Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Us 119 Pine Mountain Safety Improvements: Ihsdm Analysis Of Post Construction, Will Conkin, Nikiforos Stamatiadis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The spot improvements on US 119 in Letcher County between Whitesburg and Partridge were an attempt to improve safety throughout the corridor. To achieve this goal, the roadway alignment and cross section were changed at various locations. In addition, problems related to truck traffic were considered in redefining the roadway geometries. The total length of the spot improvement locations was approximately 6.9 miles.

Accelerated Maintenance Painting – Jefferson County Federal Aid Research Task No. 135, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) conducted an experimental project to investigate the use of accelerated maintenance painting on several overpass and elevated steel structures (74,000 ft2) in Louisville. Accelerated maintenance painting procedures specified for this project entailed limited access for the painting contractor coupled with incentives/disincentives to complete each phase of the work involving traffic closures on the underlying roadways. The approach was coupled with the use of abrasive blasting for surface preparation and the application of a rapid-cure 2-coat paint system to facilitate the work.

The project was let for $402,800. The contractor proceeded to paint 4 spans designated …

Evaluation Of Current Incentive/Disincentive Procedures In Construction, Brad W. Rister, Yuhong Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to take an in-depth look at the current time and material incentive/disincentive program associated with highway construction projects in Kentucky. The current incentive/disincentive program was first initiated in the mid to late 90’s. However, not until recently had some of the original mechanisms of the program been revisited and/or up-dated.

From the early stages of this study it was anticipated that many of the concerns regarding the use of both time/material incentives and disincentives on highway construction projects in Kentucky would be addressed. Therefore, at the onset of this project the study advisory committee made a …

State Traffic Volume Systems Count Estimation Process, Doug Kreis, Angie Quigley

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has an immense traffic data collection program that is an essential source for many other programs. The Division of Planning processes traffic volume counts annually. These counts are maintained in the Counts Database (CTS), which contains over 20,000 separate station locations and some traffic counts from as early as 1963.

The Division of Planning currently collects traffic volume counts for all non-interstate routes on a revolving three year basis. Years wherein actual counts are not performed are supplemented with estimates generated by a FORTRAN program. Estimates are projected using prior actual counts by weighted linear regression …

System For Valuing Changes To Historic And Environmental Amenities, Eric C. Thompson, Jennifer M. Burnett, Anna L. Stewart

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report provides a model for estimating the impact of highway projects on the environment and cultural amenities. The model was developed by the University of Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research and was supported by funding from the Academy for Community & Transportation Innovation, a venture between the University of Kentucky, The University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This model provides a tool that transportation officials can use to examine any project’s impact on historic or environmental amenities.

The model allows transportation officials to design their analysis for a particular highway project. Officials simply select the …

Safety And Health Concerns For Kytc And Contractor Personnel, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to provide a review of safety and health issues related to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) construction activities including both KYTC and contractor personnel. Work included a literature search, interviews with KYTC resident engineers, and both a survey of and subsequent meeting with district construction safety coordinators. Recommendations are provided for implementing changes to improve safety and health regulatory compliance for both KYTC and contractor personnel.

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (1999 - 2003), Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman, Monica L. Barrett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky for the years of 1999 through 2003. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of crashes were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky's procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of crashes.

The other primary objective of this study was to provide data that can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety …

Optimization And Standardization Of Pavement Management Processes, David L. Allen, Yuhong Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report addresses issues related to optimization and standardization of current pavement management processes in Kentucky. Historical pavement management records were analyzed, which indicates that standardization is necessary in future pavement management decisions. Based on data patterns from Kentucky’s interstate and parkway systems, two distress threshold values and three stages of pavement distress development were defined in this research. Also, staged survival models were developed in this research to predict the duration of a pavement in each stage. These duration models can assist the agency in optimizing design strategies and conducting life-cycle cost analysis.

Evaluation Of The Service Performance Of Bridge Components, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Robert Brown

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to provide review of common bridges to determine the performance of their components. Seven bridge types were selected that constituted 85 % of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) bridge inventory. 319 bridges were inspected by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) researchers, representing 5 about % of those bridges. Common details/components were identified and evaluated including features of interest to the KYTC Study Advisory Committee. In addition to those findings, KTC researchers evaluated KYTC National Bridge Inventory reports and maintenance needs forms for the same bridges.

Design modifications/material changes were recommended to improve performance of new bridges. Additionally, …

Developing An Intelligent Transportation Systems (Its) Architecture For The Kipda Region, Joseph D. Crabtree, Jennifer R. Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the development of a regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture for the five-county urban area under the auspices of the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA). The architecture development process included the following steps: (1) Preliminary Architecture Work; (2) Inventory of Existing and Planned Projects; (3) Assessment of Regional Needs; (4) Development of Preliminary Architecture; (5) Review and Revision of Architecture; and (6) Delivery of Final Architecture and Documentation. Principal tools used in the development included the National ITS Architecture (version 4.0) and the Turbo Architecture software (version 2.0). Deliverables included the architecture database (created using …

2004 Safety Belt Usage Survey In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to establish 2004 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 2004 survey continues to document the results after enactment of a statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994 and safety belt enforcement campaign. Data were collected at 200 randomly selected sites spread across Kentucky. Data from the individual sites were combined into a statewide percentage considering roadway functional classification, geographic region, and vehicle miles traveled.

The data show that the usage rate in 2004 (66.0 percent) was slightly higher than that in 2003 (65.5 percent). This compared to 62.0 percent …

Inspection And Evaluation Of A Bridge Deck Partially Reinforced With Gfrp Rebars, Issam E. Harik, P. Alagusundaramoorthy, V. Gupta, Chris Hill, Choo Ching Chiaw

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The corrosion of steel can be a significant problem in bridge decks in which the reinforcing and prestressing steel are accessible to deicing salts and combinations of moisture, temperature and chlorides through cracks, leading to concrete deterioration and loss of serviceability. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebars have emerged as one alternative to steel reinforcement in corrosive environments.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cracks formed on a bridge deck that is partially reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars. The bridge constructed in 1997 is in Bourbon County, KY, on US460 over the Rogers' Creek. Its …

Evaluation Of Kentucky’S “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’S The Law And It’S Enforced” 2004 Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to document the results of the “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’s the Law & It’s Enforced” 2004 campaign in Kentucky. The campaign involved a combination of earned media, paid media, and enforcement. The earned media started two weeks prior to Memorial Day 2004 and continued through the enforcement period. The paid media started one week prior to Memorial Day. The enforcement period was a two-week period including the week before and the week of Memorial Day.

The evaluation of the campaign included documenting the activities associated with the program (publicity and enforcement) and evaluating the …

Debt Capacity And Debt Limits: A State Road Fund Perspective, Merl Hackbart, Suzanne Perkins Sapp, Yongbeom Hur

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

State governments are facing major transportation infrastructure financing challenges as highway or Road Fund revenue growth has slowed and resistance to tax increases has strengthened. As a result, state transportation officials have turned to other financing methods to maintain momentum in meeting highway construction and maintenance needs. Among the financing methods being considered is the expansion of bond or debt financing. Changes in federal legislation that permits states to “pre-obligate” future federal funds, among other considerations, has made debt financing an attractive alternative for the states. As states consider the expanded use of this financing strategy, several financial management questions …

Assessment Of Data Collection For Esal Determinations For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division Of Planning, David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Cabinet’s Division of Planning collects weight data, traffic volume data, and vehicle classification data. These data are used as inputs to determine ESALs (equivalent single axle loads). ESALs are used in the pavement design process to determine pavement thickness. There have been inconsistencies observed during the computation of the ESALs during the past three or four years. These inconsistencies have resulted in a significant inflation in the estimate of ESALs per year, which if used in the design process would result in significantly thicker pavements. For example, the ESALs per truck axle for rural principal arterials …

Maintenance And Operations Plan For Intelligent Transportation Systems In Kentucky, Jennifer R. Walton, Joseph D. Crabtree

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents a Maintenance and Operations Plan for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Kentucky. It was developed using substantial stakeholder input and provides recommendations and specific strategies for supporting and coordinating ITS maintenance and operations activities throughout the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

A literature review and national survey helped to identify other states and urban areas that had already completed work on ITS maintenance and operations. From this information, best practices were developed that represented the lessons learned and practices implemented (or suggested for implementation) by these states. Another survey was conducted to determine the current state of ITS maintenance …

Kentucky Highway User Survey 2004, Ronald E. Langley, Ted Grossardt

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to continue the efforts begun in 1997 to monitor Kentucky public opinion regarding the quality of highway systems, including a portion to measure satisfaction with current drivers’ license and registration renewal processes. Kentucky’s 2004 public opinion is compared to data colleted in previous years to gauge the state’s progress.

U-Turns At Signalized Intersections, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Teja Banu Kala, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of the study were to examine the safety consequences from the installation of U-turns at signalized intersections in Kentucky and to develop a set of guidelines for using this alternative in the future. The literature review indicated that the use of U-turns is very effective in reducing delays as well as crash rates. The most efficient configuration is that of stop-controlled median U-turns. An analysis of the crash data shows that the U-turn design in the Kentucky locations did not result in a large number of crashes involving U-turning vehicles. Also, at the Somerset location where the design …

Case Study Of 4(F) Litigation/Rulings, Lenahan O'Connell, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study addresses issues related to compliance with Section 4(f). It produced two deliverables: 1) a guidance manual to assist Cabinet personnel in the assessment and handling of projects that encounter 4(f) properties; and 2) a review of court cases to establish the standards used by the courts when evaluating a Section 4(f) situation. The latter is an appendix to the guidance manual. By referring to the manual Cabinet employees will be to: 1) Conduct an assessment of proposed alternatives to evaluate prudence and feasibility of a proposed project alternative; 2) Prepare 4(f) documentation to justify the taking of protected …

Evaluation Of The Accuracy Of Gps As A Method Of Locating Traffic Collisions, Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to determine the accuracy of GPS units as a traffic crash location tool, evaluate the accuracy of the location data obtained using the GPS units, and determine the largest sources of any errors found.

The analysis showed that the currently used GPS unit is capable of obtaining accurate latitude and longitude data at a crash site that would allow the site to be properly located. However, substantial differences were found between the location of some crashes as identified with the GPS and milepoint (CRMP) data. Of a sample of 100 random crashes, 55 percent …

Cross Drain Inspection I-65, Mile-Points 0.00-24.8 And 40.5-91.3, Brad W. Rister, Jonathan Fisher

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The following report contains detailed inspections of cross drains and headwalls located on I-65 in Kentucky from mile point 0.0-24.8 and 40.5-91.3. A condition assessment was performed for each located drainage structure and the discovered distresses were then recorded by location and severity. Of the 830 cross drains inspected, 313 may need some form of remedial action. Of these 313 pipes, 134 may need to be repaired or replaced and 179 may need to be cleaned.

Evaluation Of Traffic Information And Prediction System (Tips) As Work Zone Traffic Control, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

As part of a pavement rehabilitation project on I-64, the Traffic Information and Prediction System (TIPS) was installed as a means of providing real-time data for motorists in advance and through the work zone. This system collects real-time data using roadside non-contact (microwave) sensors, processes the data in a personal computer, calculates travel time between different points on the roadway, and displays the travel time information on several portable changeable message signs positioned at pre-determined locations along the roadway. The system displays information in the form of travel time and distance through the work zone. The objective of this report …

Analysis Of Inconsistencies Related To Design Speed, Operating Speed, And Speed Limits, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Huafeng Gong

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this research was to examine the relationship among design speeds, operating speeds and speed limits and address safety and operational concerns regarding the presence of disparities among these speed metrics. Roadway sections were selected throughout Kentucky based on the relationship between design speed and posted speed limit (greater or lower) and on the number of lanes (2 or 4). Speed data and roadway geometry data were collected along these sites to allow for the development of the appropriate models. The general conclusion for 2-lane highways is that the operating speed is different than the design speed indicating …

2003 Motor Carrier Survey, Ronald E. Langley, Ted Grossardt

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The goal of this study was to conduct a survey to evaluate usage and satisfaction with the KYTC’s new program allowing motor carriers to credential vehicles and pay taxes via the Internet. Specifically, the study was to examine how many Kentucky motor carriers took advantage of this capability, why they did or did not, what improvements could be made to the system, and what incentives could be offered or obstacles removed to entice more motor carriers to use it.

Access Management For Kentucky, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Barry House, Jeremy Brickey, Donald L. Hartman, Mei Chen, Jerry G. Pigman, Kavita Boddu, Emily Elwood

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Access Management Manual published by the Transportation Research Board in 2003 defines access management as the ?systematic control of the location, spacing, design, and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges, and street connections to a roadway1.? The purpose of access management is to provide vehicular access to land development in a manner that preserves the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. Access management principles stress mobility for higher-class roadways and safety for lower-class roadways. An effective access management program can reduce crashes as much as 50 percent, increase roadway capacity by 23 to 45 percent, and reduce travel …

Effect Of Pavement Resurfacing On Traffic Safety, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to analyze the before and after crash history and speeds on routes which have been resurfaced , inspect resurfacing projects, make recommendations to improve the resurfacing process, and determine improvements which could be made in conjunction with the resurfacing project to improve the overall safety of the roadway.

An analysis of the before and after crash data did not show a reduction in total crashes after resurfacing. There was a reduction in crashes which occurred on a wet pavement. A comparison of speeds before and after resurfacing did not find a major change in …

Evaluation Of The Et2000 Guardrail End Treatment, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the monitoring of the performance of the ET2000 guardrail end treatment in traffic crashes. This end treatment has an energy absorbing design in which a vehicle will push a guardrail extruder back as posts designed to breakaway are broken. The W-beam guardrail is flattened as it goes through the extruder and exits a slot away from traffic.

Data for a total of 135 collisions involving the ET 2000 were identified. A crash report was obtained in the majority of crashes and the damaged guardrail was inspected in almost all …

Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts 2004 Report, Kentucky Transportation Center, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY’S TRAFFIC COLLISION FACTS report for 2004 is based on collision reports submitted to the Kentucky State Police Records Branch. As required by Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.635, “every law enforcement agency whose officers investigate a vehicle accident of which a report must be made...shall file a report of the accident...within ten days after investigation of the accident upon forms supplied by the bureau.” The stated purpose of this requirement is to utilize data on traffic collisions for such purposes as will improve the traffic safety program in the Commonwealth. Data contained in this report are based solely on the observations …

The Fuel Tax Compliance Unit: An Evaluation And Analysis Of Results, Suzanne Perkins Sapp

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The construction and maintenance of our nation's system of roads and highways is a major financial challenge. A majority of the responsibility for financing public roads and highways lies with state governments. Almost all states have special funds called Road Funds into which user fees and taxes associated with highway use are deposited. Unfortunately, Road Fund revenue growth has been slow due to the relative inelasticity of its revenue sources. At the same time, states face resistance to tax increases designed to enhance Road Fund revenues. One method of increasing such revenues, without increasing taxes, is to reduce evasion. Increased …