Advanced technology along Pennylvania's state highways is helping taxpayers save money, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) officials said.

PennDOT uses its Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) to gather real-time roadway conditions using meteorological and pavement sensors. This information helps maintenance operators determine the proper steps for clearing the roads during inclement weather.

The first site was implemented in 1994.

Today, there are 79 sites along state roads. Two more are under construction, PennDOT spokesman Mike Hoy said.

Wayne Nguyen, central office RWIS coordinator for PennDOT, said the system is more cost-effective because certain techniques are used only when necessary.

"The key data is pavement temperature," he said. "When it is above freezing, there's no need to send a crew out to plow."

The cost of equipment at each site is about $40,000. But Nguyen said it is well worth it in the long run.

"Having this data from RWIS means less material, less clean-up, quicker clean-up and a better level of service," he said.

Using the system does not only save money, it can help save lives, Nguyen said.

The equipment can provide early warning to inclement weather.

The county maintenance managers can use the information to spread chemicals before the storm hits, Nguyen said.

Road crews can act earlier, thus preventing more accidents, he said.

Robert Mudrick, PennDOT's Monroe County maintenance manager, said his team has been using the system for several years now.

"This equipment provides us with a lot of useful information," he said. "We can then anticipate the speed of the storm and the amount of snow we should expect Ã~ it's not so much a surprise. "

Mudrick said the technology available to PennDOT is developing and constantly getting better.

"Equipment is becoming more reliable; information is now even available to the public online," he said.

The information is available to the public on the PennDOT Web site (www.dot.state.pa.us).

By clicking "traveler information," Web site visitors can access road conditions, including weather, traffic and current construction projects.

Some roadways in the western part of the state use sensors on the pavement to determine the right time to distribute de-icing chemicals and do so without human intervention.

"I've been really impressed with the automated de-icing equipment," Mudrick said. "It's almost eliminated all weather-related accidents in those areas."