Maine
Above-ground sensors help Maine Turnpike Authority plan, respond to winter storms
PORTLAND (WGME) — Driving this time of year, when winter weather hits, can be tricky, especially in Maine.
Fortunately, the Maine Turnpike Authority has above-ground weather sensors to keep them informed.
The above ground weather sensors help determine several different factors about the road conditions. (WGME)
“What they do is they capture a bunch of atmospheric and pavement data, temperature data and conditions. They take that information and take it to our vendor, Vaisala, and they process that data and put it here on the screen for us to use in our winter maintenance operations,” Maine Turnpike Authority Project Manager Brian Taddeo said.
These sensors can also tell the turnpike authority how well tires are gripping the road.
“So the grip factor is the measure of friction between the tire and the roadway. That’s really important for us because it tells us the pavement is dry, mobility is not impacted by weather, because there is none,” Taddeo said.
The above ground weather sensors help determine several different factors about the road conditions. (WGME)
The highest the grip factor goes to is 0.82, which would be on a dry road.
As the roads become icy, that number will drop.
“This system is also a predictive system, so it can actually show us what’s going to happen 12 hours from now, 24 hours from now, 72 hours from now,” Taddeo said.
This allows the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan in advance of an upcoming storm.
That’s important as they cover a stretch of interstate from Kittery all the way up to Augusta.
The MTA has cameras set up along the Turnpike to see what road conditions look like. (WGME)
“We have 109 miles of road to cover, and this gives us the chance to see everything all at once, so we can dispatch our crews to whatever zones need to be handled,” Taddeo said.
The MTA also has underground sensors that are used to collect road data.
Posted inSports, Varsity Maine
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought:
Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
Every week through Apr 01, 2026.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Event Supported By
Eastport Arts Center
(207) 853-4650
info@eastportartscenter.org
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