x
Breaking News
More () »

MDOT considers using drones to monitor road conditions

A new potential use for drones in Michigan could improve safety for construction workers and save time for drivers.
A new potential use for drones in Michigan could improve safety for construction workers and save time for drivers.

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- A new potential use for drones in Michigan could improve safety for construction workers and save time for drivers. That's according to officials with the Michigan Department of Transportation, who are now considering using drones to monitor road conditions.

WZZM 13 is learning what the drones would do and how soon it could happen.

Right now, MDOT uses 56 cameras to monitor traffic in West Michigan. They are the department's eyes in the sky. Now, imagine if those eyes could fly.

"MDOT thinks there's a lot of potential in these unmanned aerial vehicles," said Steve Cook, engineer of operations and maintenance for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MDOT says first and foremost is the potential to improve safety. Drones, instead of workers, could inspect trouble spots like potholes.

"It takes them (workers) out of that path of the vehicles, so you can actually operate these (drones) from the shoulder or somewhere else," said Cook.

This month, MDOT completed an 18-month study on drones, looking into the benefits and noting the concerns.

"You don't want these things to fall out of the sky because it's running out of power; you want to have some kind of system built into it so it knows when it's getting low on battery and just comes back home," Cook said.

MDOT officials say the drones could also collect data much more quickly than people, and drivers could benefit, too.

"You don't have to shut down a lane and reduce traffic and create that congestion," said Cook.

To get approval, MDOT would have to follow an application process with the Federal Aviation Administration, as Michigan State Police have done in getting approval to use drones in their investigations.

One key obstacle is how some in the public view the use of drones.

"Public perception of having these things on public right-of-way, our highway system, is obviously a hurdle that we have to overcome," said Cook.

However, MDOT says taxpayers should see drones as a cost-effective move.

"You could eliminate things like the assets we currently have, the cameras we currently have on the road sides," said Cook.

MDOT officials say they could begin the application process early next year. However, the drones would not likely be put to use for several more years.

Before You Leave, Check This Out