CTR Library's Research Digest, Dec 2011 issue

Research Digest FORWARD ALL REQUESTS TO: The University of Texas at Austin Center for Transportation Research LIBRARY 1616 Guadalupe St. | Suite 4.202 | Austin, Texas 78701 Phones: (512) 232-3126 and (512) 232-3138 Email: ctrlib@austin.utexas.edu

In this Issue:

TxDOT Research Reports Table of Contents Item 1.

Fatigue Life of Steel Base Plate to Pole Connections for Traffic Structures (CTR 1526-1)

18

Item 2.

Validation and Implementation of the Structural Condition Index (SCI) for Network-Level Pavement Evaluation (CTR 4322-01-1)

18

Item 3.

Field Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Skid Resistance and Its Relationship to Aggregate Characteristics (TTI 5627-3/P1)

18

Item 4.

Traffic Signal Operations Handbook Workshop Series : Final Report (TTI 5629-01-1)

18

Item 5.

High RAP Mixes Design Methodology with Balanced Performance (TTI 6092-2)

18

Item 6.

Mitigation Methods for Temporary Concrete Traffic Barrier Effects on Flood Water Flows (UTSA 6094-1)

18

Item 7.

Lane Assignment Traffic Control Devices on Frontage Roads and Conventional Roads at Interchanges : Technical Report (TTI 6106-1)

18

Item 8.

A Portable Toolbox to Monitor and Evaluate Signal Operations (TTI 6177-1)

18

Item 9.

Signing Strategies for Low-Water and Flood-Prone Highway Crossings (TTI 6262-1)

18

Item 10.

Framework for a Comprehensive Bridge Management and Information System (TTI 6389-1)

18

Item 11.

Research on Asset Management for Safety and Operations (TTI 6390-1)

18

Item 12.

Traffic Signals Operations Handbook (TTI 6402-P1)

18

Item 13.

Modern Traffic Control Devices to Improve Safety at Rural Intersections (TTI 6462-1)

18

Item 14.

Synthesis of Successful Bicycle Planning in Mid-Size Cities (TechMRT 6582-1)

18

Item 15.

Materials Selection for Concrete Overlays : Information Survey Review and Evaluation of Existing Concrete Overlays in Texas (CTR 6590-1)

18

Item 16.

Proposed TxDOT Strategic Research Program (CTR 6661-1)

18

Item 17.

Peer State Assessment of TxDOT Maintenance Program and Practices : Workshop and Road Rally Findings (CTR 6664-1)

18

Item 18.

White Paper : State of ITS Industry and Assessment of Project Types (TTI 6672-1)

18

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

Research Digest Item 1 Fatigue Life of Steel Base Plate to Pole Connections for Traffic Structures UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)

CTR 1526-1 • 2011 This is a final report of an extensive experimental and analytical examination of the fatigue behavior of the welded end connection used on high-mast light structures and traffic signal masts. The weld details commonly used for these connections produce very poor fatigue performance. Their performance is a function of base plate stiffness, weld type and geometry, and number of anchor bolts. Older connection designs produced very poor fatigue performance far below the lowest AASHTO fatigue category. These connections can be improved by increasing the base or end plate thickness, improving weld details, and other geometric considerations. Due to the interaction of the overall connection geometry upon fatigue performance, the fatigue performance of the connection cannot be classified by simply the type of connection. The fatigue life can be improved to fatigue performance comparable to Category B but a similar connection with a thinner base plate can produce fatigue life of Category E. Recommended connections and their corresponding fatigue strength are given as well as recommended fabrication and welding specifications.

This report is available for free download (3.8 MB): http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/9_1526_1.pdf Item 2 Validation and Implementation of the Structural Condition Index (SCI) for Network-Level Pavement Evaluation UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)

CTR 4322-01-1 • 2011 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) uses the Pavement Management Information Systems (PMIS) to store and analyze pavement data, and to summarize information needed to support pavement-related decisions. The information on overall condition of the pavement is stored in PMIS, measured with various scores based on visual distress and ride quality surveys. However, a direct measure of the pavement structural condition is currently not in use. A network-level index that can distinguish pavements that require Preventive Maintenance (PM) from those that require Rehabilitation (Rhb) is required, as it is not cost-effective to apply PM treatments to pavements that are structurally inadequate. The need for an index to improve the pavement treatment selection process, especially under financial constraints, has motivated this research. The objective of this research is to validate the pavement Structural Condition Index (SCI) developed under a previous Research Project, 0-4322, and to develop guidelines for implementing the SCI at the network level.

This report is available for free download (8.1 MB): http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/5_4322_01_1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 3 Field Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Skid Resistance and Its Relationship to Aggregate Characteristics TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 5627-3/P1 • 2011 This report documents the findings from the research that was carried out as part of Phase II of TxDOT Project 05627. The research included measurements and analysis of mechanical and physical properties of aggregates used in surface mixes in the state of Texas. These properties were aggregate shape characteristics measured using the Aggregate Imaging System (AIMS), British Pendulum value, coarse aggregate acid insolubility, Los Angeles weight loss, Micro-Deval weight loss, and Magnesium sulfate weight loss. In addition, a database of field skid number measurements that were collected over a number of years using the skid trailer was developed. The Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT) and Circular Texture Meter (CTMeter) were used to measure friction and texture, respectively, of selected asphalt pavement sections.

These data and measurements were used to carry out comprehensive statistical analyses of the influence of aggregate properties and mixture design on skid resistance value and its variability. Consequently, a method and software were developed for predicting asphalt pavement skid resistance. This method requires inputs that describe aggregate resistance to polishing, mixture gradation, and traffic. The developed software can be used to select the mixture type and aggregate source that are needed to achieve the required level of skid resistance for a given service life.

This report is available for free download (PDF=10.3 MB; ZIP=308 KB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5627-3.pdf http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5627-3-CD.zip Item 4 Traffic Signal Operations Handbook Workshop Series : Final Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 5629-01-1 • 2011 TxDOT operates thousands of traffic signals along state highways in the state of Texas. The operation of these signals is the responsibility of the TxDOT districts in which they are located. This local operation serves Texas motorists well, but it has also resulted in difference in practice across the state. TxDOT research project 0-5629 developed the "Traffic Signal Operations Handbook to (1) provide a uniform basis for signal operation throughout the state and (2) identify cost-effective procedures for maintaining safe and efficient signal operation.

This report documents the development and conduct of a two-year series of workshops to share information with TxDOT engineers and technicians regarding the cost-effective design and operation of signalized intersections.

Information in the Handbook was used as a basis for the workshop. The workshop was one day in length and was offered at six venues in Texas. Workshop topics include basic signal controller timing, coordination timing, signal phasing, rail preemption, detection design, and diamond interchange timing. The workshop participants applied the Handbook guidelines in several examples using a spreadsheet program called the Texas Signal Coordination Optimizer (TSCO).

This report is available for free download (37.3 KB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/5-5629-01-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 5 High RAP Mixes Design Methodology with Balanced Performance TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6092-2 • 2011 The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) can significantly reduce the increasing cost of hot-mix asphalt paving, conserve energy, and protect the environment. This report presents a comprehensive study focusing on methodologies to improve the performance of high RAP content mixes. Firstly this report addresses one major concern—RAP variability. It was found that in Texas the RAP materials are consistent and have low variability in terms of aggregate gradation and asphalt content, within individual stockpiles. The authors evaluated the impact of RAP on optimum asphalt content (OAC), rutting/moisture resistance, and cracking resistance. OAC generally increases with more RAP (and RAS) usage, but the increase in OAC is small when the RAP content is below 20 percent; increasing RAP content always improves rutting/moisture resistance as measured in the Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT). However, in the laboratory cracking resistance always reduces with increasing RAP content, especially when RAP content is 30 percent and above and also when RAP/RAS combinations are used. Additionally, the use of 10–15 percent RAP, without lowering virgin binder PG grade has a small impact on rutting/moisture and cracking resistance, but the influence, especially on cracking resistance, is much more significant when higher levels area used.

A balanced RAP mix design approach is proposed in this study. In the proposed balanced mix design approach the final asphalt content is selected after optimizing the mix density, HWTT, and Overlay Test (OT) requirements. RAP handling in the process of mix design is critical, especially the mixing and compaction temperatures for high RAP mixes. It was recommended that the mixing and compaction temperatures used for the virgin binder be used for the RAP mix as well. Finally, the balanced RAP mix design procedure is demonstrated and validated through the construction of field test sections containing different levels of RAP. One of the interesting findings is that cracking requirement in terms of OT cycles should vary, depending at least on climate (cold vs. hot), traffic (heavy vs. light), and existing pavement condition (overlay over cracked pavements vs. new construction). For asphalt overlays over severely cracked pavements, a minimum OT requirement of 300 cycles previously proposed was further validated with performance data from the RAP sections on IH40 near Amarillo, Texas. More work is needed to develop criteria for different climatic zone and different pavement conditions.

This report is available for free download (1 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6092-2.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 6 Mitigation Methods for Temporary Concrete Traffic Barrier Effects on Flood Water Flows UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO (UTSA). DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

UTSA 6094-1 • 2011 A combined experimental and analytical approach was put together to evaluate the hydraulic performance and stability of TxDOT standard and modified temporary concrete traffic barriers (TCTBs) in extreme flood. Rating curves are developed for different TCTBs from the laboratory experiments and methods are developed to model TCTBs using HEC-RAS during extreme flood condition. In addition, the effect of clogging of the openings of the TCTBs is also evaluated. A parametric study was conducted with important field parameters to evaluate the effect on stability of TCTBs against sliding and overturning during extreme flood. Based on the study of hydraulic performance, stability analysis, and parametric study, it can be seen that the modified single slope barrier is the most efficient TCTB from the perspective of hydraulic performance and the low speed concrete barrier is the most efficient TCTB from the perspective of stability. A guideline is prepared to use TCTBs in flood prone zones so that the use of TCTBs will not be detrimental in extreme flood.

This report is available for free download (4.4 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6094-1.pdf Item 7 Lane Assignment Traffic Control Devices on Frontage Roads and Conventional Roads at Interchanges : Technical Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6106-1 • 2011 The intersection and mandatory movement lane control signs placed on intersection approaches are critical to safe and efficient intersection operations. Ramp, frontage road, and cross-street approaches to interchanges often widen at intersections to accommodate additional through or turn lanes. Currently there is inconsistency in conveying to drivers how they should align themselves upstream of a diamond intersection to maneuver for their desired turning movement as the intersection widens. These inconsistencies can result in drivers making incorrect lane selection, which may result in late lane changes or illegal turns. This project conducted state-of-the-practice surveys, focus groups, and driver surveys to develop test signs used for field deployment and evaluation regarding lane assignment on frontage roads and cross streets. The findings include evaluation of an enhanced R3-8 sign to show roadway widening on a frontage road and evaluation of a guide sign to indicate lane choice when approaching a freeway interchange on a cross street. The research provides recommendations on when to apply non-standard signing to more clearly convey lane assignment to drivers on approach to more atypical intersections.

This report is available for free download (14.7 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6106-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 8 A Portable Toolbox to Monitor and Evaluate Signal Operations TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6177-1 • 2011 Researchers from the Texas Transportation Institute developed a portable tool consisting of a field-hardened computer interfacing with the traffic signal cabinet through special enhanced Bus Interface Units. The toolbox consisted of a monitoring tool and an analysis tool. The monitoring tool monitors and logs relevant events within the cabinet that provide input to analyze intersection operations. These inputs include signal status, detector status, preempt status, and coordination status. The user has to provide the basic signal timing data and coordination data as input data. The analysis tool then analyzes the log files for each day and produces easy to understand reports. The reports are available either in an hourly average format or individual cycle format for a selected time period. The measures of effectiveness (MOEs) presented include phase time, phase failures, queue clearance time, time to service; as well as counts on green, yellow, red, and split utilization during coordinated operations. Preempt data include the type of preempt, time of preempt, and the duration of preempt for each day. Detector failure data include type of detector failure and the time at which the detector failure occurred.

The analysis tool analyzes the log files and generates user-specified MOEs in Microsoft Excel® format. This type of format provides the user with an opportunity to further analyze the data in a manner the user considers appropriate.

This report is available for free download (3 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6177-1.pdf Item 9 Signing Strategies for Low-Water and Flood-Prone Highway Crossings TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6262-1 • 2011 In Texas, approximately eight flood-related fatalities occur each year?the majority of these (78.6 percent) involve motorists that are trapped in their vehicles or washed away. In many cases, victims, not wanting to take a lengthy detour, ignored barricades and tried to drive across a flooded street or low-water crossing? literally driving themselves into harm?s way. It takes as little as 2 ft of water to float most cars. Several districts in Texas have developed different signing strategies for warning motorists of low-water crossings.

As part of this research, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) developed guidelines and recommendations for creating signing uniformity for low-water and flood-prone sections of roadways. Signing guidelines were created for the following situations: 1) roadway sections that have several low-water crossings where water flows over the roadway in wet conditions, 2) actual low-water crossings, and 3) temporary road closures due to high water. TTI also developed criteria for when to implement active water-level detection and advance warning systems at low-water crossings and flood-prone roadway sections.

This report is available for free download (14.9 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6262-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 10 Framework for a Comprehensive Bridge Management and Information System TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6389-1 • 2011 The purpose of this research project was to provide a framework for the development of a Bridge Management Information System (BMIS). Researchers developed a synthesis of current BMIS development activities and identified sources of data available to develop a BMIS. Researchers also developed a shortterm BMIS architecture, with a proof-of-concept prototype, which links bridge-related data sources at TxDOT that enables the production of queries and reports needed for a variety of analytical purposes. For development of a long-term enterprise-wide BMIS architecture, researchers presented features of a proposed BMIS to TxDOT personnel in the Bridge Division and six districts. Researchers obtained feedback from those presentations to help identify user and data needs for a BMIS. The report contains conclusions and recommendations for BMIS development. The appendices in the report include a synthesis of the findings and the methodology that the researchers used on how to make a fragmented system into a BMIS system that can provide needed data and results for users.

This report is available for free download (9.1 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6389-1.pdf Item 11 Research on Asset Management for Safety and Operations TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6390-1 • 2011 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is challenged with managing a wide range of transportation safety and operations assets in order to respond to public and other outside interests. These assets include, but are not limited to pavements, pavement markings, raised pavement markers, structures, roadside signs, traffic signals, roadway illumination, traffic barriers, guard fences, attenuators, maintenance equipment, vehicles, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) equipment, traffic detection equipment, real estate, corporate data, and materials. Asset management is a comprehensive strategic approach to documenting and managing these assets, as well as using information gathered during the process to assist TxDOT in making cost-effective investment decisions. This project provided TxDOT with guidance on developing a well-designed asset management system as a critical component of the agency’s approach to providing for the mobility of its customers, preserving the infrastructure already in place, planning for future improvements of that infrastructure, and being responsive and accountable to the public regarding the investment of their tax dollars. This guidance is in the form of a comprehensive Guidebook and a Screening Tool to help TxDOT quickly identify the best approach for managing assets. Such a system will be an integral part of TxDOT’s ability to meet its goals of reducing congestion, enhancing safety, expanding economic opportunity, improving air quality, and increasing the value of transportation assets.

This report is available for free download (7.5 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6390-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 12 Traffic Signals Operations Handbook -- Second Edition TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6402-P1 • 2011 This handbook provides guidelines for timing traffic control signals at intersections that operate in isolation or as part of a coordinated signal system. The guidelines are intended to describe best practices, as identified through interviews with engineers and technicians, and to identify conditions where alternative practices are equally workable. The handbook is intended to make resource investment in signal timing maintenance cost-effective and signal operation more consistent on an area-wide basis. It is likely to be most useful to engineers that desire quickresponse methods for maintaining or improving the operation of existing signalized intersections.

The second edition of the handbook includes new material focused on pedestrian safety at signalized intersections.

One element of the new material is presented as guidelines for determining whether protected left-turn operation is appropriate based on consideration of pedestrian-vehicle crashes and vehicle delay. A second element is presented as guidelines for determining whether an exclusive pedestrian phase is needed. A third element is presented as a new appendix that describes alternative pedestrian treatments that can improve pedestrian safety at signalized intersections.

This report is available for free download (2.2 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6402-P1.pdf Item 13 Modern Traffic Control Devices to Improve Safety at Rural Intersections TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6462-1 • 2011 Engineers with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) frequently make changes to traffic control devices (TCDs) to improve intersection safety. To use available funds judiciously, engineers make incremental changes in order to select the least costly yet effective improvements. The goal of this project was to obtain a better understanding of modern TCD capabilities. Researchers conducted the following tasks: literature review, crash data examination, TxDOT district survey, laboratory survey, field study, and development of principles for selecting TCDs. Adding flashing lights to signs, either through beacons or embedded light-emitting diodes (LEDs), serves two purposes: to attract attention and to convey a message. The findings of this research demonstrate that while the lights do improve detection distance, legibility distance of the message suffers at night due to the glare of the lights.

Cautious engineering judgment should be used when adding lights to any word message sign beyond a Stop sign because the legibility distance for the words will be shorter than when lights are not present. For Stop signs, the unique color and shape of these traffic control devices prompts drivers’ responses to them long before the word “stop” is actually read. The driving study found no difference in sign detection at night between those with an overhead flashing beacon and those where the ground-mounted sign has embedded LEDs. The detection distances observed for the signs with lights in this study were extremely long, over 2000 ft in most cases. The other general observation regarding the magnitude of the results is that for all of the Stop signs, both lit and unlit, the detection distance for sign recognition was always greater than stopping sight distance. So the existing static Stop signs are sufficiently visible for an alert driver under clear weather. The research project found that there appears to be a benefit to detection from dimming the LED brightness at night. The LED sign set on the high brightness setting was detected furthest during the day, while the lower setting was detected best at night. The research concluded with guidance principles to consider when selecting countermeasures for rural stop-controlled intersections.

This report is available for free download (4.2 MB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6462-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 14 Synthesis of Successful Bicycle Planning in Mid-Size Cities TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY. CENTER FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN TRANSPORTATION (TECHMRT)

TechMRT 6582-1 • 2011 TechMRT and TxDOT worked together to conduct a survey of successful bicycle policies and practices in the United States. The team developed and released an online survey targeted at various groups including Metropolitan Planning Officials, government officials, bicycle users, bicycle advocacy groups, TxDOT employees, and TexITE members.

The purpose of this survey was to rate various issues of funding, safety, and organization to create a clear picture of how successful bicycling would appear in Texas, particularly in mid-size cities.

The goal of this research project was to synthesize successful practices of bicycle planning in mid-size cities, including reviews of bicycle practices in the U.S. and successful experiences in planning, design, and implementation of bicycle facilities, conduct a survey of successful bicycle policies and practices in the U.S., and identify common problems in bicycling and key factors for promoting bicycle transportation.

Key findings and recommendations from the research team are included in this report.

This report is available for free download (2.9 MB): http://www.depts.ttu.edu/techmrtweb/Reports/Complete%20Reports/0-6582-1_revised.pdf Item 15 Materials Selection for Concrete Overlays : Information Survey Review and Evaluation of Existing Concrete Overlays in Texas UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)

CTR 6590-1 • 2011 A comprehensive search and review of the use of concrete overlays by the TxDOT districts as well as other DOTs was conducted, with special emphasis focused on gathering information about the constituent materials and mixture proportioning used in the concrete overlays. This review also included new materials such as fibers used in previous studies and new types of fibers currently available. Publications and articles covering the various overlay rehabilitations were used as the background this project, as well as the several studies and implementation projects have been conducted for TxDOT. Along with the comprehensive search and review, condition surveys and evaluations of existing concrete overlay sections in Texas were performed. The sections included the early experimental concrete overlays in Houston, as well as some more recent projects around Texas.

This report is available for free download (3.5 MB): http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6590_1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 16 Proposed TxDOT Strategic Research Program UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)

CTR 6661-1 • 2011 In late 2009, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) proposed the development of a Strategic Research Program (SRP) to prepare the department for the transportation challenges likely to be faced in the next 10–30 years.

This report documents the results of the work conducted by the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at The University of Texas at Austin, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), and The Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation (TechMRT) at Texas Tech University, to assist TxDOT in developing the elements of the SRP. The scope of the proposed SRP is to complement the current technical research program by addressing longer-term and broader transportation issues that the State Legislature and TxDOT Administration foresee affecting the efficiency and viability of the statewide transportation system. It is envisioned that products would differ from standard research reports in that they would be more concise and audience-friendly, and would be disseminated in forms more appropriate to newer technologies. Research recommendations could require legislative action and/or internal departmental adjustments.

This report is available for free download (2.1 MB): http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6661_1.pdf Item 17 Peer State Assessment of TxDOT Maintenance Program and Practices : Workshop and Road Rally Findings UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)

CTR 6664-1 • 2011 In an effort to evaluate and improve their practices to ensure the future excellence of the Texas highway system, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sought a forum in which experts from other state departments of transportation could share their expertise. Thus, the Peer State Review of TxDOT Maintenance Practices project was organized and conducted for TxDOT by the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at The University of Texas at Austin. The goal of the project was to conduct a workshop at CTR and in the Austin District that would educate the visiting peers on TxDOT’s maintenance practices and invite their feedback. CTR and TxDOT arranged the participation of the following directors of maintenance: Steve Takigawa, CA; Roy Rissky, KS; Eric Pitts, GA; Jim Carney, MO; Jennifer Brandenburg, NC; and David Bierschbach, WA. One of the means used to capture the peer reviewers’ opinions was a carefully designed booklet of 15 questions. The peers provided TxDOT with written responses to these questions, and the oral comments made during the workshop were also captured. This information was then compiled and summarized in the following report. An examination of the peers’ comments suggests that TxDOT should use a more holistic, statewide approach to funding and planning rather than funding and planning for each district separately. Additionally, the peers stressed the importance of allocating funds based on the actual conditions of the roadways instead of on inventory. The visiting directors of maintenance also recommended continuing and proliferating programs that enhance communication, such as peer review workshops.

This report is available for free download (1.4 MB): http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6664_1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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Research Digest Item 18 White Paper : State of ITS Industry and Assessment of Project Types TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)

TTI 6672-1 • 2011 This white paper describes the state of the intelligent transportation system (ITS) industry and provides a reference for use in soliciting ITS strategic plan inputs from stakeholders in Texas.

This report is available for free download (670 KB): http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6672-1.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________ Research and Technology Implementation Office

December 2011

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