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:
This summary report presents an overview of the level of traveler usage (e.g., how many vehicles use the freeways) and travel performance (e.g., how fast they are traveling, where and how often congestion ocurs) on the principal urban freeways in the central Puget Sound area. The freeways studied in this project are managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) using its FLOW system, a coordinated network of traffic monitoring, measuring, information dissemination, and control devices that operates on urban state and Interstate highways in the central Puget Sound region. Data presented in this report were collected by the WSDOT's freeway surveillance system. The project that led to this report is intended to meet two separate purposes: 1) to enhance WSDOT's ability to monitor and improve its traffic management efforts on Seattle-area highways, and 2) to provide useful information to the public and decision makers about the status of the freeway system's operational performance. This report is primarily intended to meet the second of these objectives. However, the software developed to assist in freeway data analysis for this project and many of the graphics presented in this report are directly applicable to the first objective.

Authors:
Avery,R. P., Ishimaru,J. M., Nee,J., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, Archived Data User Services (ADUS), congestion, congestion monitoring, control, data, flow, freeway, freeway performance, highway, information dissemination, ITS, management, monitoring, performance, public, research, surveillance, traffic, traffic management, traffic monitoring, transportation, urban, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/563.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/563.1.htm

Abstract:
Funded by the 1987 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), was a five year, $150 million research program to improve the performance of the nation's roads by addressing four key areas: concrete and structures; highway safety and maintenance; asphalt; and long-term pavement performance. Nearly one-third of the $150 million was allocated for the study of asphalt, specifically to develop performance based specifications that would relate material properties of the binder and the mix to field performance. Superpave (Superior PERforming asphalt PAVEments) encompasses the products of the SHRP asphalt research program and consists of three interrelated elements: an asphalt binder specification with supporting tests; a mix design and analysis system with supporting tests; and performance prediction models. This report is a compilation and synthesis of Washington DOT's (WSDOT) experience with selected components and concepts of the SHRP/Superpave technology to include the following: performance graded (PG) binder usage and specification validation; gyratory mix design; the Superpave Shear Test (SST); and field performance of the Superpave mixes.Binders typically specified by WSDOT (AR400OW and PBAs -2, -5, -6. -6GR) were classified in terms of five Superpave performance grades: PG 58-22; 64-22; 64-28; 64-34; and 70-28. Although data from 171 weather stations suggest that as many as 6 low- and 5 high-temperature grades could be specified, binder availability and regional pavement distress were used to develop guidelines for statewide PG usage. Three binders were recommended for use in the western, northeastern and southeastern regions of the state as follows: PG 58-22; PG 58-34; and PG 64-28, respectively. Validation of the binder specification with respect to low temperature cracking was accomplished using binder and field performance data from 28 projects. The results were very encouraging: the original SHRP algorithm for binder selection correctly "predicted" field performance in 22 of 28 cases, whereas the LTPP algorithm for binder selection correctly "predicted" field performance in 26 of 28 cases.Additionally, a laboratory experiment using the Superpave Shear Test (SST) apparatus was undertaken to test the effectiveness of binder "bumping," i.e., increasing the high temperature grade because of exceptionally high traffic volume and/or slow or standing traffic. The data clearly indicate that the SST is an effective tool for discriminating between binders and that 'bumping" may be effective in reducing pavement rutting. Permanent shear strain for specimens made with a PB 70-xx binder was only 25 to 33% of the shear strain for specimens made with a PG 58-xx binder.As originally configured, the Superpave mix design matrix included seven traffic levels and four temperature regimes for 28 possible compaction levels. Recognizing that the 28 compaction levels made for a somewhat unwieldy system, WSDOT attempted to reduce the number of compaction levels by conducting a series of mix designs at each compaction level. The results of the limited experiment suggest that it might be possible to limit the number of compaction levels required for mix design. Research by Brown et. al. (NCHRP 99) tends to confirm this as they have suggested reducing the number of compaction levels and provided more definitive guidance with respect to each level.Since 1993 WSDOT has place 44 projects which include some component of the Superp ave technology. For 17 of these projects parallel Hveem and Superpave mix designs were conducted. In 13 of the 17 cases, the Superpave design asphalt content was equal to or greater than the Hveem design asphalt content, though the difference was usually no more than 0.2%. A fundamental difference between Hveem and Superpave mix design methods is the compaction device. Data from these field projects indicate that the current kneading and gyratory compaction protocols (at least for 109 gyrations) yield similar air void contents.As noted previously, Washington DOT has placed 44 projects which involve some component of the Superpave technology. For 18 of the projects a conventional Hveem mix design was conducted using a PG binder (Hveem-PG). The remaining 26 projects were truly Superpave, i.e., the materials selection and mix design were established in accordance with the Asphalt Institute's SP2, Superpave Level 1 Mix Design. According to WSDOT practice the following numerical indices trigger maintenance: Pavement Structural Condition (PSC) 10 mm; or International Roughness Index (IRI) > 500 cnVkm. Although relatively "young", the 44 projects are performing quite well. The average values of rutting, PSC, and IRI (4, 91, and 121, respectively) are all well below the "trigger" values. With respect to rutting and PSC, the performance of Hveem-PG and Superpave projects is virtually identical. However, the ride quality of the Superpave projects is a bit rougher than the Hveem-PG binder projects: IRI of 134 for the former and 103 for the latter. The higher values of IRI measured on the Superpave projects may be the result of the typically coarser aggregate gradation or differences in construction techniques.WSDOT's Superpave experience has not been without challenges. Still, its overall experience has been very encouraging. Experimentation with the revised compaction matrix, continued use of the SST, field validation of the "bumping" experiment, and long-term monitoring of field performance will provide the necessary data to allow WSDOTs critical assessment of Superpave's technical merit and economic viability.

Authors:
Leahy,R. B., Briggs,R. N.

Keywords:
SHRP, Superpave, asphalt, intermodal, transportation, transportation efficiency, highway, research, program, performance, concrete, structures, highway safety, safety, maintenance, pavement, specifications, specification, asphalt pavement, pavements, tests, design, analysis, prediction, models, Washington, WSDOT, data, temperature, cracking, LTPP, traffic, volume, compaction, materials, condition, international roughness index, roughness, index, ride quality, quality, aggregate, construction, ITS, monitoring

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Abstract:
In order to provide for a preload fill in an area of limited right-of-way, the Washington State Department of Transportation designed and supervised the construction of a geotextile reinforced retaining wall 12.6m (41.3 ft) high. Because the wall supported a surcharge fi11 more than5 m (16 ft.) in height and was significantly higher than any previouslyconstructed wall of i t s type, an extensive program of instrumentationof the geotextile reinforcement and measurement o f the wall movementswas instituted. The paper describes the wall design and construction,1)purpose and objectives of the instrumentation program, instrumentation . .selection and installation, and results of the monitoring. The measureddeflections and reinforcement strain were low, and overall wall performance was excellent.

Authors:
Allen,T. M., Christopher,B., Holtz,R. D.

Keywords:
construction, design, geotextile, Geotextiles, monitoring, objectives, performance, program, reinforcement, retaining wall, surcharge, transportation, walls, Washington, Washington state

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External Links: http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/200/257.1.htm

Abstract:
This document was prepared to guide the monitoring of wetland mitigation projects developed by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Monitoring is necessary to assess the development of wetland characteristics and functions and to determine whether the objectives of the mitigation project are met or, if not, how they might be met with remedial action. The guide is organized in two parts. Part 1 identifies two types of monitoring that might be pursued: (1) Assessing the Achievement of Functional Objectives, and (2) Diagnostic Procedures. The first type is intended to evaluate a project's success, while the second type represents activities that might be carried out in planning a project or analyzing problems that occur in a completed project. Part 1 directs the user of the guide to a set of tasks in Part 2 tailored to the specific functional objectives being evaluated or problems being diagnosed. These monitoring tasks are arranged in five groups: (1) Mapping and Hydrologic Tasks, (2) Water Quality Tasks, (3) Soil and Sediment Tasks, (4) Primary Producer Monitoring Tasks, and (5) Consumer Monitoring Tasks. Each task description provides background material and lists all equipment, supplies, and procedural steps to obtain and interpret data.

Authors:
Horner,R. R., Raedeke,K. J.

Keywords:
environmental, created wetlands, mitigation, monitoring, wetland functions, highway construction

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Abstract:
A nine-month effort was undertaken to evaluate wetlands created to mitiqate impacts in the Washington State highway system. The purposes of this evaluation were to test monitoring strategies and to collect initial information to eventually apply in improving created wetland design. Two wetlands less than two years old, along with nearby mature reference wetlands, were monitored regularly. A wetland taken by construction was assessed briefly, and a nearby reference wetland was characterized in preparation for monitoring the mitigation site to be constructed. Hydrology, water quality, soils, plants, and animals were monitored. In addition, five mature, created wetlands were assessed during one visit each to establish their degree of development. The work produced re-commended strategies' for repeated monitoring and for one-time assessments, as well as some general guidelines for selecting wetland mitigation sites. Because of the brevity of the program and lack of growing season coverage, conclusions are tentative and subject to confirmation by further study.

Authors:
Horner,R. R., Cassatt,S. R.

Keywords:
wetlands creation, wetland functions, impact mitigation, monitoring

Abstract:
This Post Construction Report provides an overview of the selection of a chemical sealer and its use as a method of protecting the girders and piles of the Nasell River Bridge from the intrusion of chloride ions. The structure treated is located in a marine environment. Chem-Trete Silane sealer was used for this structure and applied as specified by the manufacture. After 1 1/2 years exposure to a salt environment no deteriation of the concrete has been detected. Monitoring of the structure will continue under Washinton State Department of Transportation\'s Bridge Inspection program.

Authors:
Toney,C. A.

Keywords:
bridge, chloride, concrete, concrete sealer, construction, corrosion, deterioration, environment, exposure, inspection, ITS, marine, monitoring, piles, program, salt, seal coat waterproofing, sealer, transportation

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Abstract:
The use of BoniFibers fiber reinforced Asphalt Concrete Pavement (ACP) at three City of Tacoma intersections is reported. Product selection, fiber reinforced ACP mix design, old pavement removal, construction and evaluations are documented.BoniFibers fabric reinforced ACP appears to provide a durable roadway at intersections that have a high volume of turning and heavy traffic. Continued monitoring of the City of Tacoma fiber reinforced ACP is recommended until major deterioration occurs.

Authors:
Toney,C. A.

Keywords:
asphalt, asphalt concrete, Asphalt Concrete pavement, Bonifibers, concrete, construction, design, deterioration, evaluation, fiber Reinforced ACP, fiber reinforced pavement, monitoring, pavement, pavements, Polyester Fibers, Polymar Fibers, roadway, traffic, volume

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Abstract:
The cathodic protection on the 522 interchange near Woodinville, Washington was evaluated for proper operation. Three of the five zones on the bridge appeared to be cathodically protected. The current was increased in one of the unprotected zones to provide protection. The zone could not be fixed due to the nonfunctional nature of thermistors, reference electrode and structure cables. A recommendation was made to deactivate the entire system for a period of two weeks to allow for depolarization. Following depolarization, native state potential valves should be measured to establish a basis of comparison before activating the system. Monitoring on a three month interval for one year should be done to ensure that all problems have been solved.

Authors:
Telford,E. R., ETCO Engineering Services,Inc

Keywords:
bridge, cathodic protection, corrosion, monitoring, protection, System, Washington

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Abstract:
The cathodic protection system on the Yakima River Bridge on SR-24 near Yakima was evaluated for proper operation. Three out of six reference electrodes and rebar probes were found to be non-functioning. One temperature sensing thermistor was also found to be non-functional. All three deck zones were found to be receiving the proper cathodic protection current. Recommendations were made to continue the monitoring at regular intervals and maintain the present rectifier settings.

Authors:
Telford,E. R., ETCO Engineering Services,Inc

Keywords:
bridge, cathodic protection, Deck, monitoring, probe, protection, System, temperature

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Abstract:
This study involved an in-depth evaluation of the Washington State Department of Transportation highway data development and analysis activities. It developed statistically-based procedures and recommendations for a streamlined highway data collection program. Opportunities to reduce manpower and equipment costs, streamline work activities, improve the quality of data collection and provide accurate and timely data for the various users were identified. Given the focus on highway data, the major effort was devoted to the Department's traffic counting program. However, many data items and programs were considered, with the following receiving particular attention: traffic volume counting, including estimation of annual average daily traffic at any location throughout the state highway system; associated seasonal, axle and growth factors; vehicle classification; truck weights; and the relationship between the statistical sampling requirements recommended for these items and those associated with the FHWA Highway Performance Monitoring System in the state.

Authors:
Ritchie,S. G., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, Annual, axle, cost, costs, data, data collection, developed, development, equipment, evaluation, highway, monitoring, performance, performance monitoring, program, quality, sampling, seasonal, Study, System, traffic, traffic counting, transportation, truck, vehicle classification, volume, Washington, Washington state, weight, weights

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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:
A total of 241 storm events were sampled at ten sites during the first full year of statewide monitoring of highway runoff. Analyses of these data indicates that more than half of the observed solids in this runoff is traced to sanding operations. The total solids loading at each side-was correlated with traffic during the storm. The ratio of other pollutants to solids was linear when there was sufficient traffic-generated pollutants to saturate the available solids.

Authors:
Asplund,Randy L., Ferguson,John F., Mar,B. W.

Keywords:
data, highway, highway runoff, models, monitoring, Pollutants, runoff, traffic, Washington, Washington state, Water Pollutants, Washington State Monitoring

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Abstract:
A photogrammetric monitoring method of structural deformation has been developed during the course of this project. The method is based on a combination of aerial and terrestrial photographs.The theoretical experimentation for formulation of computer programs has beendone on mathematical model s. The combination of aerial and terrestrial photographsprovides a 30% increased accuracy if compared to terrestrial photographsonly. Practical experimentation was done on the existing Gabion Wall and itwas indicated that the achievable accuracy is 1/120,000 o f the photographicdistance. The method is flexible if it can be used for monitoring of an$type of structure as well as f o r aerialtriangulation.

Authors:
Veress,S. A., Hatzopoulos,J. N.

Keywords:
computer, computer program, developed, Gabion, model, monitoring, Photogrammetry monitoring, simultaneous adjustment, statistical analysis and space intersection, resection, program, project

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Abstract:
This report covers the initial 15 months of effort to review the literature, select a prototype site, compare the performance of several automatic sampling devices, and install a prototype sampling site on 1-5 north of Seattle .

Authors:
Horner,R. R., Burges,S. J., Ferguson,J. F., Mar,B. W., Welch,E. B.

Keywords:
highway, highway runoff, Interim, monitoring, performance, review, runoff, sampling, seattle, Water Pollutants, Washington State Monitoring

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Abstract:
Criteria for selecting statewide monitoring sites for highway runoff were established t o provide representative combinations of climate, traffic highway, land use, geographic and topographic characteristics , Using thesecriteria , a minimum of six sites - were recommended for use to this research.

Authors:
Aye,Robert C.

Keywords:
criteria, highway, highway runoff, land use, land-use, monitoring, research, runoff, traffic, Water Pollutants, Washington State Monitoring

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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:
At the request of the Washington State Department of Highways a study was conducted to evaluate three computer models specifically designed to predict carbon monoxide concentration at receptor points along roadways. The models were evaluated on their ability to predict values obtained from a monitoring network established along various roadways in the State of Washington. Monitoring consisted of 12 ground level CO stations, meteorological stations and traffic counters. Traffic speeds were sampled for conformity during peak hours. The final selected models, CALINE and EPA's HIWAY were given calibration factors to be used when calculating Receptor Concentrations for Impact Assessments.

Authors:
Badgley,Franklin, Rossana,T. August, Alsid,Hal F., Lutrick,David

Keywords:
air pollution, air quality, Assessment, calibration, carbon monoxide, computer, Computer Modelin, Concentrations, highway, Highways, impact, model, models, monitoring, quality, roadway, speed, traffic, Transportation Pollution Source, Washington, Washington state

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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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