Abstract:
On October 2, 2021, Sound Transit of the Puget Sound region of Washington state started Link light rail service to three new stations on the 1 Line . These stations serve the University District, Roosevelt, and Northgate in Seattle. In coordination with the station openings, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and Community Transit of Snohomish County restructured many of their routes that had previously provided express service to downtown Seattle and the University District. This report examines the changes in travel behavior that occurred as a result of those change in transit service. Comparisons are made primarily between September / October 2019 (the last pre-Covid-19 year) and September / October 2021.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M.E., Hager, G., Avery, R.

Keywords:
Transit service, light rail, travel behavior, planning, transfer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract:
This project performed extensive study and systematic research on the application of the Highway Development and Management system (HDM-4) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) highway system. Data processing, testing, calibration, and analysis were executed to provide the WSDOT with a new budget planning tool. HDM-4 flexible pavement deterioration models were calibrated with the assistance of the Washington State Pavement Management System. A method to calibrate concrete pavement distress models is proposed. This research also explored the application of HDM-4 analysis at the project, program, and strategic levels. The applications include prediction of pavement conditions during a defined analysis period, calculation of required budgets for optimal pavement conditions and maximum economic indicators, establishment of optimized work programs under varying levels of constrained budgets, and other applications for WSDOT.

Authors:
Li,J., Muench,S. T., Mahoney,J. P., Pierce,L., Sivaneswaran,N.

Keywords:
HDM-4, models, pavement maintenance, pavement management, pavement performance, Pavement preservation, vehicle operating costs, research, highway, development, management, management system, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, data, calibration, analysis, planning, pavement, deterioration, concrete, program, applications, prediction, condition, indicators

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/588.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/588.1.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:
The overall purpose of this report was to scope the structure and focus of a new EWITS-II project to insure statewide coverage. This was done by reviewing the successful EWITS output and interviewing users, planners and decision makers in the state, emphasizing emerging needs and improvement options.SFTA, the result of the scoping, is a statewide research and implementation project designed to analyze existing conditions and recommend enhancements to the freight mobility transportation system in Washington State. SFTA will be funded at $1.8 million over a six-year period. Specific study initiatives identified are Trade and Traffic Flows, Freight Corridor Identification, Strategic Resource Access Road Network, New Databases, Shortline Railroad issues and Adaptive Research Management.

Authors:
Casavant,K. L.

Keywords:
SFTA, EWITS, planning, data, adaptive research management

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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:
This annual meeting covered a wide variety of transportation issues. Bridge and Design issues were discussed, material and pavement specification, as well as strategic planning and traffic control.

Authors:
Anderson,K. W.

Keywords:
69th, Annual, bridge, control, design, Meeting, pavement, planning, specification, strategic planning, traffic, traffic control, transportation, TRB

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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 purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division (WSDOT/AD) with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology in geographic information systems (GIS) to aviation planning and reporting systems.The purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviatior Division with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology ir geographic information systems to aviation planning and systems. This is the second two reports. report documented the user needs, established data and application priorities, and presented a conceptual design for sharing geographic information pertaining to Washington\'s airports with airport sponsors, the Aviation Administration (FAA), and other WSDOT divisions. report provides an implementation plan. This report builds upon the conceptual design to provide a broad-based implementation plan. Three implementation activities are described in phases. Project organization and staffing requirements for policy, management, technical operations, and technical support are discussed in Section 3. Section 4 addresses the estimated resource requirements for WSDOT to make the implementation of WINGS a success. Included are requirements for personnel, data conversion from a manual to a computer-based system, and hardware. The of the report discusses issues and what next steps are required to begin the implementation of WINGS.

Authors:
Weston,R. F., Sandersen,J., Walker,L. A., Middleton,R.

Keywords:
airports, aviation, aviation planning, data, design, geographic information system, geographic information systems, GIS, implementation plan, information systems, management, manual, planning, policy, project, System, systems, technology, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WINGS, WSDOT

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Abstract:
Noise mitigation strategies involving both noise reduction at the source of transportation noise and at the receiver of transportation noise are reviewed. The following major sources of noise within a motor vehicle considered: engine, intake, exhaust, cooling fan, transmission, and tire noise. Current research intended to address methods of reducing noise far each of these sources is discussed. It was found that vehicle manufacturer efforts in the U.S. to reduce vehicle noise is currently being motivated marketplace for quiet vehicles. In addition to the potentialnoise reduction from specific components of the vehicle, it was found that the type of roadway pavement can have a significant effect on noise. A key strategy for reducing transportation noise at the receiver of the noise is land use compatibility planning. local agencies who have successfully implemented and use compatibility planning programs were interviewed. These programs fall into two broad The first category is land use compatibility brought about by zoning. this category, land uses that are inherently with transportation noise sources are adjacent to the sources. The second category, referred to as proponent mi involves a process of mitigation needed to make the use with transportation noise through mitigation efforts funded by the proponent of the development. It was found that noise and land use compatibility programs were most beneficial to communities in the earlier stages of development whereas the use of a local noise ordinance was found to be more beneficial to communities that are more fully developed.

Authors:
Herman,L. A., Bowlby,W.

Keywords:
agencies, developed, development, land use, land use compatibility, land-use, methods, mitigation, noise, noise abatement, noise barriers, noise reduction, pavement, planning, program, research, roadway, tire, tire noise, traffic noise, transportation, vehicle noise, zoning

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Abstract:
Noise mitigation strategies involving both noise reduction at the source of transportation noise at the receiver of transportation noise are reviewed. The following major sources of noise within a motor vehicle were considered: engine, intake, exhaust, cooling fan, transmission, and tire noise. Current research intended to address methods of reducing noise far each of these sources is discussed. It was found that vehicle manufacturer efforts in the U.S. to reduce vehicle noise is currently being motivated marketplace for quiet vehicles. In addition to the potential noise reduction from specific components of the vehicle, it was found that the type of roadway pavement can have a significant effect on noise. A key strategy for reducing transportation noise at the receiver of the noise is land use compatibility planning. Local agencies who have successfully implemented and use compatibility planning programs were interviewed. These programs fall into two broad categories. The first category is land use compatibility brought about by zoning. In this category, land uses that are inherently with transportation noise sources are adjacent to the sources. The second category, referred to as proponent mitigation, involves a process of mitigation needed to make the use with transportation noise through mitigation efforts funded by the proponent of the development. It was found that noise and land use compatibility programs were most beneficial to communities in the earlier stages of development whereas the use of a local noise ordinance was found to be more beneficial to communities that are more fully developed.

Authors:
Herman,L. A., Bowlby,W.

Keywords:
agencies, developed, development, land use, land use compatibility, land-use, methods, mitigation, noise, noise abatement, noise barriers, noise reduction, pavement, planning, program, research, roadway, tire, tire noise, traffic noise, transportation, vehicle noise, zoning

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Abstract:
Road maintenance is characterized as the continuing care of the roadway and providing for its intended use until such time as needed improvements are identified and undertaken. Within the scope of recurrent and deferred maintenance activites, opportunities are identified to improve cost effectiveness of surfacing and ditch maintenance and reduce future capital improvements.The selection of equipment, materials and procedure is either a commitment to long-term transportation system goals or they create future constraints. The author shows how subgrade and base course damage can be detected and corrected while avoiding actions that add costs or merely hide the problems; use of geotextiles may benefit road conditions but interfere with future maintenance; selection of dust palliatives may either increase or decrease future costs; basic equipment types and limitations affect maintenance prescriptions; good operating practices improve productiona and protect equipment; some historic practices increase the risk of equipment damage; drainage affects road stability and serviceability; to reshape or smooth blade surfacing and clean roadside ditches; an effective maintenance management system helps identify and prioritize needed improvements.Planning, scheduling and performing roadside ditch, travelway and shoulder maintenance requires knowledge and expertis to be successfully and economically accomplished. Basic maintenance approaches and concepts are suggested and new considerations proposed for aggregate, earth and native surfaced roads.

Authors:
Strombom,R. D.

Keywords:
aggregate, base, blading, damage, ditch cleaning drainage, geotextile, goals, grading, maintenance equipment, maintenance management, objectives palliatives (dust), planning, scheduling, stabilization, subgrade

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Abstract:
This study was undertaken to measure and assess current transportation behavior, attitudes, and adjustments people have made or are planning to make to cope with higher costs of transportation and energy shortages. A secondary objective was to develop an effective and inexpensive system to collect a sizeable amount of multimodal data for various types of travel from a statistically reliable sample of modal data for various types of travel from a statistically reliable sample of households in the State of Washington. Telephone interviews of approximately 15 minutes in length were conducted with 2,500 households in 1980 and 2,000 homes in 1983, with both samples having a 95 percent confidence level. Residents of metropolitan, urban and rural areas were included. The households interviewed were selected by a random computer search of telephone numbers. Respondents were screened to ensure that an adult member (18 years or older) of the household was interviewed. The questionnaire dealt with the travel habits of the household rather than just the person being interviewed. Travel to work, local travel, long distance travel, recreational travel, use of public transit and other modes of travel, as well as vehicle ownership trends were topics covered in the interviews. The household's travel patterns two years prior to the interview, as well as current behavior and future plans were included. The replies to the questions indicated that people were concerned about transportation problems and were willing to provide detailed facts and opinions about their household's transportation behavior.

Authors:
Limotti,Brian, Iverson,Evan, Jacobson,Robert

Keywords:
attitudes, behavior, computer, condition, cost, costs, data, data collection, Energy, energy shortages, households, interviews, multimodal, planning, public, public transit, Recreational travel, ridership, rural, Surveys, System, transit, transportation, travel, travel patterns, urban, Washington, Washington state

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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:
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 Central Avalanche Hazard Forecasting project has been funded by the Washington State Highway Commission since July 1975 in order to test the feasibility and effectiveness of central avalanche forecasting for the Cascade Mountain Passes and adjacent territory . Historically, avalanche forecasting in the Cascade Mountains has been done locally on an area-by-area basis by Highway Department personnel and by Forest Rangers and professional ski patrolmen at individual ski areas. This project explored the possibilities of improving both mountain weather and related avalanche forecasts for use by WSDOT during winter operations in the mountain passes and, secondarily, explored the usefulness of anarea-wide forecasting service to other, cooperating agencies. The aim of this work has been to establish the technical and administrative framework for an operational, on-going mountain weather and avalanche forecasting service for Western Washington under the joint support of interested public agencies. This aim has been achieved in autumn 1978 by the operation of an avalanche forecasting office administered by the US Forest Service, housed by the National Weather Service, and supported by WSDT, with additional peripheral support from both the public and private sectors. Previous reports published by the project include: Interim Report, June 1976 (Report No. 23.2); Final Report, June 1977 (Report No. 23.3)Implementation Report, December 1978, which will be published in Spring 1979If you would like to obtain copies of any of these reports, contact WSDOT Public Transportation and Planning Division in Olympia (SCAN 234-61 49) or the Avalanche Research Office on SCAN 323-7180 or Write Avalanche Research,Department of Atmospheric Sciences AK-40, University of Washington, Seattle,Phil Taylor, Research Engineer, has done an outstanding job of developing much of this equipment and devising methods of operation. He is, unfortunately, no longer with the University. He will be working in Autumn 1978 with the US Forest Service as a consultant in addition to his continuing work with the US Geological Survey. This Operating Manual is intended to be an informational document with limited distribution and its format reflects that informality.

Authors:
University of Washington

Keywords:
agencies, avalanche, avalanche forecasting, developed, effectiveness, equipment, forecasting, framework, hazard, highway, Interim, ITS, manual, methods, Operating, planning, project, public, research, survey, transportation, Washington, Washington state, winter

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Abstract:
This report presents a summary of the research project which resulted in the following guideline reports.25.1 Development and Implementation of Community Involvement Programs25.2 Indentification And Measurement of Social Factors in Transportation Planning25.3 Conducting Surveys Concerning Transportation25.4 Operation of Interdisciplinary Teams25.5 Team Scheduling and Management

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

Keywords:
Community Involvement, Social Factors, Socio-Economic Surveys, Inter-disciplinary Team Operation and Management, development, Executive Summary, management, planning, project, research, scheduling, survey, Surveys, transportation, transportation planning

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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 produce guidelines that will provide assistance to those responsible for the planning and implementation of community involvement plans. These guidelines cover the many elements of a multi-faced community involvement approach and give direction for planning and implementation of these guidelines.A considerable amount of recent experience and information on community involvement was compiled and analyzed to afford the capability of tailoring a community involvement plan for an individual plan for an individual and unique community as defined by its characteristics. Among the major elements discussed are the general principals which must be followed to achieve successful community involvement; the criteria to determine how extensive an involvement plan should be for a particular community as defined by the characteristics of the community and type of proposed action; the establishment of an implementation schedule; detailed discussion of the methods used to disseminate information and obtain citizen input; a description of the various types of community groups which can be used for cooperative planning; recommendations to improve the effectiveness of public meetings; and the basic strategy used in evaluating the success of a community involvement plan.

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

Keywords:
Community Involvement, Citizen Participation, Citizen Input, Dissemination of Information, Cooperative Planning, Multi-faceted, Scheduling and Implementation, criteria, development, effectiveness, group, ITS, Meeting, methods, planning, program, public

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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 purpose of this study is to produce guidelines that provide specific, operational and action oriented assistance to those responsible for planning and transportation surveys as a community involvement tool. A considerable amount of recent transportation survey experience along with the provision of technical information from private urban opinion survey organizations was researched and analyzed for inclusion in these guidelines. By discussing and comparing the relative merits of different survey techniques, the sampling process, questionnaire design, and examples of past surveys, these guidelines cover the theoretical as well as the practical side of the surveying process. The presentation of this information is in such a that it can be used by field staff to insure that this vital element of a community involvement program can be performed in an efficient and effective manner.

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

Keywords:
Community Involvement, Citizen Input, Survey Methodology, Limitations of Surveys, Survey Techniques, Sampling Process, Questionnaire Design, Random Cluster Sampling, design, planning, program, sampling, survey, Surveys, transportation, urban

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Abstract:
In the of Washington interdisciplinary teams have been formed for planning projects a major social, economic or environmental impact. The responsibilities of the teams are as follows: Conduct in-depth studies; and implement a community involvement program; and (3) Develop a departmental recommendation for solutions to transportation problems. The inter-disciplinary teams that have used have had a wide variety disciplines represented, purpose this document is to outline procedures and discuss methods that will assist interdisciplinary team members and project engineers in carrying out their responsibilities. Part with the organization and responsibilities of the team and of its members, Part 2 sets forth ten steps recommended for teams to follow in carrying out their charge. Part 3 discusses some of the practical operating problems, which teams have experienced, and possible solutions. Methods to achieve more effective interaction among interdisciplinary team members are discussed. Also, suggestions by which technical studies and community values and attitudes can be integrated into the team's final report are included,

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

Keywords:
attitudes, environmental, environmental impact, impact, Interdisciplinary team operations, Organization and Responsibilities, Design Team Studies, Study Plan Development and Methodology, Team Management, ITS, methods, Operating, planning, program, project, transportation, transportation planning, Washington

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Abstract:
Forty-eight bridge decks were investigated for deterioration using visual , mechanical , electrical and chemical techniques. Data from the various techniques and the techniques themselves were compared and evaluated, resulting data base for Washington's bridges and recommendations for efficient condition determinations. Of the thirty-seven bridges for which all four types of inspection could be accomplished, twenty-nine were deteriorating as evidenced by delaminated concrete, and only two had non-deteriorating scores for all four techniques. None of the investigative techniques used in the project have been shown able to predict deck deterioration problems six to eight years in advance, our desired time period for project planning. The mechanical technique, commonly referred to as the "chain drag", is the method recommended for continued use by bridge inspection crews. Forty-eight bridge decks were investigated for deterioration using visual, mechanical, electrical and chemical techniques.

Authors:
Demich,G. F.

Keywords:
base, bridge, bridge deck, bridge decks, bridges, Chloride ion, delamination, half-cell potential, de-icing salt, Galvaic corrosion, concrete cover, bridge deck deterioration, concrete, condition, data, deck, deterioration, inspection, planning, Washington

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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:
The ProblemThe growth of population in metropolitan areas and the increasing affluence and leisure time of that population is exerting ever-increasing pressure on recreational resources and the transportation facilitiesconnecting the metropolitan areas with the recreation areas. Historically, travel for recreational purposes has grown more rapidly than that for other purposes and if forecasted increases in real income andleisure time materialize this trend will continue. There is increasing concern that proper attention has not been given to recreational travel as a factor in transportation planning either at the state or urban area level. Recreational travel occurs primarily on weekends and holidays whereas the urban transportation studies, almost without exception, are concerned with weekday travel. Recreational travel serves both as a means to an end and as an end in itself. Access to a variety of recreational activities is an importanthuman need and is presumed to be an agreed-upon objective of-public policy. In addition travel has an intrinsic recreational value, the extent of which depends on place and circumstances. This study proposes a concept far long-range planning of transportation facilities needed to serve the weekend travel demands of a metropolitan area. The planning concept is proposed as a means of achieving more effective utilization of resources in providing for recreational needs. Where data have been used in this study to support conclusions, they have been extracted from surveys conducted by agencies in the state of Washington and from selected studies undertaken elsewhere. Despite the limited availability of certain data, the method of analysis and the planning process presented in this report are considered to have general applicability.

Authors:
Karlfritz,L.

Keywords:
agencies, analysis, availability, data, demand, development, facilities, planning, policy, population, pressure, recreation, Recreational travel, survey, Surveys, transportation, transportation planning, travel, urban, Washington

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