A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ROAD AND WEATHER INFORMATION AND VARIABLE SPEED LIMITS

This feasibility study investigated how countries with similar winter conditions to Norway have implemented ITS applications for informing travellers about dangerous driving conditions and have applied reduced speed limits. The study describes the status of Norwegian regulations and guidelines enabling the implementation of variable speed limits. A pilot study based on data collected on a section of highway E18 in the south-eastern part of Norway resulting in a proposal for a relationship between estimated roadway friction and recommended speed limit is presented. It is recommended that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) starts the process of developing a Norwegian guidelines for the implementation of variable speed limits (VSL) on higher speed motorways. Further it is recommended that the NPRA should modify the portions of the existing guidelines that prevents the implementation of VSL that designed to respond to road and weather conditions. Finally, the quality of roadway sensors should be evaluated to ensure reliable data about the roadway state to support the effective automatic control of variable speed limits.