RAC Focus Group Priorities Agency Wide 2013 Question Is there a Better Way?

Transcription

1 Prioritization of All Research Ideas 2012 The RAC Focus groups Started meeting in June 2012 to brainstorm ideas for upcoming research that would begin in FY2013. The areas comprised of four major areas: Funding and Policy; Resource Management; Safety and Engineering Innovations. Several ideas surfaced as important areas that needed attention. The members of each Focus Group considered each idea and independently scored the importance of the idea according to the following ranking system: 1 Of High Importance to me 2 Important to me Important, but I have other things I 3 would like to see addressed first. 4 I am not committed either way 5 Not important to me 6 I feel it should be dropped from the list Any ties in a final score were then voted on by the members to raise the most important of tying ideas over the other. The Result of this work provided the following list of priorities the Research and Development Unit will forward to the greater research community and to RAC for further consideration in targeting our limited research dollars. Highest Ranking Ideas: Ideas Of High Importance (1 to 1.99) 1. Continuation of winter performance measures (2012): 24 RWIS stations with speed recording capabilities The compilation of speed data has multiple benefits throughout the agency GPS capabilities in some TAMS vehicles Quebec has volunteered to install GPS in a few vehicles for demonstration Agency has 4 portable traffic analyzers UVM has association with project acquiring photo and video based images through a LIDAR-like system (Average rank of 1.13 Resource Management) 2. Guardrail Inventory (2012): Agency needs a guideline to help decide when or when not to put in guardrail. There needs to be guidelines based on volume when to substitute wider shoulders, and allowance for steeper drop-offs. a. Questions like, are there crashes in guardrail sites and do guardrails make crashes worse need answers.

2 b. This project will find correlations between guardrails and crash sites on collector highways not on interstates. c. Was the guardrail impacted in a crash? Are guardrails being dinged and not reported? d. The state needs repair data and site conditions (shoulders, super-elevation of highway, etc.) of crash sites for evaluation. e. Is the guardrail type affecting the severity of the crash? f. Is a guardrail creating a safer feeling, thus leading to more crashes or is it a traffic calmer? g. Unprotected utility polls what happens without a h. Widening shoulders increase crash rates as seen in Southern States study. There is a push to increase shoulder widths on RSB projects for bikes. Add this pressure to the pressure to stay within the current Right of Way causes side-sloped to be steeper. i. USDOT Projects Using Drones for remote sensing and aerial photographs for special analysis with post-irene effects and slopes. (Average rank of Safety) 3. How Vermont can get more out of transportation investments with limited funding (2012): What should we be doing with our infrastructure? The question in this study is what are we doing with our transportation dollars vs. what we should be doing? For example, are we paving our highways correctly, are there better ways? Are we building the right bridges, are there better bridges? Are there more efficient construction methods and can we get more life out of our infrastructure investment? The work with this study will result in a strategic allocation of transportation funds. (Average rank of 1.56 Funding and Policy) 4. Economic Return on Transportation Investments (2012): The purpose of this study is to determine the economic benefits of a transportation project. This work will identify transportation investments that will lead to economic growth. Work in Danville can be used as one of many examples of such investments. Hypothetical questions that should be answerable from this work should be: If you had to shut down 10% of the transportation network, what would that be? Would X amount of dollars in project location A be better spent in project location B? What is the best bang for federal funding would federal dollars be best applied to local projects rather than NHS projects? (Average rank of 1.56 Funding and Policy) 5. Comparative Study on Asset Management Software and Methods (2011, 2012): (#5 from 2011) VTrans uses MATS, a tri-state developed software to manage payroll, equipment, vehicles and other internal assets. VTrans also uses Pontis to manage the bridge inventory and Dayton (Sp?) for pavement Management. Is there a better way to manage our assets more effectively? (Average rank of 1.75 Engineering Innovations) 6. Curves (2012): There is a desire to develop a systemic approach to addressing crashes that occur on curves as crashes have been correlated with curves. VTrans has crash data where one can locate crashes on curves; GIS data on curve radius locations and traffic volume data. These data items can be brought together and overlapped to show what curves cause the greater number of crashes. So far, there is a feeling that a band of 400 to 600 foot radii is proving to be problematic. By combining this data and looking for correlations, the state may be able to identify curves that will need to be addressed. Questions such as should the state install delineators or guardrail to limit crashes, can be answered. One other result is being able to

3 formulate a way to use volume of vehicles and radii of curves to predict crash potential. Other data items of value for this work are, length of curves, population density, severity of crash (fatal vs. acute crashes), condition of road (dirt road?), funding behind the road construction of that segment. This curve data can be used to assess what conditions create a fatal crash, and to develop a statewide program to improve curves. a. This study could focus on local road, thereby requiring only state funds. A check with FHWA-VT may be needed to make sure we can do this. b. This approach would be limited to studying crash data for local roads only. c. Spatial data collection may be necessary to identify curves quickly. d. Results of project will allow for the collection of crash data in conjunction with curve locations to better plan for curve modifications on an annual basis. e. See effects of centerline rumble strips to limiting crashes and if so, ramp up the use of rumble strips. (Average rank of Safety) Important Ideas (2 to 2.99) 1. Performance based construction specifications (2012): With more demands put on the construction schedule and construction quality with regards to accelerated construction and design build projects, the burden of ensuring the specifications are being met is getting increasingly costly both in human and in financial resources. Switching to a performance-based specification will shift some of that burden to the contractor, who in turn will carry more responsibility with guaranteeing material and construction quality. Performance based specifications will largely be aimed at new construction. The question is how we get a rational performance based specification to be workable in the real world. (Average rank of 2.00 Engineering Innovations) 2. Rapid Project Delivery (2011): What are the means and methods to shorten project delivery effectively? This includes the deployment and assessment of innovative technologies, evaluating project delivery methods, and examining ways to streamline our project development processes. (Average rank of 2.00 Engineering Innovations) 3. Correlation between Pavement Rutting and Crashes (2012): How, rutting has an impact on crashes. Effects like water puddling, and other factors that lead to crashes. What depth of rut will lead to higher crash risks? Research can use International Roughness Index (IRI) readings to analyze. Rutting on the Interstate in St. Johnsbury can provide an example for study. There is a noticeable rate of crashes after rain. The understanding as of now, is that for every increase of 10 meters of rutting, the probability of a crash increases. (Average rank of Safety) 4. Effect of various highway safety laws on reducing crashes (2011): each year new highway safety legislation is introduced, some is passed some is not. What is the effect of these laws? As an example, several graduated driver license laws have been passed in recent years, what is the effect on crash rates for young drivers. (Average rank of Safety) 5. Evaluation of the cost effectiveness in continuing to invest in the railroad system. (2012): (Average rank of 2.11 Funding and Policy)

4 6. Structures Accelerated Bridge Construction (2012): Structures (as has the entire country) in recent years has been considering new and innovative ways to construct bridges faster to meet the national initiative to get in-get out and stay out. This study can look into consolidating ideas and practices in the field of accelerated construction with more standardization, betterdefined material specifications, and switching over to a performance based construction specification. (Average rank of 2.13 Engineering Innovations) 7. Estimating added utility and maintenance costs for Operations for new construction projects (2012): Many completed projects require large increases in Operations time and money to maintain after completion without any labor or budget increases Roundabouts, bike lanes, cleanup of contaminated sites, etc Wal-Mart project in St. Albans for instance would lead to extra lanes, plowing, and utility costs Develop plans for who could pay, developers vs. state, leading to best management practices Suggestion for a good project basis was the Morrisville alternate truck route project; estimate impacts based on plans and compare to general paving and other projects. (Average rank of 2.13 Resource Management) 8. MATS inventory analysis (2012): Utilization of the dashboard in the future Deterioration curves Possible analysis of mast arm signals with no inspection cycle, difference between two fatigue criteria (Average rank of 2.13 Resource Management) 9. Determining a quantifiable method to reassess the transportation needs every two or three years. (2012): What are the needs? We need a means to answer that question that is not subjective. New regulations at the national level are being developed to find the underlying cause of this. The result of this work would provide a means of collecting specific data and using a broad based matrix to form a volume based prioritization method. (Average rank of 2.22 Funding and Policy) 10. Concrete Repair work (2012): When is concrete repair worth the effort? This study can provide methods and materials that can make patching concrete more cost effective in a more regular repair schedule. It can also provide means to better predict spalling locations, so these areas can be repaired before they spall, while patching other spalled areas. This study can also identify high-performance membranes to protect the repairs. Further study can look into the effects of perimeter or curb-line failures of the membrane and the effects on concrete repair. (Average rank of 2.38 Engineering Innovations) 11. Enhancement of Quality and Performance (2011): How can the Agency improve product quality and performance? This may include emphasizing performance in our specifications and implementing warranties. What are the risks to the Agency and is it really more cost effective? What products are applicable pavement markings, traffic signs, preventative maintenance treatments, etc.? (Average rank of 2.50 Engineering Innovations)

5 12. Crash Database (2012): Look to Michigan for a good example on how to present the data in a user-friendly manor. This is a project that has seen some work already. (Average rank of Safety) 13. Structures Asset Management (2012): Finding a better way to managing the bridge asset inventory. (Average rank of 2.63 Engineering Innovations) 14. Locating salt storage in strategic areas (2012): Current plowing model uses only current garage/storage locations Use model to optimize salt locations (Average rank of 2.63 Resource Management) 15. Pavement Marking Durability Study (2012): Project will increase the number of field projects and purchase a better and more reliable retroflectometer. The new project will study costs and best cost-base strategies. (Average rank of Safety) 16. Speed (2011): A study that measures the effect of various infrastructure components in Vermont on highway speeds, similar to the initiative ongoing at the Hyde Park RAB. Various intersection treatments, lane width, shoulder width, curves, crosswalk treatments, etc Urban, rural and in transition areas. (Average rank of Safety) 17. Develop a model for length of time to plow depending on design (2012): For a new project, especially one with non-long lane design, determine increase in plowing time that may need to be realized (Average rank of 2.75 Resource Management) 18. Creating an Economically Sustainable Transportation Funding Mechanism at the State Level. (2012): This is a study to address new State Statute. Look at resulting report, and determine funding options such as VMT revenue proposals, their impacts and expected revenue ranges as well as costs associated with managing the revenue stream. We need to ask, who is using our highways. (Average rank of 2.78 Funding and Policy) 19. Effect of messages/behavior countermeasures on driver behavior. An example (2011): The MOVE OVER LAW signs on the interstate. What is the compliance with that message/law during an event? (ride in a cruiser, ride in a maintenance vehicle). Is the message working, should we be providing additional media? DUI checkpoints, is there an effect on the actual checkpoint and media on number of citations? Just examples of where the study of the effectiveness in changing behavior can then help many involved in highway safety initiatives better focus our energies/ resources. (Average rank of Safety) 20. Managing Competing Interests (2011): How can the Agency best address competing priorities during project development and delivery? ROW, stormwater, AOP, habitat connectivity, cost, etc. (Average rank of 2.88 Engineering Innovations) Secondary Important Ideas (3 to 3.99) 21. Exit 16 Project (Colchester) (2012): This location is a high crash location. A double diverging diamond interchange has been approved for this location. The construction of this project will begin in There is desire to obtain traffic data prior to construction, so that a comparison

6 can be made after construction is complete. The project may include adaptive traffic control. The DDI is supposed to increase capacity, and this research will determine if that assessment is correct. The study would also include interviews with the local landowners. There are only 12 DDI s in the country. A future DDI may be considered for Exit 12 (Williston). (Average rank of Safety) 22. VT Safety Countermeasure effectiveness in reducing crashes (2011): While we are addressing many types of crashes with infrastructure improvements, we need to measure and report on their effectiveness. Before and after results. (Average rank of Safety) 23. Evaluating the annual and cumulative financial impacts to the Agency s operations and maintenance budgets because of the Agency s ongoing construction efforts. (2012): As the roadway system grows from new construction projects, pavement surfaces cumulatively increase, and the maintenance demands of these new roadway surfaces and associated landscaping, stormwater infrastructure, lighting, etc. increase, how will the agency be able to afford these new demands as the costs of fuel, salt, equipment, and other maintenance necessities also increase in the future? (Average rank of 3.11 Funding and Policy) 24. A study on the quality and cost of construction over time. (2012): (Average rank of 3.11 Funding and Policy) 25. Vegetable oils as hydraulic oils in our truck fleet (2012): In an effort to lower pollution footprint Determine if it is possible or not, based on effectiveness, cost, maintainability, etc. (Average rank of 3.13 Resource Management) 26. Irene Post-Mortem (2012): Nationally recognized as a rapid and highly cost effective recovery from Tropical Storm Irene, many in the country want to know how. This study will ask, what did VT do right? This study could collect the questions asked. The study could include looking into how setting aside regulations were beneficial in getting the system back in service; an extension on procurement and contracting costs in an emergency; and an assessment of infrastructure sensitivity, risk and vulnerability to disasters and how to limit or at least reduce these factors. (Average rank of 3.22 Funding and Policy) 27. Impacts of stormwater regulations (2012): As local communities start charging fees to fund environmental work, such as stormwater mitigation, we need research to study how costs and resources necessary for environmental regulatory compliance efforts and required reporting be better understood and financed? How might this financing system be structured to build and maintain the infrastructure necessary to address stormwater from the transportation sector in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) watersheds and perhaps throughout the state? There will be new regulations that will further affect this area of interest. (Average rank of 3.22 Funding and Policy) 28. Identify Key Economic Engines as it relates to transportation (2012): Is the key engines mobility, access and jobs or are there other engines? Should we focus projects where key economic engines are located to have a greater impact of the state GDP, or do we spread these projects out as evenly as practical (jobs vs. communities.) (Average rank of 3.22 Funding and Policy)

7 29. Brookfield Floating Bridge (2012): This study will monitor the bridge s performance with combating environmental impacts including, but not limited to UV exposure and lateral forced from ice and wind. The results of this work will be obtaining a better inspection and maintenance plan to manage this asset better. Though this study is focused on a rarely used structure in the US (12 as of now only one in VT), there is interest within the FHWA to have better understanding of this bridge type. (Average rank of 3.25 Engineering Innovations ) 30. Assessment of Structures in extreme events (Irene) (2012): A study that will look into developing tools for risk assessment for future events. The USDOT with UVM TRC is currently working on a project that uses satellite imagery to locate damage, and uses remote controlled aircraft (i.e. drones) and LIDAR technologies to assess damage. This technology can then allow the agency to remotely determine the degree of the damage, and estimate repair costs. This work should provide answers to the cost and logistical effectiveness to disaster response of advanced technologies. (Average rank of 3.38 Engineering Innovations) 31. Stormwater Compliance Requirements (2012): What needs to be asked is, is there a better way to construct new projects to comply with the new regulations in a more cost effective manner? Can we look at this problem by considering the system from a watershed approach? Operations produced a report Stormwater Practices Research Project that covers our existing practices for stormwater mitigation. This report can be used as a starting point in defining better ways to mitigate the stormwater effects in new construction, and providing for retroactive mitigation on completed projects. (Average rank of 3.38 Engineering Innovations) 32. Roadway lighting curfews (2012): Cost savings versus safety for turning off some lights during the night Maine has done a similar case study Burlington has trial on VT 127 (Average rank of 3.38 Resource Management) 33. Land/Rock Slides (2012): Another study resulting from the Tropical Storm Irene. Are there slopes at risk of sliding? If so, how can we predict a vulnerable location where a slide may occur? What are the known risks? (Average rank of 3.38 Engineering Innovations) 34. Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety (2012): This year is showing to be a statistically high year of pedestrian and bicycle activity. Brattleboro is becoming a good place to study. We may need to revisit previous studies to determine if pedestrians have enough time to cross the streets. There may be a political component to this project. The state spent $750,000 in intersection improvements a few years ago. (Average rank of Safety) 35. Irene Research (2012): There are currently many studies being done on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. There was some discussion on shifting studies from VTrans personnel to the UVM research staff. With all the research work being done, the question came up, could all this research be coordinated under one head, to limit duplication and enhance cooperation and data sharing? (Average rank of 3.63 Engineering Innovations) 36. Sediment Flow in Rivers (2012): This study will determine the effects of sediment flow in rivers. At times, sediment flow tends to stop in places where subsequent damage can result. The question is, is there appropriate times and places where material should be removed from riverbeds to control damage from storm events? Is it appropriate to continue with the policy to restore flood plains by allowing rivers to return to acting naturally? Could this study be extended to look into the effects of allowing trees to grow on riverbanks? Further, are there

8 places where allowing trees to grow is advantageous, verses other areas where allowing tree growth may be inviting disasters with our infrastructure? (Average rank of 3.75 Engineering Innovations) 37. Determine advantages/disadvantages of signal priority occurrences (2012): CCTA has signal priority on US 7 and possible North Ave. in Burlington (Average rank of 3.75 Resource Management) Uncommitted Ideas (4 to 4.49) 38. Centerline Rumble Strips Statewide (2012): What criteria justifies a centerline rumble strip? (Average rank of Safety) 39. Climate Change Impacts (2011): What is the impact of climate change on the performance of our infrastructure including bridge structures, culverts, and pavements? (Average rank of 4.00 Engineering Innovations) 40. Innovative Green Technologies (2011): What innovative green technologies are the most appropriate for Vermont and how can they be best deployed? Do the environmental benefits compensate for increased costs, risk of reduced service life/durability, etc. (Average rank of 4.00 Engineering Innovations) 41. Evaluation of the true environmental costs of transportation infrastructure (2012) How these economic costs can be integrated into project planning and design decision-making? (Average rank of 4.11 Funding and Policy) Ideas to Drop (4.5 to 6.00) 42. Effective Response to New Regulations (2011): How can the Agency best adapt or respond to new federal regulations and initiatives in a cost effective and timely manner? Examples include establishing a replacement strategy for traffic signs, minimum retroreflectivity requirements of pavement markings, the Get In, Get Out, Stay Out initiative, etc. (Average rank of 4.63 Engineering Innovations)