris County Flood Control District. Knowledge of the existing ALERT2 system is required.

The anticipated award date is Jan. 1, 2025, to run through April 30, and there are three potential one-year renewals.

RFP No. 601330000040408 is titled “Houston District Roadway Weather Information System” and has a pre-response conference at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. There is an Aug. 7 deadline for questions, and the solicitation closes at 3 p.m. Sept. 30.