Technology Category
- Networks & Connectivity - Gateways
- Networks & Connectivity - Routers & Bridges
Applicable Industries
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Construction Management
- Infrastructure Inspection
Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
About The Customer
The customer in this case study is the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT). WVDOT is responsible for the management and regulation of the state's transportation infrastructure. This includes the issuance of oversize/overweight load permits, which has seen a significant increase due to the boom in shale oil and gas production in the region. The department was facing challenges in managing the increasing volume of these permits and was in need of a more efficient and reliable system. WVDOT is committed to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the state's road infrastructure and was looking for a solution that could help them achieve these objectives.
The Challenge
The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) faced a significant challenge in managing the increasing volume of oversize/overweight load permits due to the boom in shale oil and gas production. The number of these permits issued annually doubled since 2003, reaching 123,000 in 2011. The existing manual process for managing these permits was not sustainable in the long run. The process involved consulting county maps marked with weight restrictions and general guidelines to process permits. Bridge load rating was handled by technicians, but there was no way to incorporate bridge information and run a real-time permitting process. As the trucks got heavier and larger, and the frequency of loads grew higher, the WVDOT realized the need for a more efficient and reliable system.
The Solution
To address these challenges, WVDOT opted for an integrated solution that included the SUPERLOAD system for automated permitting, routing, bridge analysis, and restriction management, and LARS Bridge for bridge load-rating modeling and analysis. This unified system for intelligent routing and permitting helped ensure both public safety and bridge sustainability. The SUPERLOAD system was deployed in 1998 and built over three phases, moving to the web in 2001. The system was capable of handling up to 500 permits a day, with more than 80% issued automatically, significantly reducing the staff workload. In 2013, WVDOT outsourced its permit processing system to a hosted, online solution – GotPermits.com, thus revolutionizing the permitting and routing process for haulers, permit service providers, and the WVDOT permit administration staff.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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