Abstract:
This report documents the results of five Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) project evaluations performed for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The projects encompass a range of devices in both urban and rural environments. Guidelines and lessons learned for planning and operating ATIS programs were then developed from the evaluation results. These observations were clustered into common themes in the areas of maintenance, rural projects, project management, staffing, training, support, and customer response. As part of this effort, a standardized evaluation approach for ATIS projects was developed. The approach was designed to focus on technical, management, and organizational lessons learned. The method was effective in producing useful information about ATIS benefits and deployment issues. Using that approach, an additional nineteen required ATIS evaluations will be performed in a second project phase. The additional evaluations will also provide an opportunity to further verify and strengthen the initial lessons learned, as well as to expand the method.

Authors:
Kopf,J., Nee,J., Ishimaru,J. M., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
advanced traveler information systems, ATIS, benefit, benefits, environment, evaluation, framework, Intelligent transportation system, ITS, maintenance, management, planning, program, project evaluation, project management, rural, training, transportation, traveler information, urban, Washington, Washington state

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/606.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/606.1.htm

Abstract:
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool lanes and diamond lanes, are designated for use by carpoolers, transit riders, ride sharers and motorcyclists that meet the occupancy requirement. By restricting access, the HOV lanes benefit users by allowing them to travel the freeway system at a faster speed, thus saving time, and experiencing greater time reliability in comparison to motorists on general purpose (GP) lanes. To accurately evaluate the system's effectiveness, a state policy requires an annual HOV system report to document system performance, examining the HOV lanes' person-carrying capability, travel time savings, and trip reliability benefits in comparison to adjacent GP lanes. HOV lane violation rates are also evaluated. This report describes the results of an extensive monitoring effort of HOV lane use and performance in the Puget Sound area in 2002. It presents an analysis of data collected to describe the number of people and vehicles that use HOV lanes, the reliability of the HOV lanes, the travel time savings in comparison to GP lanes, violation rates and public perceptions. This information is intended to serve as reliable input for transportation decision makers and planners in evaluating the impact and adequacy of the existing HOV lane system in the Puget sound area, and in planning for other HOV facilities. This is volume 1 of a two-volume set. Volume 2 provides an overview of major trends in HOV lane performance by comparing data presented in the 2000 HOV Performance Report.

Authors:
Nee,J., Ishimaru,J. M., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, carpool, data, facilities, freeway, GP lanes, high occupancy, high occupancy vehicle, HOV, HOV facilities, HOV lanes, HOV performance, monitoring, occupancy, performance, performance monitoring, planning, policy, public, reliability, research, speed, transit, transportation, travel time, violation, volume

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/584.2.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/584.2.htm

Abstract:
The goal of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) is to provide travelers with information that will facilitate their decisions concerning route choice, departure time, trip delay or elimination, and mode of transportation. The benefits of ATIS projects can be evaluated through field studies, simulation software, and surveys. An evaluation method called the ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) is suggested for use by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). IDAS is a "sketch" planning tool intended for screening and prioritizing all intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects (not just ATIS projects). The software evaluates a number of benefits. These are determined by changes attributable to the deployment of ITS in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), vehicle hours traveled (VHT), volume-capacity (v/c) ratios, and vehicle speeds throughout a given network. The IDAS evaluation depends on a number of assumptions that affect the calculations of costs and benefits. The IDAS developers recommend that these assumptions be inspected by local agencies and adjusted to better represent local conditions. The assumptions about the impacts on VMT, VHT, v/c ratios, and vehicle speed are particularly important. Consequently, suggestions are made within this report for adjustments that WSDOT should make to these default values. These values will allow the WSDOT to successfully employ IDAS for ATIS evaluation.

Authors:
Kristof,T., Lowry,M., Rutherford,G. S.

Keywords:
advanced traveler information systems, agencies, analysis, Assessing, ATIS, ATIS benefits, ATIS evaluation, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, costs, Deployment, evaluation, IDAS, impact, impacts, information systems, Intelligent transportation system, intelligent transportation systems, ITS, ITS Deployment Analysis System, planning, prioritizing, project, research, software, speed, Study, survey, Surveys, System, systems, transportation, traveler information, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/597.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/597.1.htm

Abstract:
This research was Phase III of field investigations carried out over 12 years at a test section in southwest Washington State in an effort to quantify the contribution of geotextile separators to the long-term performance of pavement sections. Five different geotextile separators, as well as a control (soil-only) section, were installed in a test section covering two lanes with different base course thicknesses on a low volume but heavily loaded rural highway west of Bucoda, Wash. Phase I evaluated the performance of the separators during construction. Phases II and III were conducted to evaluate the performance of the separators 5 and 12 years after construction, respectively. Field and laboratory tests were conducted on the subgrade, granular base materials, and the geotextiles as part of the effort to correlate the performance of the pavement section to the presence of the geotextile separators. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing was also performed at the site as part of the effort to quantify the performance of the pavement section. The laboratory tests indicated that the geotextiles successfully performed their separation function over the 12-year period. However, the soil-only sections had a minimal amount of intermixing at the base course/subgrade interface, indicating that the separation benefits of geotextiles may not be realized under relatively thick pavement sections. Field density tests indicated that the density of the subgrade in the sections with a geotextile generally increased between construction and the first field investigation, whereas the density of the soil-only sections remained about the same. Similarly, the FWD tests showed that the most significant increase in the subgrade moduli occurred in the first few months following construction. However, the soil-only sections exhibited behavior similar to the sections with geotextiles during the FWD testing, suggesting that for the relatively thick pavement sections, incorporation of geotextiles may not have provided a significant contribution to the overall performance of the section over the 12-year period. Some of the FWD results did suggest that geotextiles might contribute to an increase in the base course modulus over time.

Authors:
Collins,B. M., Holtz,R. D.

Keywords:
base, behavior, benefit, benefits, construction, control, density, falling weight deflectometer, field investigations, geotextile, geotextile separators, highway, materials, moduli, pavement, pavement performance, pavement section, research, rural, separators, subgrade, tests, volume, Washington, Washington state, weight, performance

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/595.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/595.1.htm

Abstract:
This report documents the findings of the evaluation of the North Seattle Advanced Traffic Management System (NSATMS) Project. The evaluation was originally designed to analyze the potential transportation benefits and costs of a regional arterial traffic data sharing system that would obtain traffic signal system information (volumes, signal timing plans, etc.) from participating agencies and then share the data among those agencies. The operational goal was to allow each agency to make better control decisions by providing it with real-time knowledge of traffic conditions outside of its own control system boundaries. Because of a series of technical and project management issues, the system as originally envisioned was not successfully implemented. As a result, this evaluation does not include an analysis of direct operational benefits. It does, however, include a discussion of the expected institutional benefits, as well as an extensive "lessons learned" section based on the project team's review of the NSATMS effort. Of particular note were the importance of effective and ongoing lines of project communication, and the critical need to properly evaluate the fundamental nature of the project and provide a well-matched project management structure. The lessons learned from this project provide instructive guidelines for those who are contemplating future ITS system development efforts of comparable scope and complexity. Despite the limited successes of the NSATMS effort, the evaluation team found continued support for the regional arterial ATMS concept within the Puget Sound region. Follow-on research that contributes to a better understanding of the benefits, costs, and technical requirements of an arterial traffic management system is desired by many of the project participants.

Authors:
Ishimaru,J. M., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
intelligent transportation systems, advanced traffic management systems, arterial signal control systems, traffic control strategies, Archived Data User Services (ADUS), data sharing, evaluation, seattle, advanced traffic management systems, traffic, traffic management, management, management system, transportation, transportation benefit, benefits, benefit, costs, cost, arterial, traffic data, data, volume, control, condition, ITS, project management, analysis, line, development, ATMS, research

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/555.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/555.1.htm

Abstract:
The Service Patrol pilot demonstration in Seattle and Tacoma was managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and operated by Washington State Patrol (WSP) cadets and contracted registered tow truck operators (RTTOs). Two other roving services, not funded as part of this pilot effort but included to a limited extent in this evaluation, were the roving patrol service provided by WSDOT on the SR 520 and I-90 floating bridges and the privately sponsored motor assistance vehicle from AAA's RescueVan. The evaluation examines how the similarities and differences among the different service delivery modes (e.g., the intensity of deployment, equipment choices, service delivery, costs) affect the impact of the Service Patrol operation on traffic conditions (e.g., reductions in delay) and the level of motorist satisfaction. This report also discusses feedback by the agencies participating in the Service Patrol program on institutional and operational issues that contribute to or hinder the success of the program. Operational characteristics and operating statistics are reported to convey factors that describe program effectiveness. The results of the study indicate that the use of a combination of service providers has benefits that no single provider can duplicate, and the cost implications of changing the program are small enough that any potential savings would be fairly minor. The pilot project resulted in a variety of intangible benefits, such as improved interagency coordination and cooperation, more efficient utilization of personnel, and a better understanding of each partner's roles and contributions toward congestion relief. The positive viewpoint toward the Service Patrol was uniform, regardless the service mode. Therefore, no significant changes to the existing pilot program are recommended at this time.

Authors:
Nee,J., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
service patrols, incident response time, traffic delay, traffic safety, research, seattle, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, truck, evaluation, floating bridge, bridges, bridge, costs, cost, traffic, condition, program, statistics, benefits, benefit, congestion

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Abstract:
The objective of the study was to provide alternatives called soil bioengineering methods for slope and shallow rapid landslide stabilization along different roadside environments. Additional objectives were to educate WSDOT personnel in site selection, soil bioengineering techniques, and construction; to provide soil bioengineering decision-making skills. Three study sites were selected, based upon the following criteria: safety, visibility, accessibility, representation of disparate moisture conditions, climate, and erosion types, illustration of different techniques, availability of additional funding, and WSDOT input. Three different combinations of soil bioengineering techniques were used to stabilize upland slopes on the roadside. Results indicate soil bioengineering is an effective means of upland slope stabilization on erosional slopes and shallow rapid landslides and is practical and economical. Composted biosolids improved soil workability and enhanced the native plant community during the first year.

Authors:
Lewis,L., Salisbury,S. L., Hagen,S., Maurer,M.

Keywords:
benefit, biosolids, branchpacking, brush layering, cordon, cost, cribwall, erosion, erosion control, fascine, landslides, live cribwall, live gully repair, live staking, native plants, research, slope stabilization, soil bioengineering, willow wall

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Abstract:
Experimental installation of rubber-asphalt binder stress absorbing membrane interlayers were evaluated for their ability to delay or prevent reflective alligator cracking. The final results are inconclusive in that after 10 years of service life neither the control sections paved without an interlayer or the remainder of the projects paved with the interlayer have shown any reflective alligator cracking. It is suspected that the thickness of the overlay in combination with the sound structure of the underlying pavement has masked any of the benefits of the interlayer.

Authors:
Allison,R. E.

Keywords:
Alligator Cracking, asphalt, benefit, benefits, control, cracking, experimental, membrane, overlay, pavement, Reflection Cracking, rubber, Rubber-asphalt, SAMI, stresses

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External Links: http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/100/185.1.htm

Abstract:
A Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) system was installed on I-90, Snoqualmie Pass to inform motorists of winter driving conditions. Despite numerous operational problems with equipment, the service has been well received by the traveling public. The system was found to have an added benefit during the summer months as an information system to alert motorists of delays or other problems caused by construction activities. The HAR system on Snoqualmie Pass has been expanded and additional systems have been installed in the Seattle area to inform motorists of construction activities.

Authors:
Krug,H. O.

Keywords:
benefit, condition, construction, HAR, highway, Highway Advisory Radio, public, seattle, systems, winter, winter driving

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Abstract:
This report describes the feasibility, costs and benefits of automating the vessel and crew scheduling functions of the Marine Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation. The project examined the needs of the Marine Division, reviewed its current procedures, and compared available commercial and public domain software packages. Some existing packages intended for use by the transit and airline industries offer promise, but all the packages examined require considerable modification to meet the needs of the Marine Division.

Authors:
Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, automated toll collection, automated vehicle identification, AVI, benefit, benefits, billing, cost, costs, crew scheduling, data, ferry, ferry system, ITS, marine, public, scheduling, scheduling systems, software, systems, transit, transportation, vessel, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has completed construction of twenty-four hot-mix recycle projects as of January, 1985. At the begining of this study there were sixteen completed projects that were to be examined. Evaluation of the laboratory and pavement performance data shows that WSDOT\'s initial two projects, Renslow to Ryegrass (1977) and Yakima River to West Ellensburg Interchange (1978), are still performing very we1l. Although the other fourteed projects have been constructed only within the last two and a half years, the early data indicates equally promising results. Because of the impressive pavement performance exhibited by the recycled pavements, together with hot-mix recycle benefits such as conservation of natural resources, feasibility of construction, and its cost advantage over new ACP, hot-mix recycling has become an attractive addition to the WSDOT paving program.

Authors:
Peters,A. J., Gietz,R. H., Walter,J. P.

Keywords:
asphalt, asphalt concrete, benefit, benefits, construction, cost, data, evaluation, ITS, pavement, pavement performance, pavements, performance, program, project, recycling, rejuvenating agents, Study, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The feasibility of adopting the Washington State Pavement Management System(WSPMS) for use by Washington counties was established. The WSPMS designoffers a great deal of flexibility for adjusting the system to satisfy thecounties needs. Some modifications to computer programs will be necessaryand can be accomplished with relatively modest effort. The major adjustmentswill be in those counties input data. The only data that are absolutelyessential are those for determining and evaluating pavement condition andthe most cost effective rehabilitation strategies.The state computer system has an adequate storage capacity to support usageof the WSPMS by a large number of counties. Dial-up capability i s availablefor use of WSPMS from remote terminals. Data processing hardware optionsavailable to counties range from no data processing equipment to stand alonecomputer system,A t r i a l demonstration is recommended, Two counties, one large with in-housecomputer f a c i l i t i e s and one small with no or minimal f a c i l i t i e s would bechosen to test the system.Significant. benefits are anticipated from the use of WSPMS. Washingtoncounties desiring to improve the process o f pavement management may findadopting and operating the WSPMS to feasible and desirable.

Authors:
Kulkarni,R. B., Finn,F. N., Lamot,A.

Keywords:
benefit, benefits, computer, computer program, condition, cost, cost effective, counties, data, design, equipment, maintenance, management, management system, Operating, pavement, pavement condition, pavement management, pavement repair, program, rehabilitation, Study, System, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
This report describes the pavement management system developed by WSDOT staff over a period of five years. Both project-level and network-level pavement management are represented within the four broad areas of data processing which combine to constitute the foundation of the system.The design of a pavement data file is laid out together with the process of assembling it. Also shown are the methods used to analyze and convert the file data from pavement condition ratings to pavement performance curves for each project. The performance curves are then used, together with appropriate cost data, to determine the most cost-effective type and time to fix. The network-level program then summarized the need work for each year of a rehabilitation program. Mean are provided for adjusting the program to fit budget constraints or minimum acceptable levels of average pavement condition.It is concluded that the system, operating on biennial pavement condition ratings, provides a good solid framework for orderly analysis to estimate the economic benefits of the type, timing, and sequence of rehabilitation activities applied to a pavement.

Authors:
Nelson,Thomas L., LeClerc,R. V.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, data, design, developed, development, foundation, framework, management, management system, methods, Operating, pavement, pavement condition, pavement data file, pavement management, pavement performance, performance, program, project, rehabilitation, System, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
This report describes the pavement system developed by staff over a period of five years. Both project-level and network-level pavement are represented within the four broad areas of data processing which combine to constitute the foundation of the system. The design of a pavement data file is laid out together with the process of assembling it. Also shown are the methods used to analyze and convert the file data pavement condition ratings to pavement performance curves for each project. The performance curves are then used, together with appropriate cost data, to determine the most cost-effective type and of fix. The network-level program then the needed work for each year of a rehabilitation program. Means are provided for adjusting the program to fit budget constraints or acceptable levels of average pavement condition It is concluded that the system, operating on biennial pavement condition ratings, provides a good solid framework for orderly analysis to estimate the economic benefits of the type, timing, and sequence of rehabilitation activities apply to a pavement.

Authors:
Nelson,Thomas L., LeClerc,R. V.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, cost effective, data, design, developed, development, foundation, framework, management, management system, methods, Operating, pavement, pavement condition, pavement data file, pavement management, pavement performance, performance, program, project, rehabilitation, System, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
Transportation improvements of all kinds are being evaluated more carefully than ever during the planning stages. This attention to detail is well justified because the implications of such projects transcend the engineering disciplines and have environmental, social , and economic effects of major importance. In the economic area one of the impacts that is of great concern to the public i s the effect of a highway on property values. The purpose of this study is to measure the beneficial and adverse effects of limited- access highways on property values. A need exists in the State of Washington to have current data and analyses concerning this subject that apply specifically to this state . In addition there have been several theoretical developments that allow refinement of previous studies and validation of the results .OverviewThis study analyzed the beneficial effects of a highway on the values of surrounding properties by determining the real estate price trends in areas where a highway was constructed and comparing these trends with those in comparable areas which did not experience such changes. There were four residential areas utilized for parts of this study: Kingsgate east of Lake Washington on 1-405, north King County along 1-5 north of the Seattle city limits , Spokane near the east city limits along 1-90, and the southeast section of Puyallup along SR 512. Because of the lack of an adequate control area f o r the Spokane study, only the other three areas were used for the benefit estimation.

Authors:
Social and Econonomic Planning Section of the WA State Department of Highways

Keywords:
benefit, control, counties, data, development, environmental, highway, Highways, impact, impacts, improvement, planning, project, property values, public, seattle, transportation, Washington

Abstract:
The objective of this study was to present criteria and procedures for evaluation of Joint Development (JD) above, below, or beside s t a t e highways. Application of the procedures a re-illustrated over a wide range of joint development situations, both (1) for establishing state or local J D policy, and (2) for making decisions about JD projects in a more timely and comprehensive manner, and in a way that will contribute toward improving the quality or urban life or the enhancement of rural environments. The approach taken in the Guidelines is sequential, systematic, and interdisciplinary; that is, it uses a series of successively more detailed and comprehensive planning and evaluation procedures for JD decision-making, relying on a wide range of specified physical, economic, social, and legal criteria. In use, the Guidelines envision a three- stage planning and evaluation process:(1) identification of the need or potential for J D projects, (2) comparison of project proposals against policies, criteria and standards designed t o avoid or minimize negative impacts and increase favorable impacts; and (3) refined definition of costs and benefits when warranted.

Authors:
Van Zandt,E. Jack

Keywords:
benefit, benefits, cost, costs, criteria, development, Enviromental impact, environment, evaluation, highway, Highway planning, Highways, impact, impacts, joint development, Multiple use, planning, policy, quality, rural, urban

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Abstract:
The objective of this study was to present criteria and procedures for evaluation of Joint Development (JD) above, below, or beside state highways. Application of the procedures are illustrated over a wide range of joint development situations, both (1) for establishing state or local JD policy, and (2) for making decisions about JD projects in a more timely and comprehensive manner, and in a way that will contribute toward iwro;ing the quality of urban life or the enhancement of rural environments. The approach taken in the Guidelines is sequential, systematic, and interdisciplinary; that is, it uses a series of successively more detailed and comprehensive planning and evaluation procedures for JD decision making relying on a wide range of specified physical, economic, social and legal criteria. In use, the Guidelines envision a three-stage planning and evaluation process:(1) identification of the need or potential for JD projects; (2) comparison of project proposals against policies, criteria, and standards designed to avoid or minimize negative impacts and increase favorable impacts; and (3) refined definition of costs and benefits when warranted. This supplement to the Guidelines report (described above) presents the results of analyzing seven actual JD proposals, located along Interstate 5 in the State of Washington, according to the procedures suggested in the Guidelines,

Authors:
Van Zandt,E. Jack

Keywords:
benefit, benefits, cost, costs, criteria, development, environment, evaluation, highway, Highways, impact, impacts, joint development, Joint Development, Multiple Use, Highway Planning, Enviromental Impact, planning, policy, quality, research, rural, transportation, urban, Washington

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