Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) commissioned this research, conducted by the Urban Ecology Research Laboratory (UERL) at the University of Washington, to assist in effectively designing and managing operational, maintenance. and improvement activities within the context of the many growth management and clean water regulations and ordinances in Washington State. The goals of this study were to: 1) implement a classification scheme for mapping the percentage of total impervious surfaces due to different types of transportation infrastructure based on satellite imagery, 2) develop and assess a remote sensing methodology for detection of road impervious surface area (RISA) and the fraction of RISA compared to the total impervious surface area (TISA), and 3) make recommendations on the imagery best suited for identifying impervious surfaces related to transportation infrastructure. The results of this analysis have important implications regarding the use of remote sensing to determine the contribution of impervious surface from transportation infrastructure at regional scales. Higher resolution satellites, while more visually appealing, do not necessarily provide a net benefit in terms of accuracy that may justify their added expense. Our results indicate that, in most cases, Landsat performed as well if not better than the higher resolution SPOT imagery for determining regional scale roadway impervious surface area. The problem with using high resolution data for extracting road footprints at regional scales lies in the difficulty and cost of gathering a comprehensive set of imagery for the entire area of interest. Furthermore, extracting road footprints from high resolution imagery is a difficult proposition. Our findings recommend using digital imagery with other GIS data that can serve as a proxy for road footprints. Transportation rights-of-ways taken from vector parcel data were highly effective at limiting the area that could be considered as road. Using this in combination with Landsat impervious surface data proved to be an accurate and relatively simple way to estimate road impervious surface area. We recognize that not all areas are covered by the detailed parcel datasets used in this analysis. To fill these gaps, a simple predictive road impervious surface area model was developed using a combination of data developed and gathered for this project. Linear regression was used to build the model and road impervious surface area extracted from test sites was used as the independent, or predicted, variable. The predictors, or independent variables, used in the model were total impervious surface (as measured by Landsat or SPOT), urban area background, and total road length measured using readily available GIS transportation data. All three independent variables were significant with a 95% confidence interval and the model as a whole was significant at the 99% level.

Authors:
Alberti,M., Coe,S., Jiang,Y.

Keywords:
Impervious surface, remote sensing, predictive model, transportation

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External Links: http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/653.1.htm

Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has deployed advanced weather systems and products to support maintenance operations and to provide public information. The expanded system has tremendously improved the availability and quality of weather information for WSDOT crews and the traveling public. Use of current and forecast weather information has increased from nearly non-existent to an actively used, Department-wide resource. This summary report overviews the various efforts, products, and reports generated since the beginning of the road weather project.

Authors:
Senn,L.

Keywords:
availability, information systems, maintenance, public, public information, quality, Road Weather Information System, System, systems, transportation, Washington, Washington state, weather prediction, winter road maintenance, WSDOT

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/624.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/624.1.htm

Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and its partner agencies developed a research program to design new and retrofit culverts. The goal of this program is to identify culvert bed configurations, designs, and associated hydraulic conditions that allow successful movement of juvenile salmonids upstream, while safely passing water, sediment, and debris downstream. WSDOT, in cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), constructed a culvert test bed at the WDFS's Skookumchuck Hatchery in western Washington State. Battelle conducted experiments to establish protocols for future research on bed conditions, culvert shape, etc. This technical report describes various protocols, such as time of day, duration of test, and density of test fish, and provides hydraulic and biological characterizations of a baseline culvert.

Authors:
Pearson,W. H., Richmond,M., Johnson,G., Sargeant,S. L.

Keywords:
agencies, condition, culvert, culvert passage, culvert test bed, culverts, density, design, developed, evaluation, experimental, fish, ITS, juvenile salmonid, juvenile salmonid passage, program, research, retrofit, salmonids, transportation, Washington, Washington state, wildlife, WSDOT

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/614.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/614.1.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 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:
University of Washington researchers developed information tools to increase the speed and efficiency of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) post-earthquake response and recovery efforts. The researchers upgraded the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network (PNSN) ground-motion processing software to rapidly generate and disseminate "ShakeMaps," which are maps of earthquake intensity. The researchers also implemented two procedures to estimate the likelihood of slight (or greater) bridge damage; these procedures are based on the intensity of earthquake shaking (obtained from the ShakeMaps) and on each bridge's location, year of construction, and bridge type (obtained from the Washington State Bridge Inventory). The first procedure, developed at the University of Washington, is based on observations of bridge damage from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The second procedure is contained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency HAZUS software for predicting the lowest level of damage. Shortly following an earthquake, e-mail and pager alert messages will be sent to WSDOT personnel notifying them of the preliminary earthquake magnitude and epicenter. ShakeMaps and a prioritized list of bridges (ranked by likelihood of bridge damage) will be available on a Web server at the University of Washington and will be pushed to a WSDOT FTP server.

Authors:
Malone,S., Eberhard,M. O., LaBelle,J., Ranf,T.

Keywords:
bridges, damage, earthquakes, fragilities, inspection, ShakeMap, Washington, speed, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, software, earthquake, bridge, construction, management

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/602.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/602.1.htm

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:
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 study was conducted for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to explore both the need for and the variety of alternatives to the use of an annual application of herbicides for removing vegetation in the area immediately adjacent to the pavement edge. Our study approached these questions in two different ways, developing both a literature review and a set of interviews with people who have specific knowledge or views of these issues. We conducted interviews with three groups of people to identify issues, maintenance alternatives, and significant literature references: (1) staff at other federal, state, and county transportation agencies, (2) staff and volunteers who work with advocacy groups, and (3) researchers at academic institutions who specialize in related areas. Our literature review contains a set of citations that present related management issues and alternative practices. The abstracts for these references were included when available. To summarize what we learned from the interviews and literature sources, we developed a decision framework that could be used to guide WSDOT district maintenance staff in formulating management plans for vegetation. The decision framework differs from current practice primarily in that it begins with the assumption that maintenance of the area immediately adjacent to the pavement is not necessary unless some particular, observable condition triggers the need for such maintenance.

Authors:
Hill,K., Horner,R. R.

Keywords:
agencies, Alternative, Annual, best practices, condition, counties, developed, environmental management, framework, group, herbicides, integrated vegetation management (IVM), interviews, Issues, maintenance, management, pavement, pavement edge, research, review, road ecology, roadside, roadside maintenance, roadside vegetation, Study, transportation, vegetation management, Washington, Washington state, weeds, WSDOT, Zone 1

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/621.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/621.1.htm

Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) operates a central traffic management system (TMS) for both day-to-day surveillance and traveler information. Past efforts developed the ability to create real-time traffic speed information by using virtual sensors that are based on transit vehicle tracking data. In order for this new information source to be merged into the TMS, a number of questions, such as probe density in time and space, needed to be resolved. This report presents the solution developed at the University of Washington (UW). This solution provides real-time congestion information from Seattle area freeways and arterials-I-5, I-90, SR 520 and SR 99-to the WSDOT TMS using the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Backbone. This project harvests existing automatic vehicle location (AVL) data from within King County Metro Transit and transports the raw data to the UW, where a series of operations converts the data into roadway speed information. This roadway speed information is color coded on the basis of specific, localized conditions for the arterials and freeways to reflect traffic congestion. The resulting traffic data product is then provided to WSDOT as a data source for virtual sensors located in roadways where currently there are no inductance loops. In addition to creating the infrastructure for an AVL-equipped fleet to serve as probe vehicles, this project created several user interfaces for traveler information. One is "StoreView," a Java application that displays the spatial and temporal average speeds of transit vehicles as color-coded bubbles on a map of the area's major arterials and freeways. A second type of traveler information, analogous to TrafficTV and WSDOT's pictographic traffic maps, is also available. This report documents both the technical issues addressed in creating a virtual sensor data both the technical issues addressed in creating a virtual sensor data stream from probe vehicle data and the creation of a set of real-time traveler information applications.

Authors:
Dailey,D. J., Cathey,F. W.

Keywords:
AVL, bus, computing, geographic information systems, GIS, probe, road traffic, speed sensors, traffic control, traffic engineering, traffic probes, transit, transit probes, transportation, virtual sensors

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/617.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/617.1.htm

Abstract:
TrafficTV is a traffic and traveler information resource available on cable television (UWTV2 Channel 76). It began operation June 1, 1998, as part of the SmartTrek Operational Deployment under the name Traffic Channel. The SmartTrek evaluation of May 2001 identified several problems with Traffic Channel and recommended some improvements. This project made those changes and renamed the application TrafficTV. A series of meetings was held in June 2003. These meetings involved personnel from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region, WSDOT Advanced Technology Branch, WSDOT Olympia office, the University of Washington's UWTV, and the UW Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Program. From these meetings came a set of recommended changes. These changes were made to TrafficTV and are documented in this report. Battelle Institute conducted a focus group in May 2004 to evaluate the resulting program. This focus group concluded that TrafficTV is a useful traveler information tool but has not had sufficient public exposure to make it widely known to the traveling public. A market penetration audit conducted by Media Audit in June and July 2004 indicated that when viewers were asked about TrafficTV, over 94,000 had seen the program within the last week. This was deemed surprisingly high, given the lack of external exposure and that viewers would have found TrafficTV only by word of mouth or by "channel surfing." Again, a conclusion of the audit was that additional exposure would make TrafficTV more valuable as a traveler information tool. As a result of the publicity recommendations, a banner has been added to the North West Region's traveler information page to alert users to the availability of TrafficTV.

Authors:
Dailey,D. J., Bradbury,J.

Keywords:
traveler information, cable TV, Intelligent transportation system, congestion information, traffic, evaluation, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, intelligent transportation systems, systems, research, program, group, public

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/603.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/603.1.htm

Abstract:
Prior to 1997, WSDOT used the Engineering News Record (ENR) Formula for driving piling to the design capacity. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) sponsored research published in 1988 had shown that the ENR formula was quite inaccurate, and that moving toward the Gates Formula would be a substantial improvement Fragaszy et al. 1988). Hence, in 1996, an in-house study was initiated to update the driving formula used for pile driving acceptance in the WSDOT Standard Specifications. Recently compiled databases of pile load test results were used as the basis for developing improvements to the Gates Formula to improve pile bearing resistance prediction accuracy. From this empirical analysis, the WSDOT driving formula was derived. Once the WSDOT driving formula had been developed, the empirical data used for its development were also used to establish statistical parameters that could be used in reliability analyses to determine resistance factors for load and resistance factor design (LRFD). The Monte Carlo method was used to perform the reliability analyses. Other methods of pile resistance prediction were also analyzed, and resistance factors were developed for those methods as well. Of the driving formulae evaluated, the WSDOT formula produced the most efficient result, with a resistance factor of 0.55 to 0.60. A resistance factor of 0.55 is recommended. Dynamic measurement during pile driving using the pile driving analyzer (PDA), combined with signal matching analysis (e.g., CAPWAP), produced the most efficient result of all the pile resistance prediction methods, with a resistance factor of 0.70 to 0.80.

Authors:
Allen,T. M.

Keywords:
Impervious surface, remote sensing, predictive model, transportation

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External Links: http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/610.1.htm

Abstract:
This research addresses the understanding of, and need for, load spectra in future pavement design procedures and as a stepping stone toward more complete pavement design. The primary objective of this project was to develop truck axle load spectra for Washington State. To do this, axle load data collected at WIM stations throughout Washington State were used. The developed load spectra encompass the principal truck axles on the roadway network: single, tandem, and tridem. Achieving this objective allows the Washington State Department of Transportation, or any state highway agency with analogous traffic patterns, to accommodate the requirements of the 2002 Design Guide, developed through NCHRP Project 1-37A. A secondary objective of this project was to determine whether ESALs obtained from the developed load spectra are significantly different from historical values. Because the developed load spectra are transformable to ESALs, state highway agencies that decide not to use the new guide can still choose to employ the ESALs produced with the load spectra. The project concluded that the developed load spectra are reasonable. For single axles they are comparable to the 2002 Design Guide and MnROAD defaults. For tandem and tridem axles, they are slightly more conservative than defaults of the 2002 Design Guide and MnROAD, but they are still within reason. In addition, the ESALs per vehicle class associated with the developed load spectra are comparable to Washington State historical ESALs for vehicle classes 9, 10, and 13. The use of the newly developed ESALs per vehicle will generally increase design ESALs, but that increase will be due to inclusion of the less predominant vehicle classes (4, 6, 7, 8, and 11).

Authors:
Al-Yagout,M. A., Mahoney,J. P., Pierce,L., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
agencies, axle, data, design, developed, development, equivalent single axel load, ESAL, highway, load spectra, pavement, pavement design, performance, project, research, roadway, single axle, traffic, transportation, truck, Washington, Washington state, weigh-in-motion, WIM

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/600.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/600.1.htm

Abstract:
This report is a "guidebook" on how to use remote sensing applications to support environmental assessment in transportation planning. The methods use Landsat 7 imagery and commercially available remote-sensing software to produce maps and related information suitable for a programmic environmental impact statement. The report covers the following major topics: Background on environmental analysis in transportation planning, and the value and limitations of remotely sensed data; Staff, hardware, software, and data requirements; Software application for land use - land cover classification; Fieldwork for land use - land cover classification training and verification; Use and integration of other geographic information and imagery files; and Production of remote sensing - geographic information system maps and other information. The methods are illustrated through applications to the I-405 corridor in the State of Washington.

Authors:
Xiong,D., Lee,R., Saulsbury,J. B., Lanzer,E. L., Perez,A.

Keywords:
Transportation, remote sensing, land use land cover mapping, environmental assessment

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

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

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

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

Abstract:
The Oregon Spotted Frog is currently a federal Candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The report provides a habitat screening that biologists in Washington State can apply in the field to determine whether wetlands contain suitable habitat for the Oregon Spotted Frog. In the event that this species is listed, the application of the model will facilitate a more streamlined consultation process of transportation projects in the event of this species.

Authors:
Germaine,S. S., Consentino,B. L.

Keywords:
amphibians, Endangered species act, frogs, habitat, model, occupancy, Oregon Spotted Frog, Pacific Northwest, project, Rana pretisoa, transportation, Washington, Washington state, wetlands, wildlife

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/585.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/585.1.htm

Abstract:
Performance monitoring is an issue of growing concern both nationally and in Washington State. Travel times and speeds have always been of interest to traveler-information researchers, but as they become a key measure in performance monitoring, this interest is now greater than ever. However, instrumenting the roadway infrastructure to obtain this type of data is very expensive. In this project, we use transit vehicles as probe sensors and develop a framework to use the vehicle position estimates as a speed sensor.This report documents the second phase of a three-phase project that will create a robust set of virtual sensors for freeways and arterials. The first phase was a proof of principle that examined the statistics of successfully using transit vehicles as traffic probes. The results of the second phase are presented in this report. An optimal filter method is described that estimates acceleration, speed, and position as a function of space and time. The third phase will implement a server to place speed estimates from the transit probe virtual sensors into the WSDOT Northwest Region's operational Traffic Management System. WSDOT will benefit from this work by gaining additional traffic management sensing capabilities without the additional installation and maintenance costs of cabinets, loops, and communications. The traveling public in metropolitan Seattle will benefit from having additional traveler information about arterials that can be used as alternatives to freeway travel. Publication of results that validate the techniques used to derive virtual sensors from transit probe vehicles will have a national impact as an increasing number of cities use transit fleet management systems.

Authors:
Dailey,D. J., Cathey,F. W.

Keywords:
bus, transit, probe, Claman filters, Kalman smoother, GIS, AVL, TCIP, MML, virtual sensors, traffic probes, transit probes, speed sensors, geographic information systems, road traffic, traffic control, traffic engineering computing, transportation, research

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/579.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/579.1.htm

Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between roadway and roadside accidentrates for Washington State highways to improve the Washington State Department of Transportation's(WSDOT) process of modeling roadway and roadside accident rates and to arrive at possible improvements in the efficiency of WSDOT's safety project programming process.The project tested the use of the seemingly unrelated regression estimation (SURE) model to modelthe roadway and roadside simultaneously. The theoretical advantage of the SURE approach is that it does not impose any a priori assumptions on the explicit linkage between roadway and roadside accident rates, and there is no theoretical support for explicit linkage, either. The data used to derive this model were from a random sample of 500 one-mile sections from the Washington State highway system. Traffic dataincluded traffic volumes, truck compositions, AADT, traffic speeds, and other relevant information.Geometric data included lane, shoulder, median, curve, and intersection information. Historical weather data such as monthly precipitation and temperature were collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database.In comparing significant explanatory variables between the roadway accident rate and roadsideaccident rate models, very few variables were common. This confirms that it is preferable to specifyseparate functional forms for roadway and roadside accident rates. Empirical results indicated thatcorrelation between roadway and roadside accident rates was insignificant, indicating that efficiency gainsfrom the SURE model would be minimal. The important finding from a programming standpoint is thatjointly modeling the roadway and roadside simultaneously would not result in significant efficiencyimprovements in comparison to the current state-of-the-practice in Washington State.

Authors:
Chayanan,S., Nebergall,M., Shankar,V., Juvva,N., Ouyang,Y.

Keywords:
roadway, roadside, accident rates, safety programming, research, Washington, Washington state, highway, transportation, WSDOT, modeling, safety, regression, linkage, data, traffic, traffic data, volume, truck, speed, median, temperature, database, models

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/562.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/562.1.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:
This report documents the findings of the evaluation of the North Seattle Advanced Traffic Management System (NSATMS) Project. The evaluation was originally designed to analyze the potential transportation benefits and costs of a regional arterial traffic data sharing system that would obtain traffic signal system information (volumes, signal timing plans, etc.) from participating agencies and then share the data among those agencies. The operational goal was to allow each agency to make better control decisions by providing it with real-time knowledge of traffic conditions outside of its own control system boundaries. Because of a series of technical and project management issues, the system as originally envisioned was not successfully implemented. As a result, this evaluation does not include an analysis of direct operational benefits. It does, however, include a discussion of the expected institutional benefits, as well as an extensive "lessons learned" section based on the project team's review of the NSATMS effort. Of particular note were the importance of effective and ongoing lines of project communication, and the critical need to properly evaluate the fundamental nature of the project and provide a well-matched project management structure. The lessons learned from this project provide instructive guidelines for those who are contemplating future ITS system development efforts of comparable scope and complexity. Despite the limited successes of the NSATMS effort, the evaluation team found continued support for the regional arterial ATMS concept within the Puget Sound region. Follow-on research that contributes to a better understanding of the benefits, costs, and technical requirements of an arterial traffic management system is desired by many of the project participants.

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

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

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

Abstract:
To address concerns of resource agencies about the potential impacts of ferry terminal expansion on valuable habitat functions and resource use of nearshore areas, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), conducted field trials with off-the-shelf products that promote light passage through dock structures. These products included a SunTunnel(TM), deck prisms, and a metal halide greenhouse light. Light measurements (photosynthetically active radiation, PAR), were also recorded beneath glass blocks and a metal grating installed at Clinton Ferry Terminal on Whidbey Island, Washington. A review of other studies measuring the effects of dock shading and alternate dock materials was conducted.PAR measurements from this study were related to minimum requirements for eelgrass Zostera marina photosynthesis and to the known maximum photosynthetic "saturation" rate for Z. marina. We also related PAR measurements to what we know about light requirements for macroalgae and kelp, and light effects on juvenile salmonid feeding and passage under overwater structures. All of the light technologies tested could provide enough light for eelgrass growth underneath a ferry terminal that is being expanded or rebuilt if certain requirements are met. For example, all of the technologies (some signgly and some in multiples) could provide adequate light for eelgrass if the dock is no greater than 15 ft. above the eelgrass and certain air:water ratios are met. At increased distances between the deck and eelgrass, the air:water ratio and total distance light must travel begin to limit the technolgies that could successfully be applied. In general, the products predicted to provide the most to the least light to eelgrass are the grating, SunTunnel, metal halide greenhouse light, and prisms. Light levels required to allow fish to feed and to form schools are low , and much less than those required for photosynthesis (Ali 1959). Based on Ali's data, our research indicates that installing any of the tested light products would likely maintain light levels under the dock above those required for active feeding by juvenile salmonids.

Authors:
Blanton,S. L., Thom,R. M., Borde,A., Diefenderfer,H., Southard,J.

Keywords:
light, overwater structure, nearshore habitat, photosynthesis, salmonids, eelgrass, transportation, highway, port, Washington, research

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

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

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

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Abstract:
In this report, we present a novel approach for estimating traffic speed using a sequence of images from an un-calibrated camera. We assert that exact calibration is not necessary to estimate speed. Instead, to estimate speed we use (1) geometric relationships inherently available in the image, (2) some common sense assumptions that reduce the problem to 1-dimensional geometry, (3) frame differencing to isolate moving edges and track vehicles between frames, and (4) parameters from the distribution of vehicles lengths.

Authors:
Dailey,D. J., Cathey,F. W., Pumrin,S.

Keywords:
video image processing, calibration, camera, speed sensor, vehicle length distribution, transportation, highway, research

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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:
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) 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) 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 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:
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:
This working paper, 'Travel Patterns in Mixed Use Neighborhoods,' summarizes Phase I of a research effort by the Innovations Unit of the Washington State Transportation Commission. The study is based on previous Innovations Unit research, described in the 1992 report, Land Use-Transportation Linkage (Kestle et al. 1992), the focus of which was the impact of land use policies on transportation systems. This working paper describes surveys conducted in four neighborhoods in the state of Washington (three in King County and one in Spokane) to gather data on travel behavior in neighborhoods that have a good mix of housing, shopping, and services; in other words, mixed use neighborhoods. The survey consisted of telephone interviews to determine household characteristics and the subsequent collection of travel diaries to assess household travel habits by mode and purpose. Preliminary results indicate the preponderance of trips for both family and personal business on both weekdays and weekends. Although auto is the dominant mode, results indicate the potential for shared rides in all neighborhoods and for the walk mode in the in-city neighborhoods. Directions for future research are suggested, including the study of the potential for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in mixed use neighborhoods; the relationships among mixed use development, household demographics, and travel behavior; the possibility of substituting walking for auto use; and methods for alleviating weekend traffic congestion based on a better understanding of the components of weekend travel.

Authors:
Zemotel,L., Nielsen,K., Rutherford,G. S., Ishimaru,J. M.

Keywords:
mixed use, research, innovation, Washington, Washington state, transportation, linkage, land use, land-use, policy, systems, survey, counties, data, travel behavior, behavior, development, walking, traffic, traffic congestion, congestion

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:
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:
This report summarizes an investigation of the technical aesthetic, and economic feasibilities of incorporating special noise barrier applications into a highway noise control program. The intent of the report is to take as a starting point the thin, vertical, reflective barrier now used in most applications. Special barrier applications are those beyond the thin vertical reflective barrier.The investigation of technical feasibility relates to the formulation of the effects of absorptive treatments, slanted tops, T-tops, and other special applications. The economic and aesthetic feasibility investigations examine the value of employing these special applications in lieu of thin, vertical, reflective barriers. The research reported on herein was performed on behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation. The intent of the was for background studies of the effects of special treatments, so the could be in a position to implement pilot projects at a later date.

Authors:
Cohn,L. F., Harris,R. A.

Keywords:
absorption, absorptive, applications, barrier, barriers, control, highway, Insertion Loss, noise, parallel barrier, program, project, research, transportation, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The major objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the types of recycled materials that are appropriate and feasible as alternative paving materials such as glass and tires; and (2) the types of recycled materials, such as mixed-plastics and compost, that can be utilized in all types of transportation applications other than pavements. Seven key products are investigated: tires; glass; asphalt concrete fly ash; compost; mixed plastics; and sign stock. Performance and cost data for pavements is documented for both in-state and nationwide applications. The national experience \'with the use of waste glass as an additive to asphalt concrete and its use in unbound base material is so highlighted. Programs for experimental use of recycled material are outlined. Recommendations for staffing and program changes to deal with recycling are also discussed.

Authors:
Swearigen,D. L., Jackson,N. C.

Keywords:
additive, Alternative, applications, asphalt, asphalt concrete, base, base materials, concrete, construction, cost, data, experimental, fly ash, Glasphalt, highway, highway construction, ITS, materials, objectives, pavement, pavements, performance, program, recycled ACP, recycling, Rubber-asphalt, tire, tires, transportation

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Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a research project to determine the long-term performance of wood fibre embankments, that were constructed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) beginning in 1972. At the time of their construction, concern existed that wood fibre fills would only provide a 15 to 20 year service life.Performance of existing wood fibre fills was evaluated based on thequality of the wood fibre material, quality of the effluent, and condition ofthe pavement. A visual classification system rating the wood fibre from freshto completely decomposed was developed and used in order to establish acriteria from which all wood fibre mater.ia1 could be -rated.. Visual examinationin conjunction with laboratory tests were used as determining aspects for theeffluent quality. The WSDOT Pavement Management System was used to evaluate relative pavement performance. Site descriptions are presented giving specificcharacteristics and properties of the fills inventoried, An analysis of t h i sinformation was done to determine the effectiveness of the fills.Over half the wood fibre samples were found to be nearly fresh or freshand none w e found to be completely decomposed. In all but one case, thepavement quality over the wood fibre fills surpassed the comparative highwaysegment rating indicating the wood fill\'s performance exceeded thatof the surrounding area. Generally, the surface water in the vicinity of thewood fibre was found to be clean and pure indicating no adverse impact ofeffluent. Given the above findings, embankments constructed of wood fibre werefound to perform well over ahnost a 20. year period. Service life in excess of50 years can be expected - of wood fibre fills.

Authors:
Kilian,A. P., Ferry,C. D.

Keywords:
analysis, condition, construction, developed, effectiveness, Embankments, evaluation, impact, Leachate, management, management system, pavement, pavement management, pavement performance, pavements, performance, performance evaluation, project, quality, research, tests, transportation, Washington, Washington state, Wood fibre, WSDOT

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Abstract:
A short, one year performance evaluation was made of four crack sealing products. The products: (1) CRF manufactured by the Golden Bear Division of Witco Chemical Corporation; (2) Flex-a-Fill manufactured by Deery Oil; (3) RoadSaver 221 manufactured by Crafco Incorporated; and (4) a sand slurry mixture designed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.The two rubber-asphalt products, Flex-a-Fill and RoadSaver 221, performed better that the other two products, which used an emulsified cement as a base.

Authors:
Erickson,D. E.

Keywords:
base, crack sealing, effectiveness, emulsified asphalt, evaluation, mixture, performance, performance evaluation, Rubber-asphalt, transportation, Washington, Washington state

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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:
The Washington State Department of Transportation is conducting experimental field evaluations of selected polymer concrete thin (1/4 inch) overlays. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 24 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating construction projects as experimental features.A polymer concrete thin overlay, The Conkryl Broadcast System (methlmethacrylate), was applied to the deck of the South 154th Street Overcrossing, Bridge No. 5/523, under Contract No. 3354, SR 405 Tukwila to South Renton HOV Lanes. This bridge is a prestressed girder bridge located on the mainline I-5 at the intersection with I-405 in Seattle, Washington.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, construction, contracts, Deck, evaluation, experimental, HOV, HOV lanes, lanes, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, prestressed, project, seattle, thin overlay, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
Bridge expansion joints pose a special problem in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge deck management system. These devices are subject to repeated heavy dynamic loading, and premature failure has occurred in many cases. It is WSDOT policy, as part of the Bridge Deck Management System, to make expansion joints watertight in order to reduce the potential of substructure corrosion induced by roadway deicing salts and other contaminants.Expansion joint seals play an important role in keeping expansion joints watertight. A relatively new material, Evazote 50, looks promising in its performance characteristics as an expansion joint seal. It is able to accommodate considerable joint movement, its durability and corrosion resistant properties are excellent, and it is resistant to absorption of oils and greases. The purpose of this experimental project is to gain knowledge about the material\'s effectiveness over time and to gain knowledge about field installation techniques. It was very beneficial to have the manufacturer\'s representative on the job during installation. This was required by special provision and is a practice that should be continued on future projects.In-place performance will determine acceptance of Evazote 50 for general use.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
absorption, bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck rehabilitation, corrosion, Deck, durability, effectiveness, expansion joints, experimental, in-place, ITS, Joints, management, management system, performance, policy, roadway, salt, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1/4 inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as experimental features.Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1/4inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as features. The polymer concrete thin overlays were applied to the decks of the River Bridge and the Yakima River Bridge under Contract No. 3 SR 90 and SR 82, Interchange to Terrace Heights. Both bridges are steel truss bridges located on SR 82 just outside Yakima, Washington. Both the epoxy overlay and the methacrylate overlays were versatile products apply under difficult traffic control conditions. Starting and stopping the various pours to accommodate opening and closing of lanes for traffic proved satisfactory. To the extent possible, work was performed at night when traffic was light. All three lanes were then opened to traffic in the early morning to accommodate peak traffic conditions.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, condition, construction, contracts, control, Deck, Epoxy, experimental, lanes, light, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, steel, steel truss bridge, thin overlay, traffic, traffic control, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
A job-satisfaction and morale survey was administered to all journey-level engineering technicians and transportation engineers of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). No fewer than 745 of the 837 employees (89%) who received the questionnaires, responded. This unusually high response rate testifies to the salience of the issues covered by this survey, and this conclusion is further supported by the care with which the overwhelming majority of the questionnaires were completed.Comments about various job-related concerns were obtained in interviews with 15 supervisors, engineers, and engineering technicians in four WSDOT districts and incorporated in a 21-item questionnaire. The questionnaire also asked employees why they might consider leaving WSDOT, and how much longer they planned to stay with WSDOT. Employees were classified on the basis of their tenure, age, district, job classification, ethic identification, work assignment, and college major.The questionnaire led to the identification of six areas of satisfaction factors. These are General Satisfaction, Satisfaction with Supervisor, Satisfaction with Personnel Practices, Satisfaction with Work Environment, Satisfaction with Equity of Work Conditions, and Involvement with the Department.

Authors:
Fiedler,F. E., Murphy,S. E.

Keywords:
condition, environment, equity, interviews, job satisfaction, policy, sex, survey, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
As part of the pooled fund research project, the Washington State Department of Transportation was selected to field-test approximately 100 tons of Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) to evaluate its potential as a deicing chemical with direct comparison to salt (Sodium Chloride) and Urea. Evaluation included all aspects of storage, handling, use, and performance. CMA was applied whenever necessary at each test site, using the same application rates as presently used for salt. Typical equipment consisted of front dump trucks with the spinner ahead of the rear axle, and rear discharge hopper trucks. All equipment was used without modification.The use of CMA at the beginning of a storm reduced the amount of bonding of snow to the roadway surface. This effect of keeping the roadway surface bare for longer periods of time reduced the cost of snow fighting. This was accomplished with chemical application rate of 125 Ibs. per lane mile.The addition of sand to CMA reduced the problems of dust, caking and uneven distribution. The sand provided moisture and weight to the application resulting in a smoother, more even distribution. CMA spread above was excessively dusty creating problems in the spreading and distribution. CMA is slower to react on compact snow and ice than salt or Urea. This delay in reaction time was not considered a handicap in the overall snow fighting procedure.The conclusion was that CMA shows promise as a deicing-melting chemical. The problems of dust, light-weight and brittleness need further work and may be significantly alleviated by development of a hydrated compound.

Authors:
Ernst,D. D.

Keywords:
Alternative, axle, chloride, cost, Deicing (CMA Research), development, evaluation, field test, ITS, lightweight, performance, research, roadway, salt, snow, transportation, truck, trucks, Washington, Washington state, weight

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Abstract:
This project developed a demand-based forecasting model for rural and highway road transportation planning to assist decision-makers in predicting transportation demand flows of wheat in the Pacific Northwest. In order to be sensitive to policy changes, the model is based upon the disaggregate, individual shipment decisions of wheat elevators. The research fround that the mode/market selection process significantly affects the usual regression estimates of mode/market demand flows. Therefore, estimates of the parameters on the major determinants of transportation demand were obtained by weighted least squares that were corrected for selectivity bias. Procedure was developed to aggregate the disaggregate predictions into total regional flows. This procedure retains the policy-sensitivity of the disaggregate model and is computationally practical in applications. Finally, the aggregate forecasting model was developed into an interactive computer program which can be used in a variety of policy-relation applications.

Authors:
Wallace,N. E., Inaba,F. S.

Keywords:
demand forecasting, grain, transportation

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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:
This document presents a summary of Washington State Department of Transportation\\\'s experience with the 28 projects of the National Experimental and Evaluation Program (NEEP).

Authors:
Toney,C. A.

Keywords:
counties, evaluation, experimental, management, management system, microcomputer, NEEP, pavement, pavement management, program, transportation, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected ploymer concrete thin overlays over a ten-year period. The ploymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 14 bridges will be involved in the experiment.The study was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting field testing of several selected concrete thin overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. 14 bridges will be involved in the experiment. The Snake River Bridge at Clarkston, Washington, Bridge No. 12/915, is the first bridge of the to receive a 1/4 thin overlay. The polymer concrete used is by Polycarb. The deck was repaired and overlaid in June of 1986. Work on the thin overlay began on June 8 and was completed on June 20. A total of 6,477 S.Y. of overlay was involved. Traffic was accommodated at all times on the portion of the bridge not being overlaid. Construction progressed relatively smoothly per the inspector\'s report. The material permitted the contractor flexibility in the rate of installation and in starting and stopping the work. Width of installation was varied to accommodate temporary traffic lanes. Pavement skid tests and bond tests all proved satisfactory. Ninety-one percent of the resistivity tests exceeded the minimum required by the specifications. The majority of the test points that did not meet the minimum specified occurred at the beginning of the work, where the contractor attempted to apply the material with spray that apparently did not provide accurate proportionate mix of the epoxy components. Subsequent tests and reports delamination, half-cell, chloride content, and rutting values to the original deck survey values.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, chloride, concrete, construction, contracts, Epoxy, experimental, half-cell, highway, lanes, overlay, overlays, pavement, polymer, polymer concrete, specification, specifications, survey, tests, thin overlay, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1 1/4 inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The ploymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as experimental features.The Grays River Bridge at Roseburg, Washington, Bridge is the second bridge of the federal aid projects to receive a thin concrete overlay. The polymer concrete used was Degadur 330, made by Degussa Company and installed by Floor. The deck was overlaid in August of 1986. Work on the thin overlay began on August 4, 1986 and was completed on August 5, 1986. A total of 586 S.Y. of overlay was placed. There was no traffic on the bridge during the overlay placement. The overlay contractor had a well trained crew and the overlay placement went very smoothly. The experience showed when the different operations of primer, overlay, and sealer were sequenced so that when one layer cured out, the next operation was ready to go. Friction tests and electrical resistivity tests were all satisfactory.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, construction, contracts, experimental, friction, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, sealer, tests, thin overlay, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
This study investigated the feasibility of eliminating endblocks from pretensioned continuos bridge girders. The removal of endblocks is estimated to reduce girder costs by 5 to 10 percent. The girders studied were the Washington State Department of Transportation\'s \"Series 14\". These girders are characterized by 5 inch thick webs and are prestressed with both harped and straight 1/2 inch diameter grade 270 stands. Previous research had recommended the elimination of endblocks for simple span bridges. This study dealt with continuous bridges.The research consisted test and a destructive laboratory test. The field test was used identify bases for the destructive testing. \"Series14 \" girder with endblocks and \"Series 60\" girders without endblocks were instrumented with strain gages and monitored from the time they manufactured to the time thel oads were tested on the bridge. The laboratory test was performed with a balanced cantilever arrangement using two \"14\" girders without without endblocks. The joint at the support was made continuous by providing deck reinforcement in a manner similar to reinforcing details used by WSDOT. Concentrated incrementally applied at a distance of 13 ft.10 inches from the continuous support. The modified girders performed effectively under applied loads. Therefore, endblocks may be removedfrom continuous Series \"14\" girders with normal diaphragms. The study recommends that one \"Series 14\" continuous girder without endblocks be designed and monitored through the various stages ofconstruction and service in another bridge.

Authors:
Itani,R., Hiremath,G. S., Vasisth,U.

Keywords:
base, bridge, bridges, concrete, construction, cost, costs, Deck, design, diaphragms, endblocks, field test, girders, loads, prestressed, prestressed concrete, Prestressing, pretensioned, reinforcement, research, span, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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

Authors:
Hallenbeck,M. E.

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

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designed and installed Service Level 1 (SL-1) bridge rails on three treated timber bridges in the state. To date there have been no accidents or maintenance problems reported at any of the modified bridges.

Authors:
Gripne,D.

Keywords:
accidents, bridge, Bridge rail modification, bridges, maintenance, Rail for Timber Bridge, systems, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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

Authors:
Bourque,P. J.

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

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

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

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

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Abstract:
This study was initiated as part of a department-wide strategic planning effort of the Washington State Department of Transportation to assess whether a coordinated technology transfer program will enhance innovation adoption. Interviews with WSDOT employees in all divisions and districts provide the basis of an inventory of current technology practices. A literature review describes the process of technology transfer and the issues relating to an individual's ability to adopt innovation. Additionally, the structure of the organization and the barriers to innovation adoption are discussed based on information obtained from a literature review. Examples of technology transfer programs in other organizations are described to understand how the process is used to adopt innovation. Based on employee interviews, and the literature review, specific recommendations and implementation plans are provided in the report. These recommendations are intended to enhance technology transfer in WSDOT and thus increase the ability of the organization to adopt innovations into work methods and practices.

Authors:
Brooks,R. L.

Keywords:
technology transfer, innovation, strategic planning, transportation

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Abstract:
The first phase of a three-phase research investigation of cut slope design criteria for southeastern Washington loess has been completed. A literature review of engineering properties of loess from other locales and design criteria applied by various state transportation departments were conducted. A1so, a preliminary field investigation was made to collect representative soil samples and record failure mechanisms. Past research has revealed that proper drainage control in combination with water content and gradational characteristics, are the primary factors influencing cut slope performance in loessial soils. Analysis of 40 soil samples collected during the field study, demonstrate a close similarity between southeastern Washington loess and deposits from the central United States. Although physical properties are similar, differing climates produce a disparity in failure mechanisms between Midwestern and southeastern Washington loessial deposits.

Authors:
Higgins,J. D., Fragaszy,R. J., Beard,L. D.

Keywords:
analysis, control, criteria, cut slope, design, design criteria, development, drainage, erosion, loess, performance, research, review, slope stability, soil, state-of-the-art, Study, transportation, Washington

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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:
The study is reported in two volumes. The first volume summarizes the state-of-the-art on pavement overlay design and presents a research plan to develop an overlay design procedure for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) The second volume contains an annotated bibliographyof significant pavement overlay literature published since 1968.The state-of-the-art review presented in Volume I addresses pavement evaluation using nondestructive testing and subjective ratings. These are discussed along with the topics of traffic and seasonal variations. Pavement overlay design concepts are identified and discussed. A research plan is presented forthe development of a pavement overlay design system for WSDOT.

Authors:
Newcomb,D. E., Bubushait,A. A., Mahoney,J. P., Sharma,J.

Keywords:
design, development, evaluation, nondestructive testing, overlay, pavement, pavement evaluation, performance, research, review, seasonal, seasonal variation, seasonal variations, state-of-the-art, Study, System, traffic, transportation, volume, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
This report is presented in two volumes. The first volume summarizes the Final Report Sept. 15 - Dec. 15, 1983 14. Sponsoring Agency Code state-of-the-art on pavement overlay design and presents a research plan to develop an overlay design procedure for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) . The second volume contains an annotated bibliography of significant pavement overlay 1iterature pub1ished since 1968.The state-of-the-art review presented in Volume I addresses pavement evaluation using nondestructive testing and subjective ratings. These are discussed along with the topics of traffic and seasonal variations. Pavement overlay design concepts are identified and discussed. A research plan is presented for the development of a pavement overlay design system for WSDOT,

Authors:
Newcomb,D. E., Bubushait,A. A., Mahoney,J. P., Sharma,J.

Keywords:
agencies, design, development, evaluation, nondestructive testing, overlay, pavement, pavement evaluation, performance, research, review, seasonal, seasonal variation, seasonal variations, state-of-the-art, System, traffic, transportation, volume, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designed and installed Service Level 1 (SL-1) bridge rails on three treated timber bridges in the state. To date there have been no accidents or maintenance problems reported at any of the modified bridges.

Authors:
Gripne,D.

Keywords:
accidents, bridge, Bridge rail modification, bridges, maintenance, Rail for Timber Bridge, systems, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The Transportation Resource Allocation Index (TRAI) for eight transportation service proposals was computed as a pilot study and as a working test of the techniques in the Tri-Cities area of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, Washington. This Report II contains background data covering the economic characteristics of the area. These data were used for the development of the evaluation technique.

Authors:
Shea,Daniel J., Yandon,Keith E.

Keywords:
Area Economy, data, development, evaluation, index, Socio-Economic Characteristics, transportation, transportation service, Washington

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

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

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

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Abstract:
The purpose of the study is to determine how distinctive social, economic, land use, governmental and political characteristics in the Vancouver-Portland area to uneven growth which in turn affects the transportation system. Interviews with public and private industrial representatives to identify the reasons underlying uneven growth are discussed. A statistical analysis of population, employment, vehicle registration and traffic across the Interstate 5 bridge connecting Vancouver and Portland is also presented. Recommendations are listed which suggest ways to improve the transportation system through modification of elements contributing to uneven growth.

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

Keywords:
analysis, bi-city, bi-state, bridge, economic development, employment, industrial location decision, interviews, land use, land use sewerage, land-use, population, public, statistical analysis, Study, System, traffic, traffic volumes, transportation, Uneven growth rate

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Abstract:
The objective of this report is to develop an effective transportation resource allocation technique that is flexible and can be applied to various areas. Allocation procedures were developed and tested for apportioning resources to transportation services in relation to community transportation objectives. Procedures were developed and applied that measured the effectiveness of candidate transportation service proposals in terms of a transportation resource allocation index (TRAI). The extent to which a transportation proposal achieves the community objectives is defined as its effectiveness. The transportation index was computed on the basis of the projects scorings for eight selected determinants, multiplied by the weighing assigned to each determinant in accordance with their relative effectiveness.The TRAI for eight transportation service proposals including transit, were computed as a pilot study and as a working test of the techniques in the Tri-Cities area of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, WA. There appears to be no complication in implementing this technique for allocations in any local urban area providing the concepts are correctly evaluated and applied.

Authors:
Nielsen,Robert S., Shea,Daniel J., Yandon,Keith E.

Keywords:
Allocation of resources, developed, development, effectiveness, evaluation, index, ITS, Objective and goals, objectives, project, transit, transportation, transportation resource/allocation, transportation service, urban

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

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

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

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Abstract:
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:
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 pavement structure of SR 12 between Montesano and Elma, Washington was evaluated for the proposed heavy loads associated with construction of the Satsop power plant. Information used in evaluating SR-12 resulted from two sources which included field studies conducted by the Washington State Department of Transportation and development of various material strength parameters by the University of Washington. These data were used to model the pavement structure as a layered elastic system. By use of this analysis procedure, the stresses, strains, and deflections were estimated for the expected range of loading conditions. The results indicate that the most probable amount of damage (fatigue and rutting) expected for the non-cement treated base structural sections is less that one to two percent of available pavement life for the "expected" loading condition. An increase in either or both the trailer wheel load and pavement temperature will act to produce greater losses in pavement life. It is estimated that the tensile stresses in the cement treated base may exceed the tensile strength of this material.

Authors:
Mahoney,J. P., Tsunetta,Jerrold Y., Terrel,Ronald L.

Keywords:
analysis, base, condition, construction, damage, data, development, fatigue, highway, loads, materials, model, pavement, Pavement Evaluation, Materials Characterization, Layered Elastic System, Failure Criteria, Heavy Loads, pavement life, pavement temperature, strains, strength, stresses, System, temperature, transportation, Washington, Washington state, wheel load

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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 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:
Federal and State laws require highway departments to prepare statements assessing the impact that proposed highway improvements or construction may have on the environment. An important consideration in the preparation of an impact statement is the anticipated effect the proposed activity will have on air quality since highway transportation is a source of several major air pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and photochemical oxidants which are formed in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Comprehensive physical studies to predict the air quality impact at proposed sites are generally prohibitive due to the time required to obtain suitable data, the cost of such studies and the number of impact statements that must be considered by most highway departments.Methods have been developed to predict the air quality impact of new highway construction through the use of mathematical atmospheric diffusion models. Once they are properly calibrated these models can be used to test alternative locations and designs. Basically models use meteorological conditions and emission rates to predict downwind concentrations as illustrated in Figure 1.The principal objective of this research project has been to conduct a search of the literature to identify state-of-the-art air quality predictive schemes applicable to motor vehicle transportation. The available models have been analyzed in detail and evaluated in terms of selected characteristics that serve to describe the predictive capabilities of each. Limitations in the models have also been noted where appropriate.Section 2.0 o f this report describes the methods used in conducting the research. Sections 3.0 and 4.0 present the models analyzed and a general discussion of applicability, in both narrative and tabular form. Section 5.0 summarizes the study and presents the recommendations for future consideration.

Authors:
Rossano,A. T., Lamb,Donna V., Badgley,Franklin

Keywords:
air quality, Alternative, carbon monoxide, Concentrations, condition, construction, cost, data, design, environment, highway, highway construction, Highways, hydrocarbons, impact, model, modeling, models, nitrogen, particulate matter, Pollutants, quality, research, state-of-the-art, transportation, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
Four different types of pavement marking materials were tested in Ring #6; three brands of striping paints and one thermoplastic stripping tape. These striping materials were applied on two sections, the ploymer ranked on the basis of appearance, wear, and whiteness.The thermoplastic striping material consistently outperformed the three paints. The materials wore more rapidly on the polymer cement concrete that on the asphalt concrete and the ranking order for the paints was different for the two sections. The Type #3 stud seemed to have worn the paints more rapidly than either #4, #2, GST, US and UST studs and tires in that order respectively. The superiority of the ethermoplastic striping tape was due to its thickness and its construction. Last year Kennametal, Inc. sent the Transportation Systems Section four different types of traffic paint and a thermoplastic striping tape. Time did not permit the testing of these materials in Ring #5, so these materials were tested in Ring # 6.

Authors:
Krukar,M.

Keywords:
asphalt, asphalt concrete, concrete, construction, effects, ITS, materials, pavement, Phase II, polymer, striping, striping paints, stripping, Studded, studded tire, studded tires, studs, System, systems, tire, tires, traffic, transportation

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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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Abstract:


Authors:
Rutherford,G. S., Ishimaru,J. M.

Keywords:
transportation, policy