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OCR for page 199
199
Research has been completed, and the results of the
first phase of the study have been published as: NCHRP
Report 91, "Effects of Deicing Salts on Water Quality
and Biota Literature Review and Recommended Re-
search."
The results of the experimental phase have been pub-
lished as: NCHRP Report 170, "Effects of Deicing Salts
on Plant Biota and Soils Experimental Phase."
Project 16-2 FY,68
Evaluation of Research on Roadside Devel-
opment
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Western States Landscape Associ-
ation
Wayne O. Earley
October 1, 1967
March31,1969
$100,000
The objective of this project was to review, interpret,
and evaluate past and present research on roadside de-
velopment, describe areas where additional or continued
research is needed, and recommend procedures for re-
solving these needs. The study included, but was not
limited to, consideration of the relationship of roadside
development and (1) highway location and design; (2)
vegetation (planning, establishment, and management by
plant growth zones is consideration of erosion control
and roadside plantings); (3) resource conservation; (4) rest
areas, scenic turnouts, and overlooks; (5) safety; and
(6) right-of-way, scenic areas, and adjacent land use. Rec-
ognition was given to research under way or accomplished
in legal authority, but it was not evaluated in this project.
The research has been completed, and the project report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 137, "Evaluation
of Research on Roadside Development."
Project 16-3 FY '73
Erosion Control During Highway Construction
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Utah State University
Dr. Calvin G. Clyde
Dr. C. Earl Israelsen
Paul E. Packer
Nov. 1, 1973 Mar. 1, 1978
June 30, 1976 Nov. 30, 1979
$179,224 $70,776
Uncontrolled water and wind erosion resulting from
construction activities causes significant damage to the
environment. The sediment produced pollutes surface
water, restricts drainage, fills reservoirs, damages adjacent
land, and destroys the natural ecology of lakes and
streams. Besides harming the environment, soil erosion
during construction increases costs and causes extensive
delays and repairs.
Research is needed to develop more effective tech
niques, devices, and materials to control erosion during
construction activities. This need was documented in
NCHRP Synthesis 18, "Erosion Control on Highway
Construction."
The synthesis study, while focusing attention on the
need for a major research effort, also uncovered a large
quantity of information, often fragmented or undereval-
uated, on known erosion control measures likely to have
application in highway construction. Because of the ex-
istence of this information, the urgency of the problem,
and research funding limitations, a logical first step in
the eventual solution of the total problem was the de-
velopment of recommendations for an interim set of spe-
cific guidelines for erosion control based on existing
information.
Research has been completed, and project objectives
have been accomplished. The Universal Soil Loss Equa-
tion was used as the basis for estimating soil loss. Existing
maps that divide the country into areas of varying soil
erosion potential were updated for use in application of
the equation. An experimental program was planned and
conducted for verifying the applicability of the equation
for estimating soil loss from a construction site and for
limited testing of erosion control products. An erosion
control manual has been prepared for use by highway
and transportation agencies and others for estimating soil
loss from a specific construction site and assessing the
effectiveness of erosion control procedures.
The project report has been published in 2 volumes
as: NCHRP Report 220, "Erosion Control During High-
way Construction Research Report"; and NCHRP
Report 221, "Erosion Control During Highway Construc-
tion Manual on Principles and Practices."
AREA 17: SAFETY
Project 17-1 FY,66
Development of improved Methods for
Reduction of Traffic Accidents
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory
John W. Garrett
February 1, 1966
May 31, 1968
$247,847
The objective of this research was to develop motor
vehicle accident investigation procedures, records, and
statistics, which will more accurately reveal accident caus-
ation than the current accident record system. An exten-
sive review of the state of the art revealed that the current
data collection forms and procedures do not meet research
requirements; few statistically trained personnel are em-
ployed for data analysis. Also, safety findings are assim-
ilated slowly by the agencies responsible for the design,
maintenance, and operation of the highway system. Long
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200
term recommendations included an improved centralized
accident record system in which accident data were in-
tegrated with appropriate nonaccident data. Also pro-
posed was a multilevel accident reporting scheme
providing minimum data on all accidents, intensive in-
vestigative data on a small percentage of accidents, and
special study data collected for a statistical sample of
accidents. Improved cooperation between operating agen-
cies with similar objectives was regarded as essential.
Short-term recommendations included increased dissem-
ination and utilization of current safety knowledge; uti-
lization of modern technology at all levels of the system
through the initiation of continuing education seminars
and a safety review board; use of trained statistical per-
sonnel and techniques for better utilization of data; and
use of accurate accident location methods. Location meth-
ods were reviewed and evaluated for guidance. Demon-
stration studies were performed to illustrate the feasibility
of the proposed system and the techniques required. The
study demonstrated the use of police to gather factual
data in a study where they were provided with special
report forms, written instructions, special training, and
equipment. Utilization of intensive accident investigation
procedures and the use of both accident and nonaccident
data in a study also were demonstrated.
The project report has been published as: NCHRP
Report 79, "Development of Improved Methods for Re-
duction of Traffic Accidents."
Project 17-2 FY '72
Methods for Evaluating Highway Safety
Improvements
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Operations Research Incorporated
Harry Denning
January 10, 1972
June 20, 1972
$29,973
The objective of the research was to provide a detailed
technique in the form of guidelines from which calcula-
tions could be made that would allow officials to judge
the effectiveness of highway improvements in terms, not
only of reduced accidents, but also of cost-benefit of such
improvements.
Activities prior to the contract's termination included
detailed planning for the project and preparation of a
detailed working plan. This research was resumed under
17-2A.
1 7-2A FY '72
Methods for Evaluating Highway Safety
Improvements
Research Agency: Roy Jorgensen Associates
Principal Invest.: John C. Laughland
Elective Date: February 1, 1973
Completion Date: July 31, 1974
Funds: $98,403
The objective of the research was to provide a detailed
technique in the form of guidelines from which calcula-
tions can be made that will allow officials to judge the
electiveness of highway improvements in terms, not only
of reduced accidents, but also of cost-benefit of such im-
provements.
The research has been completed, and the final report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 162, "Methods
for Evaluating Highway Safety Improvements."
Project 17-3 FY '78
Application of Traffic Conflicts Analysis at
Intersections
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Midwest Research Institute
Dr. William D. Glauz
December 15, 1977
October 31, 1979
$190,000
The objective of this research was to develop a pro-
cedure for collecting and using traffic conflicts data to
diagnose safety and operational deficiencies and to eval-
uate the effectiveness of improvements at intersections.
This objective was achieved through an examination of
present use of traffic conflicts analysis, development of
new procedures, and field testing.
The final report was published as: NCHRP Report 219,
"Application of Traffic Conflict Analysis at Intersec-
tions." Examples that illustrate the methods of data col-
lection, data analysis, and application of the traffic
conflicts technique are presented.
Project 17-4 FY '78
Evaluation of Traffic Controls for Street and
Highway Work Zones
Research Agency: BioTechnology, Inc.
Principal Invest.: Dr. Hugh W. McGee
Effective Date: January 2, 1978
Completion Date: June 30, 1979
Funds: $200,000
The objective of this project was to determine the ef-
fectiveness of selected work-zone traffic control devices
and to determine how these devices should be designed
and used. The research was restricted to stationary work
zones and did not consider moving operations.
Research has been completed; the findings were com-
bined with the results of NCHRP Project 17-4(2) and
published as: NCHRP Report 236, "Evaluation of Traffic
Controls for Highway Work Zones."
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201
Project 17-4(2) FY'80
Evaluation of Traffic Cones and Tubes for
Street and Highway Work Zones
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
BioTechnology, Inc.
Dr. Richard F. Pain
April 23, 1980
September 30, 1981
$125,000
The first phase of this research (NCHRP Project 17-
4) investigated the effectiveness of selected traffic chan-
nelizing devices and device markings in stimulating driver
awareness of work-zone situations. Because of limited
funding, Phase I did not cover the full range of device
types and applications. Therefore, additional research was
needed to extend the evaluation to other device types and
applications and to determine the usefulness of each type
under various work zone situations.
The objective of this continuation phase was to evaluate
various types of cones and tubes and to determine the
effects of size, spacing, reflectorization, and illumination
on driver performance. The research was restricted to
stationary zones and did not consider moving operations.
Research has been completed, and the combined find-
ings from Projects 17-4 and 17-4~2) have been published
as: NCHRP Report 236, "Evaluation of Traffic Controls
for Highway Work Zones."
Project 17-5 FY '80
Effectiveness of Clear Recovery Zones
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Midwest Research Institute
Jerry L. Graham
April 1, 1980
April 30, 1982
$200,000
The objective of this research was to investigate and
quantify the effectiveness of clear recovery zones of dif-
fering slopes and widths in reducing the number and
severity of run-o~-the-road accidents. The frequency and
severity of run-off-the-road accidents were compared on
highways with and without clear zones. Highway sections
in Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota served as the primary
data base, supplemented with data collected previously
by MRI for a skid-reduction study. Highway sections
compared had similar characteristics, (e.g., traffic volume
and composition, functional classification, and align-
ment). Included in the sample were freeways and non-
freeways and both left- (including median) and right-side
encroachments. Excluded from the study were low-vol-
ume roadways (less than 750 ADT), intersections, inter-
changes, and urban facilities.
Research has been completed. The final report, includ-
ing illustrative examples describing potential applications
of the clear area safety relationships in design practice,
has been published as: NCHRP Report 247, "Effective-
ness of Clear Recovery Zones."
Project 17-6 FY '80 and FY '83
Service Vehicle Lighting and Traffic Control
Systems for Short-Term and Moving Work
Zones Phase
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
BioTechnology, Inc.
Dr. Richard F. Pain
November 1, 1982
July 24, 1984
$85,069
The objective of this project was to develop guidelines
for warning systems on service vehicles and for traffic
control in short-term, intermittent moving, and contin-
uously moving work zones. In addition to considering the
basic traffic and safety requirements, the guidelines will
also place emphasis on the operational efficiency and cost-
effectiveness of each treatment.
The state of the art was determined through a literature
review and a review of current practice. Existing literature
was reviewed to identify currently recommended stan-
dards, actual practice, and potential improvements. The
MUTCD, the FHWA utilities handbook, ITE publica-
tions, SAE Handbook, representative state and local man-
uals, utilities operating practices, and research reports
related to vehicle signal lighting and traffic control sys-
tems were reviewed. Selected organizations were con-
tacted to obtain more detailed information on the most
promising techniques, problems with current practice,
and the feasibility and desirability of developing stan-
dards.
Typical situations were identified for which service ve-
hicle warning and traffic control systems are needed, and
those situations having similar traffic control require-
ments were combined to reduce the number of alternative
treatments to be developed. Short-term, intermittent mov-
ing, and continuous moving activities were included.
Some of the variables considered included: type of facility;
roadway width, number of lanes, shoulder characteristics;
urban or rural; traffic volume and speed; physical sight
restriction; adverse visibility; activity period (e.g., day or
night, peak or off-peak); duration of activity; length of
work zones; extent of lane encroachment; lane blockage;
and speed of operation.
Service vehicle warning and traffic control systems were
developed for each work-type situation. For signal light-
ing, consideration was given to the effects of color, flash
characteristics, number, size, and intensity, as well as the
environment in which the vehicle is operating. Other ve-
hicle warning devices such as arrow boards, flags, and
vehicle paint schemes were also considered. The traffic
control systems include the use, as appropriate, of flag-
men, vehicles (e.g., barrier, shadow), and traffic control
devices (e.g., signs, channelizing devices, arrow panels).
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202
Spacing and size of devices, as well as the placement and
number of all elements, are included. In development of
the alternatives, consideration was given to the infor-
mation needs of the motorist, equipment availability,
characteristics of service vehicles, cost-e~ectiveness, port-
ability, traffic operations, and motorist and worker safety
(including the added hazard due to the placement and
removal of devices).
The above activities complete the Phase I effort. Be-
cause of staff changes at the research agency, this contract
had to be terminated at this point. Phase II is being
conducted under a new contract as NCHRP Project
17-6A. The research findings from both phases will be
published together at the end of Project 17-6A.
Project 17-6A FY '80 and FY '83
Service Vehicle Lighting and Traffic Control
Systems for Short-Term and Moving Work
Zones (Phase Il)
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Transportation Research Corp.
Fred R. Hanscom
October 15, 1984
May 16, 1988
$252,277
The objective of this project is to develop guidelines
for warning systems on service vehicles and for traffic
control in short-term, intermittent moving, and contin
uously moving work zones. In addition to considering the
basic traffic and safety requirements, the guidelines will
also place emphasis on the operational efficiency and cost- duct new field studies
effectiveness of each treatment.
This research consists of two phases Project 17-6 and
Project 17-6A. Please refer to the Project 17-6 description
for details regarding Phase I.
In Phase II, indoor laboratory studies were conducted
to evaluate and optimize the vehicle warning and traffic
control systems. Closed field studies were conducted in
Maryland to further test the most promising systems.
Field tests will be conducted in early 1986, under actual
highway conditions, using real or simulated work activ
ities, in New York and Louisiana as a final validation of
each system.
A final report and an operations guide have been pre
pared describing recommended vehicle warning and
traffic control systems developed under this project. This
guide is designed to facilitate direct incorporation into
state and local manuals used by service personnel in short
term and moving work zones.
The final draft report is currently being reviewed.
Project 17-7 FY'86
Guidelines for Converting STOP to YIELD
Control at Intersections
Research Agency: Bellomo-McGee, Inc.
Principal Invest.: Dr. Hugh W. McGee
Elective Date: December 1 6, 1 9 8 5
Completion Date: December 16, 1988
Funds: $200,000
Studies of low-volume intersections have concluded
that control type has no appreciable effect on accident
experience. These studies indicate YIELD control is more
economical than STOP control because of the reduced
delay and road user costs. For higher traffic volume in-
tersections, however, insufficient accident data have been
collected to demonstrate the relative safety of STOP ver-
sus YIELD control.
The objectives of this research are (1) to determine the
accident experience when STOP-controlled intersections
are converted to YIELD control, and (2) to develop guide-
lines for converting STOP control to YIELD control.
In order to meet these objectives, the following tasks
will be performed:
Task 1- Determine the current traffic engineering
practice and safety experience at STOP- and YIELD-
controlled intersections through a review of the technical
literature and contacts with State and local highway agen-
c~es.
Task 2 Prepare a study design to determine the
safety consequences of converting STOP control to
YIELD control for the full range of applicable volumes.
Submit an interim report on the findings of Task 1 and
the study design developed in Task 2.
Task 3 Collect existing accident data and/or con
Task 4 Relate the accident findings to intersection
and operating characteristics. Interpret the results to ex-
plain the meanings associated with the statistical findings.
Task 5 Obtain the results from previous studies of
user costs and benefits related to STOP and YIELD con-
trol. Integrate the safety results obtained from this project
and develop criteria for converting from STOP control
to YIELD control. Develop improved warrants for STOP
and YIELD control.
Task 6 Prepare a final report including the guide-
lines for converting STOP control to YIELD control and
suggested wording for improved STOP and YIELD con-
trol warrants for potential inclusion in the MUTCD.
Tasks 1 through 5 have been completed and the final
report is being prepared.
Project 17-8 FY'88
Traffic Barrier and Control Treatments for Re
stricted Work Zones
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Texas A&M Research Foundation
Dr. Hayes E. Ross, Jr.
June 1, 1988
May 31, 1991
$450,000
Representative terms from entire chapter:
work zones
