Abstract:
This report documents the development of data collection methodologies that can be used to cost effectively measure truck movements along specific roadway corridors selected by transportation agencies in Washington State. The intent of this study was to design and test methodologies that could be used to measure the performance of freight mobility roadway improvement projects against benchmarks, or selected standards, that would be used both as part of the project selection process and to report on speed and volume improvements that resulted from completed freight mobility projects. One technology tested was Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks (CVISN) electronic truck transponders, which are mounted on the windshields of approximately 20,000 trucks in Washington. By using software to link the transponder reads from sites anywhere in the state, the transponder-equipped trucks could become a travel-time probe fleet. The second technology tested involved global positioning systems (GPS) placed in volunteer trucks to collect specific truck movement data at 5-second intervals. With GPS data it was possible to understand when and where the monitored trucks experienced congestion and to generate useful performance statistics. The study found that both data collection technologies could be useful; however, the key to both technologies is whether enough instrumented vehicles pass over the roadways for which data are required. This basic condition affects whether the technologies will be effective at collecting the data required for any given benchmark project. The report also recommends the traffic data that should be collected for a benchmark program and the potential costs of using either data collection technology.

Authors:
McCormack,E. D., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
agencies, commercial vehicle, condition, congestion, construction, corridors, cost, costs, data, data collection, design, development, freight, freight mobility, freight movement reliability, global positioning, global positioning systems, GPS, improvement, methodology, mobility, networks, performance, positioning, probe program, project, research, roadway, software, speed, statistics, Study, System, systems, technology, traffic, traffic data, transportation, travel time, truck, truck monitoring, trucks, volume, Washington, Washington state

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/607.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/607.1.htm

Abstract:
In 2003, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) initiated a research effort to develop and test a methodology for estimating congestion delay on Seattle area freeways. The initial phase of the research developed a preliminary methodology for both measuring congestion and assigning that congestion to specific lane blocking incidents. In Phase 2 of this study, that methodology was automated and extended to include an examination of the effects of incidents occurring on the shoulders of the freeway, spillback from incident-caused congestion on one freeway that affects a second freeway that feeds traffic onto the initially congested facility, special events, and weather. Because funding for this effort was extremely limited, only three corridors (with both directions analyzed independently) and two months of data were analyzed. The project found that the Phase 1 methodology works well in assigning traffic congestion that occurs in the immediate time frame and geographic location of incidents to those incidents. It also showed that this process can be automated, making the data preparation effort now the primary determinant of the cost of additional work of this kind. Unfortunately, even with the addition of shoulder incidents, special events, and weather to lane blocking events, the automated process is unable to assign a significant proportion of the non-recurring delay occurring on Seattle freeways. The detailed analysis of freeway performance showed that much of the delay caused by specific incidents occurs in places or at times removed from the incident itself. The result is that much of the observed non-recurring delay can not be assigned to specific causes by the current analytical process. New analytical procedures will need to be developed in Phase 3 of this work. The Phase 2 analysis also confirmed that the congestion effects of specific incidents and other traffic disruptions are highly dependent on the background traffic conditions at the time of the disruption. While the Phase 2 analysis did not produce all of the results desired, the additional analyses showed that the summary statistics output from the Phase 2 software are useful as input to other analytical procedures.

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

Keywords:
congestion causes, freeway performance, traffic congestion, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, research, methodology, congestion, seattle, freeway, developed, incident, Study, effects, traffic, facilities, corridors, data, project, cost, analysis, performance, in-place, condition, statistics, software

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/619.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/619.1.htm

Abstract:
This report documents the development of data collection methodologies that can be used to cost effectively measure truck movements along specific roadway corridors selected by the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB.) The intent of this study was to design and test methodologies that could be used to measure the performance of freight mobility roadway improvement projects against benchmarks, or selected standards, which would be used both as part of the project selection process and to report on speed and volume improvements that resulted from completed FMSIB projects. One technology tested was Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks (CVISN) electronic truck transponders, which are mounted on the windshields of approximately 20,000 trucks traveling in Washington. These transponders are used at weigh stations across the state to improve the efficiency of truck regulatory compliance checks. By using software to link the transponder reads from sites anywhere in the state, the transponder-equipped trucks could become a travel time probe fleet. The second technology tested involved global positioning systems (GPS) placed in volunteer trucks recruited for this project to collect specific truck movement data at 5-second intervals. With GPS data it was possible to understand when and where the monitored trucks experienced congestion. By aggregating this information over time, it was possible to generate performance statistics related to the reliability of truck trips, and even examine changes in route choice for trips between high volume origin/destination pairs. The study found that both data collection technologies could be useful; however, the key to both technologies is whether enough instrumented vehicles pass over the roadways for which data are required. This basic condition significantly affects whether the transponder and GPS technologies will be effective at collecting the data required for any given FMSIB benchmark project . The report also recommends the traffic data that should be collected for a benchmark program and the potential costs of using either data collection technology.

Authors:
McCormack,E. D., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
freight movement reliability, truck monitoring, development, data, data collection, methodology, cost, truck, roadway, corridors, freight, freight mobility, mobility, design, performance, speed, volume, commercial vehicle, networks, trucks, Washington, software, travel time, probe, global positioning, global positioning systems, positioning, systems, GPS, congestion, statistics, reliability, condition, traffic, traffic data, program, costs

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Abstract:
This research study was conducted to evaluate the in-service performance of existing guardrail end treatments and unrestrained pre-cast concrete barrier in Washington State. For a selected area of the state highway system over a one-year period, local area maintenance personnel were tasked to document incidents, including extent of damage and repair costs, into a database using NCHRP Project 22-13 methodology. Additional information (accident severity, e.g.) from police reports was gathered from the incidents and added to the database. The installation characteristics measured for Breakaway Cable Terminals (BCT) and Slotted Rail Terminals (SRT), along with the related crash data for these devices, showed overall acceptable performance when struck. Review of the incident severities, together with the displacement and damage data on struck barriers in the study area, revealed no significant difference in BCT and SRT performance. The installation, damage, and displacement characteristics examined on struck concrete barrier showed that the pin and loop connections were holding well in incidents, and the barrier displacements during incidents were within the WSDOT design specification for such systems.

Authors:
Igharo,P. O., Murphy,J., Glad,R. W.

Keywords:
performance, guardrail, Washington, Washington state, guardrail end treaments, breakaway cable terminal (BCT), roadside safety, slotted rail terminal (SRT), research, end treatment, precast concrete, concrete, concrete barrier, highway, maintenance, incident, damage, repair, costs, cost, database, methodology, accident severity, data, barriers, WSDOT, design, specification, systems

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/580.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/580.1.htm

Abstract:
Determining the marginal value of improved freight mobility along with a corridor requires full information on tonnage, dollar value of freight movements and services used in moving these products and the value-added characteristics of those products. This report investigates whether a practical methodology, applicable in the real world, can estimate value-added components of freight moving on Washington's transportation system. Determining this value-added can be done with the methodology identified in this study though it was found that specific data availability varied heavily from commodity to commodity, from corridor to corridor and project to project. The general results, and restructive assumptions and data deficiencies necessary for statewide analysis, cast doubt on specific findings. Regional or highway segment analysis can be more precise, if the data are locally developed. The basic model, consisting of kowledge about traffic levels, commodity composition, commodity value and value added of the commodity can reveal the importance of a corridor or region of interest to the state's economy.

Authors:
Casavant,K. L., Sorensen,P., Chase,B.

Keywords:
freight, value-added, Washington, methodology, research

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/540.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/540.1.htm

Abstract:
A new design methodology for estimating reinforcement loads in reinforced soil walls, termed the K 0-Stiffness Method, has been developed. This new method has been demonstrated to more accurately estimate reinfocement loads and strains in reinforced soil walls than do current design methodologies. Step-by-step procedures are provided to lead the designer through the reinforced soil wall internal stability design process using this new methodology. These step-by-step design procedures have been developed with a limit states design approach consistent with current design codes (in North America this is termed Load and Resistance Factor Design, or LRFD). Specifically, consideration has been given to strength and serviceability limit states. Load and resistance factors, based on statistical data where feasible, have been developed for use with this method. The results of examples from actual wall case histories were summarized and analyzed to assess how well the new methodology performs relative to current design practice. From this analysis of the design examples, the following was observed: For geosynthetic walls, the K 0-Stiffness Method has the potential to reduce required backfill reinforcement capacity relative to current design methodology by a factor of 1.2 to 3. For steel reinforced soil walls, the reduction in the reinforcement capacity relative to what is required by current design methodology is more modest, on the order of 1.0 to 2.1. Given these findings, use of the K 0-Stiffness Method can result in substantial cost savings, especially for geosynthetic walls, because of reduced reinforcement needs.

Authors:
Allen,T. M., Bathurst,R. J.

Keywords:
reinforcement, walls, loads, strains, creep, design, research, methodology, soil, developed, stability, design process, codes, North, resistance, strength, data, analysis, geosynthetic, steel, cost

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/528.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/528.1.htm

Abstract:
The Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS) offers an organized methodology that WSDOT decision makers use to determine optimum strategies for providing and maintaining pavements in a serviceable condition over a given period of time. It also helps improve decision-making efficiency, provide feedback on the consequences of decisions, and ensure the consistency of decisions made at different management levels within WSDOT. Unfortunately, it is not possible, by simply scanning the WSPMS, to pinpoint reasons why pavement sections made of the same general surface materials and subjected to similar traffic and climatic conditions differ in performance. What the WSPMS can do is assist engineers in developing a candidate list of pavement sections with superior and inferior performance. Common characteristics that linkmultiple pavement sections are of particular interest, in part because they may reflect a common practice(e-g., nighttime construction) that leads to superior or inferior performance.This study undertook various extensive analyses and comparisons to help illustrate common attributes of Washington state pavements with superior and inferior performance. The research also reviewed field performance data for Interstate 90 within the 1999 version of the WSPMS. The purpose was to examine all pavement segments on the 480 km of Interstate 90 within Washington state.Reducing variability will allow WSDOT to produce more consistent pavement performance and will allow increasingly effective planning and forecasting. An almost certain byproduct of this increased planning effectiveness will be a more efficient allocation of available funding.

Authors:
Baker,M. J., Mahoney,J. P.

Keywords:
Assessment, condition, construction, data, effectiveness, forecasting, management, management system, materials, methodology, pavement, pavement management, pavement performance, pavement section, pavements, performance, planning, research, superior inferior, System, traffic, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information for Travelers (SWIFT) project was a highly successful Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Field Operational Test (FOT) that was conducted over a four-year period from 1993 to 1997. The purpose of the project was to test the efficacy of a High Speed Data System (HSDS), or FM Sub-carrier, to disseminate incident, bus and speed congestion information via three different end-user devices: pager watch, portable computer and in-vehicle navigation device. Six hundred ninety (690) commuters, many with route- or mode-choice options, participated in the FOT and provided user-acceptance evaluations. Other evaluation components examined the system architecture, communications coverage, deployment cost and institutional issues that affected the project.The primary purpose of the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study evaluation was to collect information regarding the institutional issues (e.g., policies, jurisdictional issues, internal and external factors) that affected design, development, testing, deployment and conduct of the SWIFT Field Operational Test (FOT); determine how these issues were overcome and what lessons could be learned. A secondary purpose of the evaluation was to document the history of the SWIFT project.The methodology for the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study consisted of two sets of questionnairesand two sets of semi-structured interviews that were conducted with fourteen (14) SWIFT team memberrepresentatives at two different points during the conduct of the SWIFT FOT: about midway through the conduct of the test and after the test was completed. All SWIFT team member responses were independently collected and SWIFT institutional issues were primarily identified by determining which topics were addressed by two or more individuals. Historical information was collected from various sources throughout the project.SWIFT represents one of the first ATIS FOTs conducted in this country. Earlier tests were conducted in Orlando, FL (TravTek) and Minneapolis St. Paul (Genesis) among others, yet the SWIFT FOT appears to have extended considerably the available database of information regarding ATIS effectiveness and acceptance. The addition of real-time bus information, in particular, has set the SWIFT FOT apart from others already conducted.One of the significant aspects of the SWIFT teaming agreement was the long-term interest in ITS and commitment of the organizations involved. For instance, the majority of the SWIFT team members articulated a long-term interest in ITS deployments. In addition, three organizations-Seiko, Etak and Metro Traffic Control-+ommitted themselves to fielding a \"SWIFT-like\" system after the project was completed. This degree of interest and commitment resulted in all of the SWIFT team members working together in a very effective, cooperative fashion throughout the FOT.A critical organizational structure that was instituted to implement SWIFT was the weeklyteleconference. This simple, yet cost-effective method of managing and discussing the technicalissues involved with the project was attributed by many of the SWIFT team members to aprimary instrument of the project\'s success. In particular, the SWIFT teleconferences enabledthe representatives of each organization to keep abreast of the developmental status of theproject, to brainstorm solutions to encountered problems and to develop scheduling sense.

Authors:
Wetherby,B.

Keywords:
ATIS, bus, computer, congestion, congestion information, cost, data, database, design, development, effectiveness, evaluation, incident, Institutional, Intelligent transportation system, interviews, Issues, ITS, methodology, mode choice, policy, portable computer, project, scheduling, seattle, speed, SWIFT, System, tests, traffic, transportation

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Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information For Travelers (SWIFT) project was a highly successful Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Field Operational Test (FOT) that was conducted over a four-year period from 1993 to 1997. The purpose of the project was to test the efficacy of a High Speed Data System (HSDS), or FM Sub-carrier, to disseminate incident, bus and speedlcongestion information via three different end-user devices: pager watch, portable computer and in-vehicle navigation device. Six hundred ninety (690) commuters, many with route- or mode-choice options, participated in the FOT and provided user-acceptance evaluations. Other evaluation components examined the system architecture, communications coverage, institutional issues, and consumer acceptance. The primary purpose of the SWIFT Deployment Cost Study was to provide an independent Life Cycle Cost Estimate (LCCE) of an operational and fully deployed SWIFT system. Moreover, it is intended to provide both the SWIFT participants and the FHWA with a measure of the commercial viability of \"SWIFT-like\" systems nationwide. Table ES- 1 shows the organizations that were included in the SWIFT Deployment Cost Study LCCE and commercial viability analysis.Table ES-1. Deployed SWIFT Participants (CostIRevenue Participants).Industry Government/InstitutionaISeiko Communications Systems, Inc. (SCS) King CountyMetro Networks University of WashingtonEtak, Inc.IBM (FOT Development Only)Delco Electronics (FOT Development Only)The methodology for the SWlFT Deployment Cost Study LCCE relied on standard proven costestimation and data collection and analysis techniques to provide cost estimates for each SWIFTparticipant shown above across the following three life-cycle phases:1) FOT development (costs of current SWIFT Test)King County Metro TransitUniversity of Washington (UW)2) Commercial Development (additional development and procurement costs for fullydeploying an operational SWIFT system (follows the completion of the SWIFT test)3) Annual Commercial Operations (annual operations costs for a fully deployed SWIFTsystem)A summary of the resulting life cycle cost estimate (LCCE) for the deployed SWIFT system ispresented in Table ES-2. Here, the FOT Development phase (based on SWIFT test actuals) wasestimated to cost $6.4 Million, the Commercial Development phase was estimated to cost $1.5Million, and the Annual Commercial Operations costs were estimated to be $0.8 Million.-- -SWIFT Deployment Cost Study I

Authors:
Jensen,M.

Keywords:
Acceptance, analysis, Annual, bus, computer, Consumer, cost, costs, counties, data, data collection, Deployment, development, evaluation, incident, Institutional, Intelligent transportation system, Issues, ITS, methodology, Miscellaneous Library, mode choice, networks, portable computer, project, seattle, speed, Study, SWIFT, System, systems, transportation, Washington

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Abstract:
Dames & Moore And their subcontractor, Inco Engineers, have prepared this Manual of Practice for conducting bridge foundation-soil interaction analyses. The manual is intended to assist engineers in the Bridge Design office at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) who perform dynamic analysis of bridge-foundation systems. The primary purpose of the manual is to present practical and accurate methods of estimating the foundation stiffness matrices for abutment or pier foundations supported on footings or piles. These matrices are needed for soil-structure interaction analysis to more accurately determine the seismic loads acting on the bridge superstructure and on the abutment and pier foundations.This Manual of Practice consists of two volumes. Volume I presents five bridge example problems:1. Coldwater Creek2. Deadwater Slough3. Ebey Slough4. Northup Way5. FHWAThe first four examples are actual WSDOT bridges and the fifth example is a fictitious bridge that appeared in a 1991 FHWA course notebook on seismic design of highway bridges.Volume II presents the input and output files of the SEISAB computer program for the dynamic soil-structure interaction analysis of bridges. The SEISAB computer program is currently used by WSDOT in the seismic design of Washington state bridges.Dames & Moore recommends the FHWA and Novak methods to estimate bridge foundation stiffness matrices. These methodologies are presented in detail in the Coldwater Creek example problem in Volume I. In this example, the basic theory and relevant equations or inputs for implementing these methodologies are provided first and are immediately followed by their application to the Coldwater Creek bridge. The appropriate equations or inputs from the FHWA and Novak methodologies presented not the Coldwater Creek example problem are identified and applied in the other four bridge example problems. Volume I also contains three appendices. The basis for the recommendation of the FHWA and Novak methods is provided in Appendix A, which is a reproduction of the 1992 Dames & Moore report to WSDOT on the evaluation of methods to estimate foundation stiffnesses. Appendix B consists of selected pages from the BMCOL 76 computer program user guide; this computer program, which computes the load-deflection and moment-rotation curves for single piles, is part of the FHWA methodology. Appendix C presents the method for transforming the foundation stiffness matrices from one coordinate system to another. This transformation process is important because the coordinate systems assumed in the FHWA and Novak methods are generally different and therefore are not necessarily the same as the SEISAB coordinate system. Coordinate transformations are also discussed in the ColdWater Creek example problem.

Authors:
Dames & Moore- Inca Engineering

Keywords:
analysis, bridge, bridge design, bridge foundation, bridges, computer, computer program, design, equations, evaluation, Foudation-Soil, foundation, foundation stiffness, highway, interaction, loads, manual, methodology, methods, piles, program, seismic, seismic design, soil-structure interaction, superstructure, System, systems, transportation, volume, Volumes I & II, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
Various methods of controlling traffic through construction zones are examined. The accident statistics concerning construction flagging are summarized, indicating the need for improvements in construction flagging techniques. A research methodology is presented for implementing and evaluating several flagging techniques.

Authors:
Hinze,J., Ifie,A. O.

Keywords:
construction, construction flagging, evaluation, flagging techniques, highway, highway construction, methodology, research, statistics, traffic, traffic control

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Abstract:
This report examines major issues, concepts and methods of bus transit performance evaluation and suggests procedures and guidelines for internal and external monitoring in Washington State. In support of suggested procedures, data analysis on six years of operational and financial characteristics of Washington State systems, 1979-80 Section 15 data, and collected samples of small community/rural systems from other states was conducted. The major objective of the analysis was to test methodologies for developing and assessing transit peer groups\" relative to size and scale of operations, and prior to comparative within-group evaluation. The methodology entailed employing cluster analysis using up to 10 variables depicting service design and distribution. Two key variables were population and line miles. Problems were encountered in using Section 15 data. Due to its use of urban area, as opposed to service area population, clear distinctions of operating environments could not be determined. Thus, cluster groupings using Section 15 data were inconclusive. Cluster State systems (1980) were satisfactory and following additional verification, a suggested \"peer group\" classification for Washington State was recommended. The seven group types ranged in size from a rural regional (<40,000 population) to metropolitan (<1,000,00 population). Values for 8 efficiency and effectiveness indicators were used to assess \"peer group\" trends in performance in Washington over a five-year period (1976-80). Comparative evaluations of individual systems were not made. Despite only partial success in determining \"peer groups\", the study does identify methods and procedures for assisting in external and internal performance evaluation.

Authors:
Kelly,W. J., Rutherford,G. S.

Keywords:
peer group evaluation, analysis, bus, bus transit, cluster analysis, data, data collection, design, effectiveness, efficiency, environment, evaluation, group, indicator, indicators, Issues, ITS, line, methodology, methods, monitoring, Operating, performance, performance evaluation, performance measures, performance standards, population, rural, section 15 data, Study, System, systems, transit, urban, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The purpose of the report is to present major concepts of transit performance evaluation and suggest procedures and guidelines for internal and external performance monitoring in Washington State.

Authors:
Kelly,W. J., Rutherford,G. S.

Keywords:
bus transportation, data collection and analysis, evaluation, Interim, methodology, monitoring, performance, performance evaluation, performance measures, performance monitoring, System, transit, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
While gasoline represents one-third of all hazardous materials transported in the country by trucks, the risk associated with gas transportation, as viewed by the private sector, is small. Public perceptions of risk are much greater due to lack of knowledge of probabilities and consequences of spills. Methods to improve knowledge available to the public on gasoline spills and methods to improve estimates of environmental damages from gasoline spills is presented. Generalization of methodologies to hazardous materials in general are discussed.

Authors:
Eagen,P. D.

Keywords:
damage, environmental, Hazardous, highway, Highway Transportation, Gasoline, Interim, materials, methodology, methods, public, Risk, transportation, truck, trucks

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Abstract:
A photogrammetric monitoring method of structural deformation has been developed during the course of this project. The Gabion Wall which is part of the I-90 project has been used as the site for practical tests of the theorectical development. The monitoring consists of photographing the structure from three camera stations with KA-2 f=24" camera. The camera has been modified to a plate camera to provide the maxium accuracy.The methodology consists of the geodetic determination of the camera location and the orientation and photogrammetric determination of targets (natural and artificial) on the structure. During the course of this project more than 100 target locations were determined by three dimensional coordinates. the maximum error was found to be + 3/4 inch; the average, 1/2 inch. This represents a relative accuracy of from 1/58,00 to 1/120,00 of the photographic distance.Using the actual construction site for research has permitted immediate implementation. The instrumentation as well as the methodology along with the computer program has been transmitted to the Washington State Highway Department and their Photogrammetric Branch has been assisted in the implementation.

Authors:
Veress,S. A., Flint,E. E., Sun,L. L., Jinina,C.

Keywords:
camera, computer, computer program, construction, developed, development, Error, Gabion, highway, methodology, monitoring, Photogrammetry, Gabion Wall, deflection, camera stations, orientation matrices, space intersection space resection, program, project, research, tests, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
This report reviews the second year of work on the Washington State Highway Commission Department of Highways project Central Avalanche Hazard Forecasting (WSDH Agreement Y-1700) to test the feasibility and effectiveness of central avalanche forecasting for the Cascade Mountain passes and adjacent area. The possibilities and techniques for improving both mountain weather and related avalanche forecasts for use by WSDH during winter operation in the mountain passes were further explored, and, secondarily, the usefulness of an area wide forecasting service to other cooperating agencies. This report defines and significant changes from the first year of operation in collection, assimilation or transmission of snow, weather and avalanche data by the Forecasting Office, and details modifications of the data network itself, especially new instrumentation and telemetry equipment . Weather and avalanche forecasting accuracy and reliability are assessed by comparing daily weather and avalanche forecasts with file d data. The conceptual framework and analytical methods used by forecasters to deduce current and probable future avalanche activity from the available data network input and current and extrapolated meteorological data are presented. A general preliminary guide to forecasting methodology for the Washington Cascades is defined and discussed.

Authors:
LaChapplle,E. R., Moore,M. B., Reanier,F. W., Sackett,E. M.

Keywords:
agencies, avalanche, avalanche forecasting, snow, weather, data, effectiveness, equipment, forecasting, framework, hazard, highway, Highways, methodology, methods, project, reliability, review, Washington, Washington state, winter

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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:
At the request of the Washington Department of Highways a comprehensive study was conducted of the exposures of toll collectors to carbon monoxide at the Evergreen Point Bridge spanning Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue.The first phase of the study consisted of designing, installing and operating an automatic, continuous carbon monoxide monitoring system to establish typical air quality patterns in and around the toll booths.the second phase consisted of developing a prototype toll booth positive ventilation system. Air, which is introduced through a vertical diffuser situated at one wall of the booth, travels horizontally across the booth and out the door. Parametric studies of sources and rates of ventilation air, diffuser design and other toll booth modifications were conducted in the laboratory. Subsequently these modifications were installed and investigated at an operating booth at the toll plaza. Concentrations of carbon monoxide in the collectors breathing zone were reduced to acceptable levels. Methodologies and results of these systems are described, and design recommendations for the control system are offered.

Authors:
Rossana,T. A., Hall,F. A.

Keywords:
air quality, bridge, carbon monoxide, Concentrations, control, design, exposure, highway, Highways, methodology, monitoring, Operating, quality, seattle, System, systems, travel, Washington

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