Implementation

TEXAS TRANSPORTATION http://tti.tamu.edu Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti.tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Search @ www.tti.tamu.edu > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Education and training > Costs > Capital investments > Road pricing > Marketing > Inventory > Quality assurance > Abandon- ment > Right of way (Land) > Access control (Transportation) > Policy > State laws > Legislation > Regulations > Speed limits > International trade > Implementation > Recommenda- tions >>> Communication and control > Real time control > Highway traffic control > Ramp metering > Incident management > Traffic signal VOL. control 47 | NO. systems 1 | 2011 > Green interval (Traffic signal cycle) > Traffic signal timing > Work zone traffic control > Traffic control devices > Traffic signs > Guide signs > Variable message signs > Traffic actuated controllers > Traffic signals > Flashing traffic signals > Lane use control signals > Road markings > Rumble strips > Warrants (Traffic control devices) > Ground penetrating radar > Weigh in motion > Loop

IMPLEMENTATION Where the Research Meets the Road

IN THIS ISSUE: 5 Funding Tomorrow’s Transportation in Texas 7 Enlightening Sign Time 9 Improved Urban Mobility Report Distributed Nationwide

A Member of The Texas A&M University System Saving Lives, Time and Resources TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER 2 Table of Contents

Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport main- TEXAS TRANSPORTATION tenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti.tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti.tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Search @ www.tti.tamu.edu forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Search @ www.tti.tamu.edu > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Education and training > Costs > Capital investments > Road pricing > > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Education and training > Costs > Capital investments > Road pricing > Marketing > Inventory > Quality assurance > Abandonment > Marketing > Inventory > Quality assurance > Abandonment > Right of way (Land) > Access control (Transportation) > Policy > State laws > Legislation > Regulations > Speed limits > International trade > Implementa- tion > Recommendations >>> Communication and control > Real time control > Highway traffic control > Ramp metering > Incident management > rafficT signal control systems > Green interval (Traffic signal cycle) > Traffic signal timing > Work zone traffic control > Traffic control devices > Traffic signs > Guide signs > Variable message signs > Traffic actuated controllers > Traffic signals > Flashing traffic signals > Lane use control signals > Road markings > Rumble strips > Warrants (Traffic control devices) > Ground penetrating radar > Weigh in motion > Loop detectors > Video imaging detectors > Vehicle detectors > Information display systems > Advanced traveler information systems > Lettering > Sign sheeting > Messages (Communications) > Warning signals > Intelligent transportation systems > Advanced public transportation systems > Advanced traffic management systems > Advanced traveler information systems > Advanced driver information systems > Intelligent transportation systems programs >>> Planning and design > Planning > Evaluation and assessment > Evaluation > Technology assessment > Feasibility analysis > Plan implementation > Sustainable development > Improvements > Smart growth > Transportation planning > Design > Geometric design > Design practices > Location > Spacing > Pavement distress > Pavement performance > Highway design > Best practices > State of the practice > Innovation >>> Construction and maintenance > Soil stabilization > Road construction > Construction management > Construction scheduling > Quality control > Maintenance > Maintenance practices > Rehabilitation (Maintenance) > Retrofitting > Pavement management systems

A PUBLICATION OF

Saving Lives, Time and Resources http://tti.tamu.edu

Member

AGENCY DIRECTOR Dennis L. Christiansen, P.E.

EDITOR ON THE COVER: TTI research yields practical innovations dedicated to making the Kelly West Texas transportation system smarter, safer and more efficient. MANAGING EDITOR Chris Pourteau EDITORIAL 3 TTI Research: Making Things Better WRITERS Michelle Benoit PLANNING Richard Cole Rick Davenport 4 Workshops Bring Local, State Planners Together Joanna Dickens 5 Funding Tomorrow’s Transportation in Texas Terri Parker 6 Rural Transportation Planning Chris Pourteau 5 Chris Sasser SAFETY Consol Torres 7 Enlightening Sign Time DESIGNER MOBILITY Stacy Schnettler

8 The WSDOT Express Lanes Project PHOTOGRAPHER 9 Improved Urban Mobility Report Distributed James Lyle

LEGISLATURE PROOFREADERS 10 Texas Lawmakers Are Increasingly Turning to Michelle Benoit 8 Beverly Gracia TTI for Answers to Questions Like These BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN Texas Transportation Researcher is published 12 Walk This Way — and Bicycle Too by the Texas Transportation Institute to 13 Designing Context-Sensitive Solutions for inform readers about its research, professional and service activities. Opinions expressed Urban Thoroughfares in this publication by the editors/writers EDUCATION or the mention of brand names does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Texas 14 Road Safety Audit Course Offered in Abu Dhabi Transportation Institute or The Texas A&M 14 University System Board of Regents. INFRASTRUCTURE Texas Transportation Researcher (ISSN 15 Rendell Tells Texas Transportation Forum 00404748) is a quarterly publication of TTI It’s Time to Act Communications, Texas Transportation Institute, The Texas A&M University System, 16 Maintaining a Strong Foundation 3135 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843- INSTITUTE NEWS 3135. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact the address below, 18 Awards and More call (979) 862-6993 or e-mail Susie Catalina TTI PUBLICATIONS at [email protected]. Periodicals postage 16 paid at College Station. 20 Listing of Available Reports TTI.RESR1102.0311.4.5M

POSTMASTER, PLEASE SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Texas Transportation Researcher Texas Transportation Institute TTI Communications The Texas A&M University System 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-3135

For more information, visit http://tti.tamu.edu/conferences/mbuf11/. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER Editorial 3

Our problems might seem local, but we TTI Research: Making Things Better see it on the news every day — the Or, Why Transportation Research Is More Important Than Ever nation is tightening its collective belt. And Texas, while better off than some states, is no different. TTI research positively impacts t’s hard to tighten your belt when you run legislators the background they our state’s economic out of holes in the leather. But when you can’t need to craft good policy for the competitiveness and our citizens of Texas. citizens’ quality of life. afford a new belt, you just have to work with I With its summary of recent what you’ve got. TTI testimony before the Texas Legislature, the center spread of this issue of Researcher paints a In a nutshell, that’s what the Texas Legislature is facing in the broader portrait of how much legislators rely on what we know current budget cycle. According to some estimates, Texas faces about transportation at TTI. And beyond the borders of Texas, a budget shortfall in the neighborhood of $20 billion. we’re helping sponsors, from Washington State to Legislators will have to make some tough Florida, find that better way. TTI’s 2010 Urban decisions as a result. Mobility Report — currently the nation’s In this environment, the standard for understanding the benefits derived from effective, impact of congestion on bottom implementable research can lines around the country — be considerable. Through was released this quarter. research, the Texas The coming year will see Transportation Institute a new national standard (TTI) seeks “a better for sign retroreflectivity, way.” I’ve said that and the nation’s roads before in this column, will be a little bit safer but it’s worth repeating thanks to work by in these days of TTI staff. stretching state dollars Our problems might to meet public needs. seem local, but we see it Better is defined to mean on the news every day — a smarter, safer and more the nation is tightening its efficient transportation collective belt. And Texas, system. In legislative terms, while better off than some improved traffic safety means states, is no different. TTI lives saved, less injuries and research positively impacts our an overall reduced impact from state’s economic competitiveness crashes on our health care system. and our citizens’ quality of life. Businesses and commuters alike see We’re honored that the Texas benefits from a smarter transportation Legislature places so much faith in what we system through reduced fuel consumption and do. Making good policy, building better roadways, air pollution and cheaper goods that reach store shelves more streamlining systems without sacrificing safety — that’s the efficiently. All of that equates to reduced overall costs and a higher better way that makes TTI research necessary, especially when

“The workshops were successful in showing participants how to coordinate Workshops Bring Local, transportation and land development planning and decision making, and State Planners Together encouraging TxDOT and local officials to work together,” says Ed Hard, TTI research scientist and project supervisor. Held between 2008 and 2010, the workshops provided training, promoted TxDOT local partnerships, and very one of us likes to drive safely and without undue delays. presented guidelines on developing and To keep our roads safe and efficient, operators must effectively adopting CM/CP plans. manage the existing system while simultaneously planning for Bob Appleton, director of planning E and development for the TxDOT Bryan evolving transportation and land development needs. District, agrees: “These workshops Corridor management (CM) involves and efficiently. Corridor preservation build relationships among government land development, roadway design, access (CP) addresses the preservation and entities by encouraging cooperation and control and traffic operations along protection of right-of-way, as well as facilitating operational efficiencies across existing transportation corridors. In acquisition of right-of-way for future agency lines. That’s sure to improve short, it’s to keep roads operating safely corridors. Coordination at the local level the project development process, and via metropolitan planning organizations everyone who uses our transportation is vital to seamlessly meshing these two system will benefit.” “These workshops build relationships initiatives. Considering the current national among government entities by To promote better communication economic situation, this coordination is encouraging cooperation and across agency lines, the Texas crucial because “we can no longer afford facilitating operational efficiencies Department of Transportation (TxDOT) not to get things done right the first across agency lines. That’s sure to time, only to have to go back and correct improve the project development and Texas Transportation Institute it in five to ten years,” Hard explains. process, and everyone who uses our (TTI), with sponsorship by the Federal transportation system can benefit Highway Administration, conducted Appleton adds that state and local officials work with TTI to merge cutting- from that.” workshops on corridor management and preservation at 23 TxDOT districts. edge research and best practices into Bob Appleton, These workshops resulted from a three- a product that TxDOT can implement TxDOT Director of Planning and Development year TxDOT project completed by TTI around the state. in 2007. “The most important public benefit from this project is that better coordination across agencies improves the overall quality of the transportation system, which means a safer experience for all users,” says Appleton. “Beyond that, improved efficiencies are passed on to the taxpayer through lower project development costs and longer-lasting facilities.” “One of the purposes of the workshops was to demonstrate specific benefits of corridor management and preservation,” says TTI Senior Research Engineer Brian Bochner, one of the workshop instructors. “The participants were able to see how CM and CP could be effective in maintaining operational efficiency and

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Ed Hard at (979) 845-8539 or [email protected]. TTI Research Scientist Ed Hard conducts a workshop promoting improved coordination of corridor management and preservation activities between TxDOT and local agencies. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER Planning 5

Funding Tomorrow’s Transportation in Texas Not a Question of If … a Question of How

The current fuel-tax system essentially subsidizes travel by highly fuel-efficient vehicles and electric vehicles, because they pay less in fuel taxes or none at all.

e often take our transportation system for granted. Then mileage fees are a good idea in principle, something happens — an ice storm, for example — to they were more interested in fixing the current fuel-tax-based system before Wremind us just how much we depend on that system. Without implementing another funding mechanism. it, our mobility, our economy, our very lives can become paralyzed. Other concerns voiced by participants include the need to better understand the Keeping existing system infrastructure operational and impact of electric vehicles on fuel-tax revenues and potentially effectively planning future roadways are vital to meeting our revising how fuel taxes are currently apportioned (e.g., some transportation needs. And someone has to pay for it. fuel-tax revenues go toward education rather than highway Therein lies the problem. Rising fuel prices and increasingly maintenance). fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles will likely decrease One option for collecting information used in assessing a revenues generated by federal and state fuel taxes. (These taxes mileage fee would involve gathering detailed time and travel are the primary funding mechanism for the maintenance and location data to ensure that only miles traveled in Texas would expansion of Texas’ roadways.) be assessed. While more accurate than an odometer-based “The fuel tax is a kind of ‘user fee’ levied on how much fuel alternative, this option piqued participant concerns about you purchase at the pump,” explains Texas Transportation privacy. While the units wouldn’t actually “track movements,” Institute (TTI) Senior Research Engineer Ginger Goodin. “As they would collect data used to quantify travel. people buy less gas, less revenue is generated. Meanwhile, the “Right now there are numerous public acceptance barriers demands on our transportation system are only growing.” that make mileage fees non-viable for Texas,” says Goodin. Goodin and her research team recently explored one “But we’re doing more research in the state and around funding alternative to the fuel tax, the mileage fee. In this the country to better understand these issues and how to system, a fee is assessed on every mile driven by a vehicle, rather implement this system if and when Texas is ready.” than on every gallon of fuel purchased. In addition to studying Mary Meyland, director of strategic policy and existing mileage-fee implementation projects around the nation, performance management at the Texas Department of researchers solicited input from 13 transportation stakeholder Transportation, acknowledges that the issue is complex. groups, a nationwide panel of technical experts, and five focus “TTI’s expertise has been vital in helping us identify the issues groups conducted in Texas communities of varying size and surrounding implementing mileage fees in Texas. Having geography. Ginger and her team help us further evaluate this idea bodes

“Rural planning organizations are Rural Transportation Planning emerging as an effective way to coordinate transportation planning in It’s Not Just for Urban Areas Anymore Texas. Our project created a guide to help them define their role in the t’s an unfortunate cliché these days: economic times are difficult. planning process and how they can Federal, state and local budgets are shrinking. As communities look best coordinate agency efforts.” for ways to get more bang for their transportation buck, leveraging John Overman, I TTI Associate Research Scientist strengths across agencies becomes ever more important. Metropolitan planning organizations new to the process need assistance in Through the end of this summer, have coordinated local urban planning navigating the requirements,” Overman TTI will conduct 10 workshops for COGs efforts with the Texas Department of explains. “The complexity of these and districts around the state. Transportation (TxDOT) for decades. relationships itself points up the need for The workshops will provide rural But historically, rural areas haven’t had the guidebook.” planners and stakeholders with a better transportation planning organizations to Overman and his team looked at understanding of their role in the synchronize efforts across agencies. Texas RPOs across the nation to glean best planning process and raise awareness of Transportation Institute (TTI) Associate practices and captured how those available resources. Research Scientist John Overman says organizations work with their respective “Planning is really communicating — that’s changing. state’s department of transportation. communicating a need and then solutions “Rural planning organizations Researchers also spoke with various to meet the need,” explains Bob Appleton, [RPOs] are emerging as an effective way stakeholders and compared the role TxDOT director of transportation to coordinate transportation planning of RPOs with similar transportation planning and development for the Bryan in Texas,” says Overman. “A research planning efforts elsewhere. District. Appleton served as director on project conducted for TxDOT created a Finally, they reviewed bylaws from the project that developed the guide. guide to help RPOs define their role in the existing Texas RPOs and reconciled “Through these workshops, we’re training planning process and how they can best how those should work within the new regional planning organizations to

he Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes “It provides the non-engineer some methods and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) strategies for maintaining retroreflectivity to the new standard.” establishing national standards for all traffic signs. All T Originally the toolkit was planned as agencies that maintain public roadways use the MUTCD to ensure an online resource only. After pilot testing, signs and markings are uniform in their design and placement. researchers realized there was also a need for a hardcopy version, so it’s now available through Until recently, the MUTCD did not address when a traffic the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). sign should be replaced based on how well it reflects light, One of their most popular publications, approximately 60,000 also known as its retroreflectivity. Traffic signs use small glass copies of the guide have been printed to date. beads or prismatic reflectors to reflect a sign’s information back Private companies also use the toolkit. Joanne Conrad, to the driver’s eyes. digital division manager for Traffic and Parking Control “The retroreflectivity of a sign degrades over time due to Company, travels around the country educating transportation natural — and occasionally criminal — causes,” says Paul professionals on traffic signs and retroreflectivity. “When Carlson, head of Texas Transportation Institute’s Operations we hold tech sessions and Design Division. “Nighttime fatal crashes occur about on how to make a three times as often as daytime fatal crashes, so maintaining retroreflective traffic sign retroreflectivity can be essential to safety.” sign, I can walk The new minimum retroreflectivity requirements in the them through the MUTCD go into effect soon. This change affects thousands Sign Retroreflectivity of agencies and millions of signs. FHWA has extended Guidebook and compliance dates to ease the transition. show them how By January 2012, agencies responsible for traffic signs to maintain their must have a sign maintenance program designed to maintain signs as well,” says traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above specific levels. By Conrad. “I carry 2015, agencies must comply with the new requirements for copies with me to most of their traffic signs, including regulatory, warning and hand out when I guide signs. By 2018, agencies must comply with the new do conferences requirements for overhead guide signs and all street name and tradeshows. signs. It’s a wonderful Sign maintenance usually occurs at the local level, but tool for smaller

Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti. tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > The guide has become very popular Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Educa- not every community has an engineer on staff familiar with agencies.” tion and training > Costs > through LTAP, with some 60,000 retroreflectivity. To aid these agencies, Paul Carlson’s team copies currently in print. compiled a toolkit with management resources for keeping track of signs that need to be replaced without having to assess FOR MORE INFORMATION every sign. Contact Paul Carlson at (979) 847-9272 or [email protected] or see http://tti.tamu.edu/visibility/. “The toolkit gives an overview of what retroreflectivity is, explains compliance and maintenance issues and provides the various forms and letters needed for funding,” says Carlson. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER 8 Mobility The WSDOT Express Lanes Project Research into Practice ongestion is bad and getting worse across the country. Space for new lanes is limited, and funding for new construction is nearly C nonexistent. The Washington State Department Texas Department of Transportation of Transportation (WSDOT) is familiar beginning in 2000, which has supported with the quandary. Its Interstate 405/ the development of numerous managed State Route 167 corridor is often lanes projects across Texas and the nation. congested for 10 hours each work day. “The concept of managed lanes was The high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) fairly slow to take off,” Goodin explains. lanes are so popular that carpoolers and “But now most new urban road projects High-occupancy toll lanes, like the one seen here on Seattle’s SR 167 corridor, are part of transit riders no longer receive the travel- have some element of managed lanes in a larger strategy to relieve congestion and time savings and trip-time reliability the plan.” improve mobility in Washington State. they’ve come to rely on. The area is In addition to Goodin, the expert projected to grow by 1 million residents review panel consisted of Robert Poole, an over the next 20 years. independent transportation consultant; Texas Transportation Institute Chuck Fuhs of Parson Brinckerhoff; Express toll lanes would give drivers (TTI) Senior Research Engineer Ginger Jennifer Tsien of the Florida Turnpike the option of using existing HOV lanes Goodin chaired an expert review panel Enterprise; and Janet Lee of Public by paying an adjustable toll to avoid on WSDOT’s study of the 30-mile Resource Advisory Group. Additional congestion in the general purpose corridor in 2009. The study suggested a expertise was provided by TTI’s Steve lanes. While designed to reduce system of express toll (or managed) lanes Venglar, Jeff Shelton, Phillip Reeder, Curtis overall congestion, express lanes also to help ease the congestion. Beaty and Nick Wood, who reviewed the generate revenue for future corridor Express toll lanes would give drivers analytical tools and methods WSDOT improvements. WSDOT planners the option of using planners used to wanted input on the viability of the existing HOV lanes by develop their plan for “The concept of managed plan from national experts. paying an adjustable the corridor. lanes was fairly slow to toll to avoid congestion The final report take off. But now most new in the general addresses four areas urban road projects have purpose lanes. While of interest, including some element of managed designed to reduce policy, methodology, lanes in the plan.” overall congestion, phasing and finances. express lanes also Ginger Goodin, In each case, the TTI Senior Research Engineer generate revenue panel determined that for future corridor WSDOT’s plan was improvements. WSDOT planners viable. The Washington State Legislature wanted input on the viability of the plan will vote on the issue by spring. from national experts. “I think the work we did shows how “We wanted Goodin heading up the TTI research can support the development team,” Craig Stone, WSDOT toll division of projects in a very practical way,” Goodin director said. “She’s well respected said. “What we brought to the table was across the country for her knowledge of a respected technical team of researchers projects like ours, so we were thrilled she to provide expert review and independent

he Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) 20th Urban Mobility Report (UMR) presents the most accurate picture yet of how T much time commuters in 439 metropolitan areas spend in traffic and how much that congestion costs. Released Jan. 20, the report uses GPS-enabled vehicles and mobile devices to monitor traffic speeds with data from INRIX, a leading private-sector provider of traffic information. “The recent TTI-INRIX collaboration and coordinating transportation took much of the estimation out of investments and land use so that calculating congestion because the data people aren’t forced to drive reflect the actual speeds of vehicles,” everywhere for basic everyday notes TTI Research Engineer Tim Lomax, services.” lead author of the UMR. “Knowing The report recommends a balanced exactly how fast traffic is moving, we can and diversified approach to reducing Based on the report, the calculate delays fairly easily with precision traffic congestion, including the top 10 congested areas are: not available before.” following strategies: • Chicago • Dallas The report shows a drop in • Get as much use as possible out of the • Washington, D.C. • Boston congestion from 2006 to 2007 and then, existing transportation system. as expected, a slight increase in 2009 — • Los Angeles • Denver • Add roadway and public thanks to a slowly improving economy transportation capacity in the places • Houston • Atlanta and lower gasoline prices. where it’s needed most. Researchers determined that the • Baltimore • Seattle cumulative cost of 2009 congestion was • Change our travel patterns, • San Francisco $115 billion in wasted time and fuel. employing ideas like ridesharing That’s $808 for each of us, on average. and flexible work times to avoid accounted for a congestion-cost savings “This year’s report is a remarkable traditional “rush hours.” of $25 billion in 2009. game changer, ” TTI Associate Research • Provide more choices, such as The presidents of the American Road Scientist David Schrank explains. alternate routes, telecommuting and and Transportation Builders Association “The new data address the biggest toll lanes to facilitate faster, more (ARTBA) and the American Public shortcoming of previous reports. The reliable trips. Transportation Association (APTA) were quoted in a Washington Post story. Both data show conditions for every day of the • Diversify land-development patterns associations are sponsors of the UMR. year and include the effect of weather to make walking, biking and mass “There is no doubt that expanding problems, traffic crashes, special events, transit more practical. holidays, work zones and other factors public transportation use is the key directly impacting traffic flow.” The report determined that public to reducing traffic congestion,” APTA As in past years, Lomax, Schrank and transportation services and the use President William Millar said. TTI Senior Research Engineer Shawn of roadway operational treatments ARTBA President and CEO Pete Turner handled a barrage of media like incident management programs, Ruane noted, “The report makes one inquiries from across the country. Nearly advanced traveler information and thing crystal clear. The failure of elected 400 newspapers, 60 television stations freeway ramp metering reduced leaders at all levels of government to (including CNN and NBC) and dozens congestion by more than 1 billion hours adequately invest in transportation of delay and saved more than 900 million improvements is taking an alarming toll

of radio stations printed or aired stories Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti. tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic gallons of fuel. Those two factors alone simulation > Traffic delay > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Educa- on the findings. on American families and businesses.” tion and training > Costs >

“It is about building more roads and FOR MORE INFORMATION public transportation,” Turner explains. Contact Tim Lomax at (979) 845-9960 or “But it’s also about managing what we [email protected], David Schrank at (979) 845-7323 or [email protected], or Shawn Turner at have more efficiently, providing more (979) 845-8829 or [email protected]. and better information to commuters, TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER 10 Legislature

Texas Lawmakers Are Increasingly Turning to TTI for Answers to Questions Like These

Is there a hidden cost to better fuel economy? Are there alternative approaches for paying for road construction and maintenance? What does congestion cost the typical Texas household? Are there other ways to move freight across the border?

he depth and breadth of Texas Transportation Institute’s expertise in all facets of transportation are valuable assets Sound public policy is impossible to lawmakers charged with addressing the state’s growing without a factual understanding of T transportation needs. TTI has responded to an unprecedented the problems at hand and a realistic number of information requests from individual lawmakers, grasp of the resources available. TTI’s role in providing state leaders with a legislative committees, the lieutenant governor and the speaker of factual basis for public policy rests on a the House. Here’s a sampling. reputation six decades in the making.

Is there a hidden cost to better fuel economy? Yes — and it’s growing, according and maintenance costs are rising. In the to TTI Research Scientist David Ellis. long run, electric vehicles will generate In testimony provided to the joint no fuel tax revenue at all to cover the committee meeting of the Senate costs of the roads on which they drive. Finance Committee and the Senate The two committees sought input Transportation and Homeland Security from Ellis regarding the effect of Texas’ Alternative-fuel vehicles, while good for the Committee last May, Ellis outlined the population growth on vehicle miles environment, will definitely have a negative impact of key transportation finance traveled, projected fuel efficiencies and

impact on Texas’ fuel-tax revenues. Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti. tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project variables including fuel efficiency, construction commodity prices. management > Educa- tion and training > Costs > FOR MORE INFORMATION fuel consumption, debt service and Contact Terri Parker at vehicle registration fees. In the short (979) 862-8348 or [email protected]. term, better vehicle fuel efficiency is generating less revenue from the fuel tax at a time when road construction TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER Legislature 11

Are there alternative approaches for paying for road construction and maintenance? As vehicles move away from briefing was held for legislative staffers traditional fuels to energy sources like prior to the current session. electricity, the importance of identifying Moving toward an actual “user fee” new ways to finance our transportation for roadways represents a significant infrastructure grows. That effort is well change over the current funding system, underway at TTI. which taxes fuel purchases as a proxy for How to pay for our state’s roadways is a TTI Senior Research Engineer Ginger road use. The VMF study gathered input key question under consideration by the Goodin and Associate Transportation and perspectives from Texans, as well as Texas Legislature. Researcher Trey Baker testified before the engaged a panel of technology experts to Subcommittee on Funding of the House outline possible deployment options for Select Committee on Transportation such a fee. Public concerns the researchers Are there other ways to move Funding last October on one possible encountered included privacy issues, freight across the border? exploratory study of using vehicle administrative costs and questions about

Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti. tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Educa- mileage fees (VMFs) in Texas. A similar enforcement. tion and training > Costs > In a presentation to the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade May 4, 2010, TTI Assistant What does congestion cost the typical Texas household? Agency Director Steve Roop reported on the potential of a private-sector freight In October, Ellis and TTI Research shuttle system to greatly improve border Engineer Tim Lomax appeared freight movement. The Freight Shuttle before the Select Committee on combines technology and operational Transportation Funding of the Texas strategies to provide sustainable and House of Representatives to assess productive freight transportation. It’s congestion costs to Texas households designed to address critical freight under six different scenarios: transportation challenges, including • current funding trend; • increasing predictability in freight • increasing vehicle registration fees movement; by $30; • improving productivity, measured • doubling vehicle registration fees; in terms of the relationship • spending $4 billion annually on between cost and capacity; new construction and $2 billion • reducing infrastructure annually on maintenance; deterioration by removing vehicles • using Texas Emissions Reduction from public roadways; Plan funds to offset bond and pass- • improving air quality and through debt and • providing greater security, • using oil severance-tax revenues to The costs of congestion are evident at the improved safety and better risk pump since more time spent idling during recapture bond and pass-through rush hour burns more fuel. management. debt. Using the best features of truck The researchers plotted two • If congestion costs were kept and rail freight movement, the freight variables for each of the six scenarios: at current levels, every $1 in shuttle system is an automated, non- • the impact of congestion on transportation infrastructure stop, non-divertible means of moving improvements would produce an both containerized and trailer-based Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural common consumer commodity transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti. tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Educa- prices; and estimated $6 in economic benefit. goods, Roop noted. tion and training > Costs > • the cost, in terms of both extra The researchers found that the travel time and extra fuel, of not $4 billion-per-year construction addressing congestion. investment would likely result in Two trends emerged from this saving the typical household $3,390 per year by 2035, while costing each

Walk This Way — and Bicycle Too CAMPO, TTI Use Pedestrian/Bicycle Counts to Improve Transportation Network

Video counts of traffic, which entail a he Live Music Capital of the World has one more thing to sing person watching the video and counting about — its pedestrian and bicycle pathways. each user, is labor intensive, so the research team also tested and evaluated new T equipment for automated traffic counts. The Austin area is committed to Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). Based on these tests, CAMPO purchased environmental protection and has made TTI assisted the Capital Area two permanent counters and installed great strides in incorporating pedestrian Metropolitan Planning Organization them in downtown Austin, allowing for and bicycle traffic into its transportation (CAMPO) in examining pedestrian ongoing data collection and analysis. plans. Travelers using nonmotorized means and bicycle pathways. To see if a “We need at least one year of data enjoy scenic paths throughout the area — transportation improvement has to begin to identify possible use trends, actually had a positive which include seasonal variations and effect, you first need how traffic fluctuates over the day, week, “The first installation of the two permanent bike/ baseline data — how etc.,” says Hudson. “The permanent many pedestrians and pedestrian counters was on the new Lance Armstrong counters will give CAMPO important bicyclists used the path Bikeway at W. 3rd and Shoal Creek, which is very baseline data on how people are using before the improvement? the route and will let the agency forecast near Lance Armstrong’s bicycle shop called Mellow After the improvement, future use.” Johnny’s. We had just turned on the equipment after you gather data again CAMPO also purchased portable installation and were ready to test when here comes — has the improvement counting equipment for use in evaluating a sharp-looking bicyclist — Lance himself. So the first drawn more users, and areas for prospective improvements, Eco Counter installation in Texas was on the Lance was the benefit worth such as adding a shoulder or bike lane to Armstrong Bikeway, and who is the first person to be the cost? Figuring out a roadway. Information from counters counted but Lance Armstrong himself.” how to gather this allows the agency to compare different Joan Hudson, information was the job improvement projects, in addition to TTI Associate Research Engineer of TTI researchers. later evaluating the success of the project “We gathered data through comparison of before-and-after at 15 locations in the data. TTI also developed tools to identify created with utility and safety in mind, in Austin area,” says Joan Hudson, TTI missing links in the pedestrian/bicycle addition to their visual charms. Though associate research engineer. “Using TTI network and to forecast usage. patrons of these pathways see the effort’s and City of Austin cameras, we took video “The forecasting method TTI success, it can be hard to quantify. Enter the counts of traffic using the pathways.” developed allows us to evaluate projects and their impact on the transportation system,” says Greg Griffin, senior planner with CAMPO. “With the tools TTI has provided, we can get objective data about demand that we can use in combination with public involvement for long- range planning. This is the first step in

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Joan Hudson (Left) A worker seals the saw cut where a wire for the traffic counter was installed. The wire at (512) 467-0946 or senses the presence of bicyclists, and the wooden pole next to the concrete path counts all [email protected]. trail users by direction. (Right) Workers test the traffic counter equipment by riding a bicycle through the sensor area. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER Bicycle and Pedestrian 13 Designing Context-Sensitive Solutions for Urban Thoroughfares

ur oldest means of transport — our own two feet — is “What’s new about this concept is that, from making a comeback. In the interests of sustainability, the very beginning, agencies are listening to the stakeholders who live and work there, as opposed O transportation planners and engineers are trying to more to just looking at mobility needs,” says Beverly thoroughly and effectively integrate pedestrians and bicyclists Storey, TTI associate research scientist. “They’re into thoroughfare design. To help guide this effort, the Institute listening early in the process, before design, and of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and partners like the Texas everyone works together toward their mutual goals.” This approach can also save money by Transportation Institute (TTI) have developed a recommended avoiding costly changes to design or construction, practice for the design of walkable major urban thoroughfares. and can help agencies leverage funding. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Besides mobility, urban thoroughfares have economic and Administration (FHWA) and the U.S. Environmental social functions as well, functions often forgotten in the age of Protection Agency (EPA), the effort to compile best practices for the automobile. ITE’s recommended practice centers on context- CSS began in 2003 in a joint effort by ITE and the Congress for sensitive solutions (CSS) — meaning that planners consider all the New Urbanism. Contractors TTI and Kimley-Horn led the potential uses and benefits of the thoroughfare in their design. creation of the final recommended practice, Designing Walkable “The process brings together stakeholders affected by Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach: An ITE the street to discuss the goals, objectives and issues of the Recommended Practice, published in 2010. community,” says Brian Bochner, TTI senior research engineer Part of TTI’s role in the and the technical project director. “This process builds ownership project was to identify issues “What’s new about this and consensus for the efforts to develop or revitalize the street.” of interest, work with a wide concept is that, from the For example, a transportation agency might need to make variety of stakeholders and very beginning, agencies are some changes to the roadway. That may also provide an help find consensus on best opportunity for area businesses, the community and users of practices. TTI also performed listening to the stakeholders the roadway to discuss beneficial changes, such as improved outreach, giving workshops who live and work there, lighting, wider sidewalks, etc. around the country to as opposed to just looking introduce the concept and get at mobility needs. They’re participant feedback. listening early in the process, before design, and everyone

▲ ▲ “Publication of the Plan Design Build ITE Recommended works together toward their ▲ ▲ ▲ Practice served as a mutual goals.” significant milestone for the Beverly Storey, Listen advancement of context- TTI Associate sensitive design principles Research Scientist Recommended Practice and concepts within the traffic engineering profession,” says ITE Deputy Director for Technical Programs

▲ ▲ Philip J. Caruso. “The Texas Transportation Institute played Decide Design Defend a key role in transforming these principles and concepts into

clearly defined guidelines and technical tools.” ▲ FHWA and EPA have accepted the document, and the ▲ ▲ Redesign American Association of State Highway and Transportation ▲ Officials has also accepted it as compatible with its standards. Texas and other states have incorporated all or part of it in their

Recommended practice yields a desirable project the first time through rather than costly delays due to opposition. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER 14 Education

Road Safety Audit Course Offered in Abu Dhabi

Participants in the Abu Dhabi road safety audit course conduct a field exercise to identify roadway problems.

bu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, looks “The Middle East has a lot of traffic fatalities, much like urban areas in the United States. And like the and they wanted to see if this tool could help them save lives,” says Shelton. “They have a lot of high- United States, traffic safety is a problem. In November, Jeff A performance cars on the street, meaning higher Shelton, Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) assistant research speeds and overconfident drivers.” scientist, traveled to Abu Dhabi to present a certified training course The road safety audit course teaches on road safety audits to area transportation professionals. Also, like transportation professionals how to find low-cost solutions to fix roadway problems quickly. An their counterparts in the United States, participants were eager to independent audit team conducts a formal safety hear what Shelton had to say and discuss their own experiences. performance examination to see if the road or intersection can be improved — including changes “They were interested in the techniques I had to share,” says to roadway geometry and operations. Changes could be as simple Shelton. “Participants asked good questions during the field as removing obstructions near the roadway, improving drainage exercise. Getting out on the streets where they could see problems or moving signs to prevent signage overload. like sign overload helped “The workshop reinforced the growing interest among Abu them understand the Dhabi transportation agencies to improve safety on existing and “The workshop reinforced the principles of the course.” planned roads,” explains Aizaz Ahmed, manager of Abu Dhabi’s growing interest among Abu Shelton is certified Highways Management Policy and Strategic Planning. “The Dhabi transportation agencies by the Federal Highway most interesting part of the workshop included a site visit to an to improve safety on existing Administration to existing road to practice safety audit procedures.” and planned roads. The conduct train-the-trainer The field exercise included taking photos of things the most interesting part of the courses for road safety participants wanted to fix and then discussing the problems in workshop included a site visit audits. He’s presented the classroom. This exercise taught students to implement the to an existing road to practice numerous courses in the techniques they were taught in the course. safety audit procedures.” Unisted States, but the In addition to broadening TTI’s international scope Abu Dhabi trip was his and knowledge, the project helped Shelton form important Aizaz Ahmed, first international training relationships with transportation professionals in the United Arab Manager of Abu Dhabi’s effort. The course was Emirates. He’s currently discussing providing other courses for the

(Above) Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania.

(Right) Sen. Tommy Williams, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security discusses the future of transportation. Sen. Glenn Hegar, Jr., chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission; Rep. Drew Darby, orried about the condition of our nation’s infrastructure, chair of the House Select Committee on Transportation Funding; Deirdre Delisi, chair Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell delivered a fiery of the Texas Transportation Commission; keynote speech to the 1,200 attendees of this year’s Representative Eddie Rodriguez, vice chair of W the House Select Committee on Transportation Texas Transportation Forum, held in Austin Jan. 3-5. The forum Funding; and Rep. Rafael Anchia, member of was co-sponsored by Texas Transportation Institute. the Sunset Advisory Commission, participate in a State Transportation Roundtable. “We used to be the best at building in Iraq and Afghanistan and everything,” Rendell said during start nation building in the USA?” Rendell proposed a nationwide his speech occurring days before he Acknowledging that solutions are public relations campaign to help stepped down as governor. “Now our ‘fraught with political obstacles,’ Rendell change the way Americans think transportation is mediocre. What told the crowd he was in favor of toll about infrastructure and urged happened to us?” roads, public-private partnerships and those in attendance to educate The outspoken and outgoing additional taxes in order to improve their neighbors about why it’s governor made national headlines the infrastructure. He also said stimulus important for the economy. week before when he was critical of an funding creates jobs. NFL decision to postpone a football Rendell proposed a nationwide public game because of an approaching relations campaign to help change the way snowstorm. He continued that theme in Americans think about infrastructure and describing America’s unwillingness to urged those in attendance to educate their tackle the infrastructure problem. neighbors about why it’s important for the “How many bridges have to fail — economy. how many levees have to break before we “We can win this fight, and we need

Tying It All Together — Corridor Analysis Maintaining the existing highway research engineer at TTI leading this network is one of the Texas Department effort. “The goal of the study is to develop of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) top a 10-year pavement rehabilitation plan priorities. Many segments on important for each section based on determining routes have now exceeded their the underlying cause of the pavement design lives and are in need of major problems.” rehabilitation. To assist in this critical The research team initially conducted task, TxDOT contracted with the Texas a full ground-penetrating radar (GPR) Transportation Institute (TTI) to initiate survey. Then after meeting with district a groundbreaking corridor analysis personnel to discuss roadway history and project. This new interagency agreement priorities, the team executed a falling will permit TTI engineers to implement weight deflectometer test program to the products of many years of research evaluate the in situ structural strengths while providing answers to TxDOT and a verification field-sampling program. districts on the optimal approach to For each section, the cause of the distress, Researchers took coring samples along repair these distressed highways. the most appropriate repair strategy and I-20 to determine the cause of stripping. Working with TxDOT engineers, TTI the priority of the work were reported to has almost completed the first study on senior district personnel. This project has generated substantial the Interstate 20 corridor in the Odessa “Priority 1 projects were identified interest within TxDOT, and work is District. “The length of the roadway is as those that have essentially failed and underway to evaluate three major U.S. 165 miles, and it consists of 20 different need full rehabilitation in the next routes in the Lubbock District. The team pavement sections, each with different 2 years. Priority 4 projects are those is also about to initiate an evaluation of

An Eye Out for the Environment — Reclaiming Asphalt

In addition to conserving energy and protecting the environment, the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can significantly reduce the cost of asphalt mixes. These mixes continue to increase in cost, so savings benefit operating agencies. A key problem with RAP mixes is variability, which is the main reason why many state departments of transportation, including TxDOT, limit the use of RAP. In most circumstances, RAP variability is closely related to RAP stockpile management and RAP processing. In 2010, TTI developed a set of state-of-the-practice guidelines for TxDOT regarding RAP processing and stockpile management. The principal points were to 1) eliminate contamination of RAP stockpiles, 2) keep RAP stockpiles as The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement can significantly reduce the separate as possible, 3) blend thoroughly before processing or increasing cost of asphalt mixes. fractionating the multiple-source RAP stockpiles, 4) avoid over- processing, 5) use good practice when storing the processed RAP, RAP-processing techniques described in this report help

New Technologies for Assessing Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlays

HMA overlays are a critical part near 100 percent of TxDOT’s maintenance program, coverage of a paving as are methods to evaluate the quality project. Based upon and uniformity of the overlays. In work completed, 2006, TTI began a research project to the guidelines evaluate several available non-nuclear developed by TTI density gauges and further refinement should serve to of infrared imaging and GPR for use in flag potentially evaluating HMA overlays. segregated areas The project led to the development with thermal of data collection/analysis software imaging. A new and a new infrared sensor bar that test procedure, Workers use the second-generation infrared sensor bar on a paving is mounted on the back of a paver to Tx Method 244 F, project. provide uniformity in measurement. has been developed These technologies provide a much- by TxDOT, and in potentially segregated areas with thermal

Getting It Right the First Time — Proper Design of Asphalt Overlays The placement of an asphalt overlay In addition to three is the most common method used by published reports, the TTI TxDOT to rehabilitate existing asphalt research team headed by and concrete pavements. The type Associate Research Engineer of overlay and its required thickness Fujie Zhou conducted several are important decisions that TxDOT workshops to train TxDOT engineers make on a daily basis. To personnel on the Texas perform well, an asphalt overlay must Asphalt Concrete Overlay have a balance of both good rut and Design and Analysis System crack resistance. Furthermore, overlay (TxACOL). “We trained performance is highly influenced more than 30 representatives by many factors, such as existing from TxDOT on how to use pavement conditions, traffic loading and TxACOL software,” says TTI environmental conditions. Division Head of Materials In response to the need, TTI and Pavements Andrew The main screen of the asphalt overlay design and conducted a research project with Wimsatt. “The attendees analysis system. the objectives to develop 1) an HMA practiced the software step overlay mix design balancing rutting by step and by the end of day and reflective cracking requirements, knew how to properly design an asphalt

Hall of Fame Honor

Texas Transportation Institute Executive Associate Director John Epps was inducted into the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Hot-Mix Asphalt Hall of Fame in February at the 56th annual meeting of the association in Orlando, Fla., in February 2011. The hall of fame was “established to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the asphalt pavement industry leading to innovations in the production and placement of asphalt pavement, in the usage of asphalt as a paving material, and in the general advancement and recognition of the industry.” The honor recognizes Epps’ significant contributions TTI Executive Associate Director John Epps is inducted into the to the asphalt pavement industry throughout his 40-year National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Hot-Mix Asphalt Hall of career. ■ Fame. From left to right: Jim Roberts, president and CEO of Granite Construction, Inc.; Jon Epps; Larry Lemon, chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association; and Jay McQuillen, vice president of Granite Construction, Inc.

TRB Appointments

Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Executive Associate Agency Director Katie Turnbull has been appointed chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Technical Activities Council (TAC). The TAC provides leadership for the 200 TRB standing committees. It fosters communication across committees, coordinates annual meeting spotlight themes and cross-cutting Turnbull issue sessions, helps identify critical transportation issues, and promotes research and outreach initiatives. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as TAC chair,” Gary K. Trietsch receives the 2010 TTI State notes Turnbull. “Participating in TRB has greatly enriched my Research Champion Award from TTI Agency professional development, and I look forward to making sure Director Dennis Christiansen. others have the same opportunities.” Turnbull, who will serve a three-year term, is the first TTI researcher to serve as TAC chair. State Research Champion Award Carlson Additionally, Paul Carlson, research engineer and head of TTI’s Operations and Design Division, has been appointed to serve as The 2010 Texas Transportation chair of TRB’s Operations and Preservation Group. In this capacity, he will also Institute (TTI) State Research serve as a member of the TAC. ■ Champion Award, sponsored by Trinity Industries, was presented to Gary K. Trietsch at a reception in Houston TTI Welcomes Returning Advisory Council Member Nov. 30, 2010. Trietsch was a strong supporter of research throughout TTI is pleased to welcome Linda Watson back to the TTI Advisory his 40-year career with the Texas Council. Watson was named president and CEO of Capital Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Metropolitan Transportation Authority in July 2010. In this role, including serving as district engineer she manages Capital Metro’s day-to-day operations. Capital Metro for the Houston District and director of serves 10 communities and has a budget of $164 million, 1,500 TxDOT’s Maintenance and Operations employees and 500 vehicles. Division. This commitment continues Watson Most recently, Watson served as CEO of Central Florida’s with his ongoing participation in the Regional Transportation Authority, LYNX. She was a member TTI Advisory Committee. of the council previously but resigned in 2004 when she moved to Florida. “Gary is well known for his She formerly served as general manager of the Corpus Christi Regional innovative thinking, creative approach Transportation Authority and assistant general manager of the Fort Worth to problem solving and focus on Transportation Authority. Watson is a past chair of the Transportation Research results,” noted TTI Director Dennis Board and currently serves on the National Research Council of the National Christiansen in presenting the award. Academy of Sciences, among several other board positions. She graduated “His leadership within TxDOT helped from The University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. in political science and an advance numerous research projects M.A. in urban and regional affairs, and was recently honored as a distinguished that have contributed to mobility, alumnus of the university. ■ safety and improved operation of the state’s transportation system.” ■ TEXAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCHER Institute News 19

Tooley Receives ARTBA’s Steinberg Award

The American Road and Transportation For more information about Builders Association (ARTBA) honored these news items or other media inquiries regarding Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) TTI research, please contact Director of External Initiatives Melissa Rick Davenport at (979) 862-3763 Tooley with its 2010 S.S. Steinberg or [email protected]. Award Jan. 24. “Some people ask what happened, some people watch what happens, and some people make things happen. Melissa Tooley makes things happen.” The sentence appears on an ARTBA Zimmer Receives ASTM Award news release announcing the award. Melissa Tooley (right) receives the S.S. The quote is from an industry peer Steinberg Award from ARTBA RED Board ASTM International describing Tooley, who is also director Member Teresa Adams. presented Texas of TTI’s University Transportation Transportation Center for Mobility. individual who has made remarkable Institute (TTI) Senior Tooley accepted the award in contributions to transportation Research Specialist Washington, D.C., during the 90th education. Dick Zimmer with Annual Meeting of the Transportation “It is a huge thrill to receive the Zimmer a Meritorious Research Board. Steinberg Award, and all that it Service Award after The Steinberg Award is named represents,” Tooley said of the honor. 32 years with the organization. after the founding president of the “There is no greater tribute than to be Zimmer began serving on the ARTBA Research and Education recognized by my peers, especially in group’s Vehicle Pavement System Division (RED) and recognizes an an organization like ARTBA.” ■ Committee (Committee E-17) in 1978. The Meyer-Horne Outstanding Achievement Award was named after NASA Engineer Walter Horne and Penn State Mechanical Engineering Professor Wolfgang Meyer, early pioneers in pavement friction research. ■

John Basilotto Cynthia Lowery Wayne McCully 1946–2011 1965–2011 1922–2011

In Memoriam

TTI Honors Bob Skinner at TRB

Robert Skinner, the executive director of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), was honored by the Texas Transpor- tation Institute (TTI) in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23 at TRB’s Annual Meeting. The TTI Director’s Research Champion Award was presented to Skinner for his support of transportation research. “There is no better example of a transportation research supporter,” Agency Director Dennis Christiansen said of Skinner, who has been the TRB executive director since 1994. “Under his leadership, TRB has expanded its scope and increased its stature. He is a true research champion.” In addition to his TRB duties, Skinner serves on numerous university advisory groups and special transportation study boards. TRB Executive Director Robert Skinner (center, holding plaque) was presented with the TTI Director’s Research Champion Award in a “I greatly appreciate this award. I have had the Washington, D.C., ceremony. Also pictured (left to right) are TTI opportunity to work with terrific people and organizations Agency Director Dennis Christiansen, Dianne Skinner, TTI Director over the years,” Skinner told those attending the reception. Emeritus Herb Richardson and American Association of State Highway “All of TRB shares in this award, and I thank TTI and Trinity and Transportation Officials Executive Director John Horsely, also a Industries very much for the recognition.” ■ Research Champion Award recipient. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION Multi-modal Transportation > Highway Transportation > Trucking > Railroad transportation > Public transit > Rural transportation > Rural transit > Freight and pipeline transportation > Airport planning and development > Airport maintenance > Bicycle and pedestrian > Ports and waterways >>> Transportation operations > Freight traffic > Commodities > Travel time > Travel demand > http://tti.tamu.edu > Traffic estimation > Traffic forecasting > Commuting > Carpools > Highway operations > Highway capacity > Freeway operations > Truck traffic > Railroad traffic > Traffic data > Measures of effectiveness > Traffic models > Traffic simulation > Traffic delay > Search @ www.tti.tamu.edu > Traffic congestion > Traffic speed >>> Management and organization > Project management > Education and training > Costs > Capital investments > Road pricing > Marketing > Inventory > Quality assurance > Abandon- ment > Right of way (Land) > Access control (Transportation) > Policy > State laws > Legislation > Regulations > Speed limits > International trade > Implementation > Recommenda- Periodicals tions >>> Communication and control > Real time control > Highway traffic control > Ramp metering > Incident management > Traffic signal control systems > Green interval (Traffic signal cycle) > Traffic signal timing > Work zone traffic control > Traffic control devices > Traffic signs > Guide signs > Variable message signs > Traffic actuated controllers > Traffic signals > Flashing traffic signals > Lane use control signals > Road markings > Rumble strips > Warrants (Traffic control devices) > Ground penetrating radar > Weigh in motion > Loop Postage Texas Transportation Institute/TTI Communications PAID The Texas A&M University System College Station 3135 TAMU Texas 77843 College Station, TX 77843-3135

TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE Publications

TECHNICAL REPORTS Benchmarking and Improving Texas Rural Portable Traffic Signal Monitoring and Public Transportation Systems, by Jeff Arndt, Evaluation Toolbox to Improve Signal Delivery of Workshops on Corridor 0-6205-S, December 10, 2010. Operations and Safety, by Srinivasa Sunkari, Management and Preservation in Texas, by 0-6177-S, December 10, 2010. Ed Hard, 5-5606-01-1, December 22, 2010. Development of Guidelines for Triple Left and Dual Right-Turn Lanes, by Scott Cooner, Rapid Field Detection of Sulfate and Organic Exploratory Study: Vehicle Mileage Fees in 0-6112-S, January 13, 2011. Content in Soils, by Pat Harris, 0-6362-S, Texas, by Trey Baker, 0-6660-1, February 1, December 15, 2010. 2011. Evaluation of Longitudinal Channelizing Barricade Effectiveness, by Melisa Finley, Realtime Monitoring of Scour Events Using Field Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Skid 0-6103-S, December 8, 2010. Remote Monitoring Technology, by Jean- Resistance and Its Relationship to Aggregate Louis Briaud, 0-6060-S, January 7, 2011. Characteristics, by Eyad Masad, 0-5627-2, Improved Positive Protection Guidance for December 17, 2010. Work Zones, by Jerry Ullman, 0-6163-S, Rural Planning Organizations — Their Role January 7, 2011. in Transportation Planning and Project The Freight Shuttle System: Advancing Development in Texas, by John Overman, Commercial Readiness, by Steve Roop, Incorporating Safety into the Highway Design 0-6483-S, December 15, 2010. 9-1528-1, January 13, 2011. Process: Comprehensive Workshop, by Jim Bonneson, 5-4703-01-P6, December 17, 2010. Rural Two-Lane Highways Workshop: Implementation of Transverse Variable Course Notes and Slides, by Jim Bonneson, Asphalt Rate Seal Coat Practices in Texas, by Incorporating Sustainability into TxDOT’s 5-4703-01-P4, December 17, 2010. Paul Krugler, 5-5833-01-1, January 21, 2011. Transportation Decision Making: Updated Workshop Materials, by Tara Ramani, Safety and Economic Impacts of Converting MASH Test 3-11 of the TxDOT Portable Type 2 5-5541-01-P2, December 17, 2010. Two-Way Frontage Roads to One-Way, by PCTB with Sign Support Assembly, by William Bill Eisele, 0-5856-S, December 10, 2010. Williams, 0-6143-1, January 14, 2011. Intersection Video Detection Field Handbook: An Update, by Dan Middleton, 0-6030-P3, Synthesis and Study of the Establishment Pavement Preservation and System December 14, 2010. and Management of Roadside Vegetation, by Optimization Task Force, by Tim Lomax, Beverly Storey, 0-5731-S, December 8, 2010. 0-6655-TI-1, January 31, 2011. Instructions for Detecting Sulfates Using the Veris 3150, by Pat Harris, 0-6362-P1, Urban/Suburban Arterials Workshop, Planning Tools to Assess the Real Estate January 26, 2011. Course Notes and Slides, by Jim Bonneson, Leveraging Potential for Roadways and 5-4703-01-P5, December 17, 2010. Transit: Technical Report, by Sharada Vadali, Is Texas Ready for Mileage Fees? A 0-6538-1, January 31, 2011. Briefing Paper, by Trey Baker, 0-6660-P1, Workshops on Corridor Management February 14, 2011. and Preservation in Texas, by Ed Hard, Safety and Economic Impacts of Converting 5-5606-01-P1, January 7, 2011. Two-Way Frontage Roads to One-Way: Lane Assignment Traffic Control Devices Methodology and Findings, by Bill Eisele, on Frontage Roads and Conventional Roads 0-5856-1, January 14, 2011. at Interchanges, by Tony Voigt, 0-6106-S, January 27, 2011. TTI Publications Studies to Determine the Effectiveness of Longitudinal Channelizing Devices in A full catalog of TTI publications and other Modeling Revenue for Use in Developing products is online at http://tti.tamu.edu/ Work Zones, by Melisa Finley, 0-6103-1, Reasonable Expectations of Revenue for January 13, 2011. publications. You can find the publications by Long Range Plan Development: Project searching for either the title or publication Summary Report, by David Ellis, 0-6395-TI-S, number listed here. Most of these publications January 12, 2011. PROJECT SUMMARY REPORTS are available as free downloads in portable document format (PDF). AND PRODUCTS Pre-Determining Performance Based Acquisition, Uses, and Funding Options for Operational and Toll Rate Setting Measures, Printed, bound versions of these reports are Abandoned Rail Corridors, by Curtis Morgan, by Ginger Goodin, 0-6396-S, January 3, 2011. also available through the URL above. 0-6268-S, December 15, 2010.