Abstract:
Increasing traffic volumes and a deteriorating transportation infrastructure have stimulated the development of new systems and methods to accelerate the construction of highway bridges. Precast concrete bridge components offer a potential alternative to conventional reinforced, cast-in-place concrete components. The use of precast components has the potential to minimize traffic disruptions, improve work zone safety, reduce environmental impacts, improve constructability, increase quality, and lower life-cycle costs. This study compared two precast concrete bridge pier systems for rapid construction of bridges in seismic regions. One was a reinforced concrete system, in which mild steel deformed bars connect the precast concrete components and provide the flexural strength of the columns. The other was a hybrid system, which uses a combination of unbonded post-tensioning and mild steel deformed bars to make the connections. A parametric study of the two types of systems was conducted using nonlinear finite element models to investigate the global response and likelihood of damage for various frame configurations. On the basis of this study, a practical method was developed to estimate maximum seismic displacements from the cracked section properties of the columns, the elastic design displacement response spectrum, and the base-shear strength ratio. The results of the global nonlinear finite element analyses suggest that the systems have the potential for good seismic performance. Further analytical and experimental research is needed to investigate the constructability and seismic performance of the connection details.

Authors:
Hieber,D. G., Wacker,J. M., Eberhard,M. O., Stanton,J. F.

Keywords:
Alternative, bridge, bridges, columns, concrete, concrete bridge, connections, constructability, construction, cost, costs, damage, design, developed, development, environmental, environmental impact experimental, finite element, highway, impact, impacts, infrastructure, methods, models, performance piers, precast, precast concrete, prestressed concete, quality, Rapid construction, Regions, reinforce concrete, research, response spectra, response spectrum, safety, seismic, seismic performance, steel strength, Study, substructures, System, systems, traffic, traffic volumes, trasportation, volume

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/611.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/611.1.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:
More extensive use of precast concrete components, which are fabricated off-site and then connected on-site, could allow bridges to be constructed more rapidly. The increased use of precast components in bridges also promises to increase work-zone safety and reduce environmental impacts for bridges that span waterways. This report discusses precast concrete systems that have been used for rapid bridge construction outside of Washington State and evaluates whether they are suitable for use within Western Washington. The report also identifies key features that are important for successful precast concrete system applications. Information on previously used systems was gathered through an extensive review of published literature. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) design and construction engineers, precast concrete producers, and bridge contractors were also consulted to obtain their input on the positive and negative aspects of applied systems. Most applications have been used in areas of low seismic potential. By contrast, Western Washington is subject to strong earthquakes. Because precast systems contain connections, and connections are typically vulnerable to seismic loading, a qualitative evaluation of the expected seismic performance of each system was deemed necessary. The researchers identified four types of precast concrete superstructure systems: full-depth precast concrete panels, partial-depth precast concrete panels, prestressed concrete multibeam superstructures, and preconstructed composite units. The four systems appear to have acceptable seismic behavior, but there are concerns associated with constructability and durability. Precast concrete substructure systems have received much less attention than have superstructure systems. The use of precast substructure components can provide significant time savings by eliminating the time needed to erect formwork, fix steel, and cure concrete in the substructure. The success of the system depends strongly on the connections, which must hae good seismic resistance, have tolerances that allow easy assembly, and be suitable for rapid construction.

Authors:
Hieber,D. G., Wacker,J. M., Eberhard,M. O., Stanton,J. F.

Keywords:
bridge, bridges, concrete, construction, multibeam superstructures, precast concrete, precast substructures, prestressed concrete, Rapid construction, state-of-the-art, systems, safety, environmental, environmental impact, impacts, span, Washington, Washington state, applications, transportation, WSDOT, design, seismic, earthquake, seismic loading, evaluation, performance, superstructure, prestressed, seismic behavior, constructability, durability, steel, resistance

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/594.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/594.1.htm

Abstract:
This document presents a plan pile driving research based on the issues and needs of the WSDOT and resource agencies and on discussions that took place during an April 2004 pile driving workshop that was sponsored by WSDOT and coordinated by Battelle. The work plan is designed to meet WSDOT/WSF needs for pile driving research and to further understanding of pile driving impacts to aquatic animals in the Puget Sound.

Authors:
Carlson,T. J., Sargeant,S. L., Johnson,G. E.

Keywords:
acoustics, barotrauma, behavior, fish, hearing, pile-driving, research, WSDOT, impacts

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/590.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/590.1.htm

Abstract:
The pervasive problem of restoring fish runs to their natal streams is characterized in many regions of Washington by improperly placed culverts. The replacement of these fish migration barriers requires knowledge of design flows: floods for structural safety and migration season high and low flows. High flows block fish passage with velocities that exceed their swimming capabilities. During low flows, the migration barrier is caused by a lack of enough water depth to support the bodies of the fish. The estimation of these fish passage and safety flows in ungaged streams is impeded in eastern Washington due to: the wide range of conditions (5 to 110 inches per year of precipitation); diverse geology and soils; a lack of stream-gaging stations with long-term records; changes in land use; and the seasonal impacts of irrigation diversions and well on the remnant flows. Past efforts to estimate these flows have not been successful. Therefore, the WSU project was undertaken to model the high migration season flow in all of eastern Washington. In addition, WSU established 20 stream-gaging stations on salmon streams along the east side of the Cascade Mountains plus the Blue Mountains. Our complementary project was developed to estimate other design flows in the Water Resource Inventory Areas and 49, in which the WSU gage sites are located. United States Geological Survey (USGS) gage records in those (and in and 47) were used to develop our models that estimate the following statistical flows: 100-year, 25-year and 2-year daily and peak floods; the average annual flow and its variability; ranges of mean monthly flows (maximum, average and low); the 7-day average, 2-year, 10-year, 20-year low flow; and the 30- and 60-day average low flows. The model results are, for the most part, very good. The standard error of estimate ranges are: for floods, 2 -37%; average annual flow, 10-37%; maximum annual flow, 6 -14%; annual flow, 13 -23%; and flows, 3 -22%. Monthly average flows reflected the strong influences of seasonal variability and irrigation withdrawals: due to winter frozen Iowa flows (3%)in the Entiat,-Wenatchee Region, and August low flows (242%) in the Blue Mountains due to irrigation. All flow estimation equations were based on USGS stream-gaging data from continuous located in the located in the WRIA'S.

Authors:
Orsborn,J. F., Orsborn,M. T.

Keywords:
Annual, barrier, barriers, condition, culvert, culverts, data, design, design flows, developed, equations, Error, fish, fish passage, flood, flow, hydrologic models, impact, impacts, ITS, land use, land-use, model, models, project, safety, salmon, season, seasonal, soil, structural safety, survey, velocity, Washington, winter

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/545.2.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/545.2.htm

Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information for Travelers (SWIFT) Operational Test was intended to evaluate the performance of a large-scale, urban Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) deployment in the Seattle area. With the majority the SWIFT system completed by June 30,1996, the SWIFT Field Operational Test (FOT) evaluation was conducted from July 1, 1996 through September 20, 1997. The unique features of the SWIFT ATIS included the provision of information for multiple transportation modes, the delivery of this information using three different devices and the use of FM sideband as the primary communications medium. A total of 690 system users were recruited during the course of the study, including 520 Seiko Message watch users, 90 users of the Delco in-vehicle-navigation device and 80 users of the SWIFT portable computers.Purpose of Test. The SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study was one of five component studies to the overall system evaluation. This report details the findings for the SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study based on the evaluation objectives that were identified in the SWIFT Evaluation Plan (1 995). The primary objectives of the SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study were to assess the following:Importance of traveler information in travel planningUsefulness of SWIFT traveler information in travel planningMinimum set of user services and device features required to provide viable productand servicesUser perceptions of SWIFT device usefulnessWillingness-to-pay for different services.User perceptions of changes in travel convenience and efficiencyUser perceptions of changes in traffic congestion, air quality, energy consumption,and safety.Additional SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study objectives, conducted in support of the SWIFTArchitecture Study, were to assess the following:SWIFT system reliability from a user perspectiveSWIFT system availability from a user perspective.Methods. A variety of data-collection efforts were completed, including questionnaires, focus groups and telephone interviews. The questionnaires contained items that addressed objectives set out in the evaluation plan. The focus groups were conducted with small groups of users to obtain qualitative impressions from a smaller subset of users who were encouraged to speak openly and share their perceptions with other users. The SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study focused on measurement and analysis of user perceptions toward SWIFT system usefulness and performance. No attempt was made to quantify the system level impacts of SWIFT services on congestion, air quality, energy consumption or safety in the Seattle region. Rather, the assessment of system-level transportation impacts was limited to examining subjective data (e.g., traveler's perceptions) collected from users and determining whether these perceptions were consistent with a benefit.Perceptions of Importance of Traveler In formationResults indicated that SWIFT users tended to place a high degree of importance on incident and congestion-related information in travel planning. Incident location and duration information was rated quite high in importance along with general traffic congestion information. For the group as a whole, information concerning bus schedule and route information and bus-location information was rated very low in importance, although these ratings were much higher in those users that actually used the bus. This was consistent with the automobile dependence reported by the group, and suggests that information concerning non-automobile options would not be used by the automobile-dependent group. Since users of the SWIFT portable computer were recruited from among transit users, this group generally rated transit information higher than other device users groups. However, the importance of this information was not as high as congestion and incident-related information. Receipt of various general-information messages was not rated very high in importance by questionnaire respondents, with the exception of weather, sports and news items. Most SWIFT respondents indicated that the receipt of financial and other environmental information was not important. Of course, from a transportation-impact point of view, the receipt of these general information messages was inconsequential. However, if device users were attracted by thesemessages it may make such services commercially viable to augment any potential benefitperceived by users through the receipt of travel-related information.Perceptions of S WIFT Traveler In formation UsefulnessUsers tended to view the messages they received from the SWIFT systems as accurate, reliable,timely, easy to understand and useful. Among device types, respondents representing users of the Seiko Message Watch expressed concern with the timeliness of incident-related messages. In addition, these respondents tended to rate ease of understanding lower than other user groups. Users of the Delco in-vehicle-navigation devices and SWIFT portable computers experienced problems in receiving personal-paging messages and these problems were reflected in respondent ratings. The map-based display provided by the SWIFT portable computer resulted in generally higher ratings for this device over other devices in understanding incident location and the nature of congestion. Seiko Message Watch users reported difficulty in understanding the extent of expected delay as well as the nature of congestion, while Delco in-vehicle-navigation device respondents reported difficulty in understanding the period of time for which a message applied. Generally speaking, SWIFT participants endorsed a wide-range of improvements to messages provided by the SWIFT system. Most seemed to consider the operational test as a suggestion of what might be possible, rather than a demonstration of a final product. Among Seiko Message Watch users, respondents expressed a desire for improved timeliness of messages as atop priority.

Authors:
Trombly,J., Wetherby,B., Dixson,A.

Keywords:
Acceptance, air quality, analysis, Assessment, ATIS, availability, bus, computer, congestion, congestion information, Consumer, data, data collection, Energy, environmental, evaluation, group, impact, impacts, improvement, incident, interviews, Miscellaneous Library, objectives, performance, planning, portable computer, quality, reliability, safety, seattle, Study, SWIFT, System, systems, traffic, traffic congestion, transit, transportation, travel, traveler information, urban

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Abstract:
The impacts that would result from providing "reserved capacity" for trucks rather than restricting trucks are considered in this study. In the extreme case, trucks would be allowed to travel in a dedicated or exclusive lane. A more moderate approach would be to provide a cooperative dedicated lane in which vehicles such as trucks and buses could share a common lane and yet be separated from general traffic.The study determined the following. Reserved-capacity strategies for trucks would offer (1) nearly $10 million in annual travel time savings for the trucking industry, (2) a savings of about 2.5 minutes per average truck trip (less than 8 percent savings in trip travel time), and (3) almost $30 million in annual travel time savings for single-occupancy vehicles in the Seattle region. The difference in travel times between the reserved-capacity strategy that would add trucks to the existing HOV lanes and the one that would add an exclusive truck lane would be insignificant, providing little justification for the construction of an exclusive truck lane. In all likelihood, the impact of reserved-capacity strategies on safety would be small, depending on the particular reserved capacity strategy. Reserved capacity strategies for trucks would accelerate pavement deterioration in the reserved lanes, but the reduction in the pavement deterioration rates of the general purpose lanes might help to balance future reconstruction costs. Surveys of the general public and subsequent statistical analysis showed considerable resistance to reserved-capacity strategies for trucks. However, this resistance is not unlike that encountered when HOV lanes were first considered.It is the recommendation of this study that the idea of reserved-capacity strategies for trucks continue to be presented to the trucking industry, to the public, and to other impacted agencies for discussion and consideration. The study showed that the adverse impacts of such strategies are easily manageable and there is at least potential for freight-productivity improvements.

Authors:
Trowbridge,A., Nam,D., Mannering,F. L., Carson,J.

Keywords:
agencies, analysis, Annual, buses, construction, corridors, cost, costs, deterioration, exclusive truck lanes, freight, freight mobility, HOV, HOV lanes, impact, impacts, improvement, lanes, pavement, public, reconstruction, research, resistance, safety, seattle, statistical analysis, survey, Surveys, travel, travel time, travel times, truck, trucking, trucks, urban

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Abstract:
This summary report describes four case studies of rail line abandonment in Washington. These case studies were used to test a conceptual approach to predicting the location and magnitude of road damage caused by rail line abandonment. The procedure developed in the study worked well, especially as modified in the report to include District personnel in the analysis of potential road impacts. Proactive use of this procedure is dependent on continual monitoring of potential rail line abandonment candidates. Similar procedures should be developed to predict impacts on energy, environment, safety, and economic development.

Authors:
Casavant,K. L., Lenzi,J. C.

Keywords:
road damage, rail line abandonment, prediction, impacts

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Abstract:
This report provides estimates of the value of outputs, inputs, and markets served by elements of the transportation services industries in Washington State. This study is an extension of The Washington State Input-Output Study for 1982 by the inclusion of a detailed examination (by mode of transportation) of purchase-sales relationships.A gross flows matrix (62 x 64) direct requirements table (59 x 59) and output multiplier matrix with households endogenous are included. Impact multipliers (value added, earnings, jobs) for the transport sectors are included. The study estimates of the economic importance of the transportation industry in Washington. The model facilitates the evaluation of the impact of autonomous changes in the demand for transportation services upon the of the regional economy, and the estimation of the impacts of changes in the rest-of-the-economy upon the demand for transportation services in Washington State.

Authors:
Bourque,P. J.

Keywords:
demand, evaluation, flow, households, impact, impacts, Input-output, model, transport, transport economics, transportation, transportation service, value-added, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and the Staggers Act of 1980 have partially set aside decades of rigid regulations of interstate freight movement. These actions have the potential to bring forth significant changes to the networks of interstate freight transportation. The object of this research was to ascertain the impacts of deregulation of the Washington State transportation system. Information was obtained by surveying and interviewing shippers and freight transportation providers throughout the state. Anticipated impacts, e.g. accelerated rail abandonment or lost of motor carrier service to small communities were not present. The study reflects a relative increase in truck service and decrease in rail service since deregulation. Indications are this may be further amplified in certain regions of the state. The study recommends that potential highway impacts be incorporated into pavement management systems. Transportation officials are enjoined to treat issues relative to truck size and weight, highway cost allocation and deregulation as a single issue. Also, the Local Rail Service Assistance Program should be considered for use to offset any adverse impacts resulting from deregulation. During this period of the study, general economic conditions were poor. This resulted in a decrease in freight shipments and would suggest that some impacts of deregulation have been suppressed.

Authors:
Public Transportation and Planning Division, Washington State Department of Transportation

Keywords:
condition, cost, Deregulation, freight, highway, highway impacts, impact, impacts, management, management system, management systems, motor carrier, networks, pavement, pavement management, pavement management systems, program, rail service, railroads, regulation, research, System, systems, transportation, truck, trucking, trucks, Washington, Washington state, weight

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Abstract:
The impacts of storm water runoff from Washington State freeways on aquatic ecosystems were investigated through a series of bioassays utilizing algae, zooplankton and fish.Algae and zooplankton were adversely affected by the soluble fraction of the runoff, while suspended solids caused high mortalities of rainbowtrout fry . In addition,. BOD 5 values similar to those reported in the storm water literature were measured; however, there were indications that results were influenced by toxicity to microbial populations.

Authors:
Portele,G., Mar,B. W., Horner,R. R., Welch,Eugene

Keywords:
Algae, Biochemical Oxygen, Biomass, control, Demand, fish, freeway, heavy metals, highway, highway runoff, impact, impacts, Interim, metals, population, runoff, stormwater, suspended solids, Toxicity, transport, Washington, Washington state, Water Pollutants, Washington State Monitoring, zooplankton

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Abstract:
A highway storm water runoff pollutant loading. model has been developed based on results from con3posire sampling of approximately 600 storms at nine locations in the State of Washington over five years. The model expresses total suspended solids (TSS) loading in proportion to the product of highway segment length, average runoff coefficient, and vehicles traveling during storm periods. It was dem-onstrated that loadings of contaminants such as chemical oxygen demand, nutrients and trace metals could be estimated from TSS loadings using ratios derived from the data, The model described was developed and validated for assessing total loadings over a time span encompassing a number of storms (monthly or annually). To predict pollutant concentrations and loadings in runoff from a given storm, cumulative distributions were plotted and analyzed to determine the probability of exceeding specific concentration and loading values in a given case. Bioassay studies using highway runoff indicated toxicity to aquatic life when elevated metals deposition from high traffic volumes (in excess of 10,000 -20,000 vehicles per day) or high metals concentrations in rainfall caused runoff concentrations to exceed lethal levels. Draining highway runoff through grass channels 60 meters in length greatly reduced TSS and metals concentrations and the consequent toxic effects. The major product of this research is a guide to assessing and mitigating the impacts of highway runoff to receiving waters.

Authors:
Mar,B. W., Horner,R. R., Spyridakis,D. E., Welch,E. B.

Keywords:
Assessment, Channel, Chemical, Concentrations, data, demand, deposition, developed, highway, highway runoff, impact, impacts, Loadings, Highway runoff, metals, mitigation, model, models, pollutant loading, Pollutants, quality, rainfall, research, runoff, sampling, span, stormwater, suspended solids, Toxicity, traffic, traffic volumes, volume, Washington, Washington state, water quality

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Abstract:
In high growth areas, highways frequently become congested as the result of land use changes. Local use controls have not prevented the adverse impacts. Further, state funds are inadequate to address the critical problems in growth areas. This study investigates six study areas in Washington compare land use change impacts and the effectiveness of the various procedures applied to prevent or correct such problems and to fund highway improvements in growth areas. A survey of practice in other states provides information concerning their approaches to the problem. The study concludes that comprehensive land use planning supported by inter-agency cooperation has been ted. Local governments have applied a number of innovative techniques for financing local roads and streets. Cooperative interagency planning before growth is out of control has benefited both the local jurisdiction and the state. However, state and local jurisdictions lack the authority to apply these techniques to state highways in Washington State. The study makes recommendations for increasing interagency cooperation and for legislative remedies.

Authors:
Jacobson,Robert

Keywords:
control, effectiveness, facilities, highway, highway financing, Highways, impact, impacts, improvement, Interagency planning, land use, land use controls, land use planning, land-use, land-use/transportation planning, local government, mitigation, planning, planning coordination, Study, survey, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
A five-year study was performed to compare conditions in the Pilchuck River before and after channel reconstruction associated with rerouting highway SR-2. The study focused on sediment particle-size analyses, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. Substrates comparable le to control areas developedin all portions of the new channel within one year after construction. The available data on invertebrates and fish gave no indication of deterioration in diversity, quantity or size in the reconstructed channel. The report provides recommendations for further improvements in the design of stream channel changes should there be no alternative to their construction.

Authors:
Horner,R. R., Welch,Eugene B.

Keywords:
Alternative, Benthic Macroinvertabrates, accident rates, Channel, condition, construction, control, data, design, deterioration, fish, highway, impact, impacts, improvement, Interim, reconstruction, rivers, sediments

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Abstract:
This is an interim report that examines the potential impacts in Washington State resulting from the adoption of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980. Adoption of the two have set aside years of rigid regulation of interstate freight movement and granted new latitudes of freedom to shippers and transportation providers. Information was obtained by surveying and interviewing shippers and freight transportation providers throughout the state. Initial indications are the impacts resulting from deregulation have been slow to emerge due to suppressed economic conditions. The study projects that as economic conditions improve and principles have time to adjust to the new laws, discernable impacts will occur.

Authors:
Public Transportation and Planning Division, Washington State Department of Transportation

Keywords:
condition, Deregulation, freight, impact, impacts, Interim, motor carrier, project, railroads, regulation, transportation, truck, trucking, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
Mass balances conducted on soils adjacent to highways indicated low mobility of metals deposited on well-vegetated surfaces. Grass drainage channels were shown to effectively capture and retain metals (e.g. a 60 m channel removed 80 percent of the original Pb concentration). Mud or paved channels, however, demonstrated little or no ability to remove metals from runoff. Metal release studies suggested that acid precipitation could release metals bound in the soil, especially where low buffering capacity exists.

Authors:
Wang,T. S., Spyridakis,D. E., Mar,B. W., Horner,R. R.

Keywords:
capture, deposition, drainage, embankment, Embankments, heavy metals, highway, Highways, impact, impacts, metals, mobility, overland flow, quality, runoff, soil, transport, Washington state, Water pollutants, water quality

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Abstract:
An extensive literature review , laboratory column study and field observations indicated that leaching of soluble pollutants from woodwaste submerged in groundwater will be completed within a few years. Longer periods of leaching will be generated by woodfills above groundwater exposed to precipitation or infiltration of runoff. Expressions to model the quantity and characteristics quality of leachate from woodwaste fills used for road embankments were developed, and mitigating measures to reduce the impact of leachates are proposed.

Authors:
Vause,Kurt H., Ferguson,John F., Mar,B. W.

Keywords:
column studies, developed, embankment, Embankments, highway, impact, impacts, infiltration, Leachate, model, Pollutants, quality, review, runoff, water quality, Woodwaste fills

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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 study was to develop criteria and procedures for the identification and measurement of social in transportation planning and the process by which such analyses are integrated into the decision-making process. The guidelines developed from this address several related but different parts of the total planning and design process. Two of the reports prepared as a part of this study are concerned with identifying and measuring social factors and conducting social and economic surveys to obtain necessary data. A third report is concerned with the development and implementation of involvement programs. The is made that an effective planning and design process must provide means by which the values and of residents of affected and users of transportation facilities can be incorporated in technical studies and the decision-making process. Two additional reports contain guidelines for the operation of interdisciplinary teams and team scheduling and management. The systematic interdisciplinary approach undertaken in the State of Washington provides a means by which technical data, values and opinions, and planning and design concepts and standards can all be evaluated by the team in reaching a solution to a problem.

Authors:
Iverson,E. A.

Keywords:
analysis, Community Involvement, Social Factors, Socio-Economic Surveys, Inter-disciplinary Team Operation and Management, criteria, data, design, design process, developed, development, facilities, impacts, management, planning, program, scheduling, survey, Surveys, transportation, transportation planning, Washington

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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to establish guidelines and procedures for the measurement of the social effects of transportation systems and facilities on both a regional and community or neighborhood level. This coincides with the increased emphasis on human factors in the planning and design of transportation systems and facilities, which has necessitated the development of a systematic approach to gathering social data and developing normative standards. In part of this increased emphasis has been mandated by Federal statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act o f 1969 and the Intergovernmental Act of 1968.A detailed examination of the seven-fold classification scheme of social factors and an emphasis on the methodologies used to evaluate social impacts is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the analytical framework utilizing the major phases of inventing existing social conditions, identifying potential changes and measurement of probable impacts. From this analysis a systematic approach to identifying and measuring social impact in transportation planning is put forth, for use by those assigned this responsibility.

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

Keywords:
analysis, condition, data, design, development, environmental, facilities, framework, human factors, impact, impacts, Measurement of Social Impact, social factors, community identity, community values and desires, community cohesion, disruption, displacement, relocation, minority interest, methodology, planning, policy, systems, transportation, transportation planning

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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 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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Abstract:
Alternatives to control wastewater odors on board Washington State ferries and during discharge of the wastewater to sewerage systems were formulated, evaluated and tested.Holding tank aeration, using compressed air injection to a recycle line is an effective method. Sulfide is microbially oxidized, and anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria are suppressed. Engineering and lab studies and a simulation model of the process were used to estimate suitable design parameters and costs. A prototype installation is recommended for optimization of operation. The addition of slug dosages of H202 was also found to be effective in laboratory and on-board vessels. The twice daily dose of about 50 mg/ should be stirred into the holding tank using recycle mixing. Peroxide was found to oxidize sulfide, increase dissolved oxygen and suppress sulfate reducing bacteria. Bottom suction sludge hoppers must be installed to prevent accumulation of sludge in tank bottom.Other alternatives, including chlorine addition, pH increase, iron sulfide precipitation and toxic odor control compounds, were found ineffective and/or uneconomic.Other finds are that sulfide is produced primarily from reduction of sulfates from the saltwater flushing water. Production is primarily in the slime layer on the bottom and sides of the holding tanks. On-shore force mains are sites of sulfide production during stagnant periods between tank pumpouts. These force mains should tanks was evaluated for hydraulic, organic loading, and salt toxicity effects on existing and planned sewage plants. No significant impacts were found.

Authors:
Sylvester,R. O., Ferguson,J. F., Parish,K. B., Brown,D. W., Leuelid,S.

Keywords:
control, cost, costs, design, disposal, dissolved oxygen, effects, ferries, ferry, impact, impacts, line, Marine wastewater holding tanks, odor control, wastewater aeration, hydrogen peroxide, model, Precipitation, salt, sewerage, Study, System, systems, Toxicity, vessel, vessels, Washington, Washington state

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