This week SCRIM trucks will be collecting data to be used in analyzing the connection between highway crashes and the degree of pavement friction. (Photo courtesy of KYTC.)
MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Motorists on state primary and secondary routes in the 11 counties of Kentucky Highway District 2 may see unique survey vehicles on the roadway over the next few weeks. They will begin this morning in Central City.
These vehicles are called SCRIM trucks, or Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machines, and they will be collecting data to be used in analyzing the connection between highway crashes and degree of pavement friction.
“Last year, we lost 732 Kentuckians in car accidents – each person was someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, child or friend,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “SCRIM trucks provide us with even more data to prioritize road repairs and treatments. That helps us get better at our number one job: keeping Kentuckians safe.”
“The objective is to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions by incorporating friction data into our selection process for resurfacing and other pavement treatments,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “By enhancing our pavement management practices in this way, the cabinet will be taking a proactive approach to making roadways safer for motorists throughout the commonwealth.”
The SCRIM vehicles, which travel at or slightly below the speed limit, are orange or white and equipped with flashing beacons and high-visibility warning signs. Each vehicle applies water to the road surface under the friction measurement mechanism and leaves a 3- to 4-inch-wide water trail in the left wheel path of the road. The water is not harmful and evaporates after about 10 minutes.
Weather permitting, continuous friction testing will be conducted across Kentucky from August through November and will include more than 15,000 miles of the interstate, parkway, state primary and state secondary road networks. Data collection will resume next spring for any mileage not surveyed in 2020. The work is being done by WDM USA, a highway engineering company whose specialties include friction equipment.
Motorists are asked to be alert and to slow down for this mobile work zone. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” said Chief District Engineer Deneatra Henderson. “The work will only take a few days, so the inconvenience should be minor.”