Throughout the US, and in 2008 alone, IRD’s weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems have resulted in significant pollution reduction and estimated fuel savings of more than $6 million.
In the state of Oregon alone, a report indicates a major reduction in emissions when using WIM at weigh stations. Emission testing by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shows trucks are far less polluting and far more fuel efficient when they use the Green Light Weigh-in-Motion system to avoid stopping at weigh stations. The report on the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) website (http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/GREEN.shtml) revealed the following:
- A 36% to 67% reduction in each of the pollutants monitored – particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons – when trucks stayed at highway speed past a weigh station.
- Trucks that avoided the deceleration and acceleration necessary to enter and exit a weigh station also experienced a 57% improvement in fuel economy.
The Oregon Green Light Pilot Project was initiated in 1995 to deploy automated pre-clearance weigh stations to improve the enforcement effectiveness of existing weigh station facilities. International Road Dynamics (IRD) has designed, supplied and installed each of the 21 weigh stations in partnership with the Oregon DOT. WIM systems on the highway main-lines check vehicles’ weight and height, and automatic vehicle identification (AVI) systems check records for registration, tax status and safety status.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Oregon Green Light Project, please contact Rod Klashinsky, VP of sales and special projects, on 306 653 6600 or e-mail rod.klashinsky@irdinc.com.