Recently installed new Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) stations are now active at six different locations in Northeastern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The new RWIS locations will be in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, and St. Louis counties, including:

• Hwy 38 near Marcell at MP 27.5
• Hwy 210 near Tamarack at MP 186.3
• Hwy 2 near Gowan at MP 225.1
• Hwy 2 near Cohasset at MP 174.3
• Hwy 53 near Cook at MP 97.5
• Hwy 65 near Buck Lake at MP 192.9

RWIS is an environmental sensor station in the field that is used to collect weather data such as atmospheric parameters, pavement conditions, and visibility. MnDOT uses the information gathered as well as the camera images for maintenance decision support.

The information is also sent to the National Weather Service as well as Minnesota’s 511 traveler information system. There are currently 153 RWIS systems throughout Minnesota.

In addition to the new stations in Northeastern Minnesota, seven new stations were installed in Central Minnesota.