MassDOT is looking into technology enhancements as part of the WIM station capabilities. The enhancements may include: Strain Gauge Axle Sensors: Currently, MassDOT WIM stations use Brass Linguini (BL) Trax piezo sensors. These sensors are impacted by temperature and lose their accuracy during the winter months. For this reason, strain gauge axle sensors or comparable technology are proposed to provide year-long operations that are not impacted by temperature. CCTV Camera: Given that the WIM stations will incorporate real-time data collection and processing, it would be possible to configure the system to identify vehicles over a certain weight limit. A CCTV camera could provide a snapshot of the vehicle and general surveillance of the station when an overweight alarm is triggered. Depending on the camera model and system, a camera may also be used to take a snapshot of the USDOT number as well as the Hazardous Material number on the side of the vehicle. USDOT Reader Camera System: A specific USDOT Reader Camera system is set to focus on the side(s) of the vehicle to identify and capture the USDOT number of the overweight vehicle. The system would convert an image of the USDOT number to a usable data value.
