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Telling Our Story is a brief document that describes the activities and responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Indiana Division office. We hope it is both informative and useful as a reference. Enjoy!
The Indiana Division, one of 52 Division offices of the FHWA, is responsible for administering the Federal-aid Highway Program in Indiana. This is accomplished in partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the State's metropolitan planning organizations (MPO's), and numerous other partners and customers. Our primary roles are to be stewards of the National Highway System (NHS) and to promote technical assistance to our customers and partners in a variety of subject areas. The NHS is a 160,000 mile (257,000 kilometer) national network of interstates, other primary routes and intermodal connectors. Indiana's NHS comprises 2,800 miles (4,500 km) statewide. The programs of the FHWA are determined by legislation crafted by Congress and the Executive branch. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, or TEA-21, (P.L. 105-178) which was enacted on June 9, 1998, currently guides Federal-aid Highway Programs, superceding the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA).
Indiana, the State known as the Crossroads of America because of its transportation connections (particularly Interstates), is the nation's 13th largest Federally-assisted program at approximately $660 million annually. It is an exciting program, designed to help meet the growing transportation needs of the State in the 21st Century. There are many challenges ahead as the transportation industry is asked to maintain the efficient movement of people and goods, provide a safe system for all users, and preserve and protect environmental resources. These goals are achievable by working with our partners and customers to make the best use of the resources available to us.
The Indiana Division looks forward to the opportunity to work with each of you, our partners and customers, in meeting these challenges.
Table of Contents:
The Indiana Division of FHWA is comprised of 24 persons, with varying backgrounds and experiences in transportation. Some are native Hoosiers, but most have moved here from other parts of the country and now make Indiana their home. Diversity and mobility is highly valued as ways to enhance means of idea generation and quality decision making. The following is a listing of FHWA Indiana Division staff, their position titles and phone numbers:
FHWA Indiana Division
575 N. Pennsylvania St. Room 254
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The FHWA Indiana Division is guided by an Annual Performance Plan as well as other internal goals for improvement of products and services to our customers. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 Performance Plan reflects the Agency's five national strategic goals, which are in turn influenced by TEA-21. These are: Mobility, Productivity, Safety, Human and Natural Environment, and National Security. In addition, the FHWA Indiana Division pursues goals related to the Agency's Corporate Management Strategies-goals committed to the improvement of performance.
The Division works in partnership with the newly-created Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA, previously under the direction of FHWA as its Office of Motor Carrier Safety) and with other U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The activities of the Indiana Division are guided by its responsibilities as steward of Indiana's National Highway System and its role in providing technical assistance to its partners and customers. The Division is also responsible for the oversight of environmental concerns for all federally funded highway projects, whether on or off the National Highway System. These activities are achieved using the talents of its 24 member staff. What follows are program elements where the State of Indiana and the FHWA Division face significant challenges and where, together, we are providing a strong leadership role to ensure success for the citizens of the State.
The FHWA has set a national goal of a 20 percent reduction in highway fatalities over 10 years, and USDOT has a goal of a 50 percent reduction in motor carrier related fatalities over 10 years. These goals are substantial and can only be achieved through partnering among numerous agencies. The following are significant Indiana activities in the safety area:
Seat Belts: A primary seat belt law (which allows enforcement of seat belt usage without other violations being committed) was passed in 1998, but is only now being aggressively promoted and enforced due to a court challenge. The Governors Safety Council will pursue similar legislation for trucks in the 2001 session. Due to an increase in seat belt usage from 1997 to 1998 the Governors Safety Council received 1.7 million dollars in incentive funds. Indiana's usage actually dropped five percent from 1998 to 1999, likely due to the delay in implementing enforcement activities because of the court challenge.
0.08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Indiana currently has a 0.10 blood alcohol limit. A bill to lower the BAC to 0.08 was defeated in the 1999 legislative session and new legislation died before committee in the 2000 session. Since the BAC level is 0.10, Indiana is not eligible for TEA-21 incentive funds.
Open Containers: Indiana does not comply with Section 154 of the Open Containers Law. Legislation to comply was not introduced in the 2000 session. However, it is expected to be pursued in the 2001 session. This year Indiana will have to transfer 1.5 percent of NHS, STP, and IM funds to hazard elimination activities under 23 U.S.C. 152.
Repeat Offenders: Indiana complies with Section 164 for minimum penalties for repeat offenders for DWI or DUI.
Data Collection: Indiana receives the Section 411 safety data improvement incentive grant. A traffic records steering committee has been established and is working on developing a better method of crash record collection and analysis.
Highway Safety Appurtenances: The Indiana DOT is rigorously pursuing the use of National Cooperative Highway Research Program 350 standard for appurtenances (safety hardware) on all the projects they finance.
Roadside Safety and Geometric Design: Indiana's new Road Design Manual contains all of the concepts in the AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. The design manual is used by all highway agencies in Indiana regardless of funding.
The Indiana Division has as its highest priority the advancement of safety for the traveling public and the achievement of national safety goals. It will devote a significant level of resources in FY 2000 to ensure that all possible safety strategies are being considered/pursued and are coordinated among the agencies and groups having the ability to influence the crash rates.
The Intelligent Transportation Initiative (ITI) is changing the way we look at transportation decision making. The concept of using technology to make highways more safe and efficient has been around for many years, but with the computer revolution of the past 10 years the concept has quickly flourished into reality. ITI allows transportation decision makers the ability to provide real time information to travelers, to ensure safer systems and vehicles, and to create greater efficiencies for transportation users. Indiana is aggressively pursuing a number of ITI activities.
Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS): These systems are the heart of an intelligent transportation network. They collect information from a variety of sources (pavement sensors, cellular call-ins, video cameras, etc.), and distribute this information to the travelers who need it (through web pages, highway advisory radio, dynamic message signs, news agencies, etc.). There are three major ATMS efforts underway in Indiana. An ATMS for the Borman Expressway (I80/94) has been successfully prototyped for a three mile segment, and is now in a $17.5 million deployment stage for a 22 (35 km) mile segment. This is part of the Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee (GCM) Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) corridor. Completion is expected in June 2000. A $30 million ATMS for Indianapolis is underway, with expected completion in early 2002. A temporary traffic management center for Indianapolis has recently been completed. An ATMS for the greater Louisville/Jeffersonville area (TRIMARC) became operational September 1999, and includes a seven mile (11 km) section of I-65 in Indiana. In addition to the major ATMS activities above, Kokomo is deploying an abbreviated ATMS to relieve traffic congestion on the US 31 corridor using local resources.
Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS): These systems distribute information to travelers, using information gathered from an ATMS. Indiana has developed an ATIS Expert System which is operational statewide using 30 highway advisory radios and dynamic message signs in several of the metropolitan areas throughout the state. Two highway advisory radios and 10 portable dynamic message signs are in use in the Indianapolis area with an additional two permanent dynamic message signs under construction. On the Borman Expressway six permanent dynamic message signs are under construction in addition to the 12 portable signs currently in use. The city of Evansville is using 11 dynamic message signs and a highway advisory radio to improve traveler information. There are also plans for two dynamic message signs and a highway advisory radio in the Kokomo area.
Incident Management: Indiana has a motorist assistance program known as Hoosier Helpers. The program began with service on the Borman Expressway (three vehicles providing 24 hour coverage), has been expanded to the Indianapolis area (currently three patrols on the Northeast area Interstates, with plans to expand throughout Marion County), and to the greater Indiana portion of the Interstate system in the Louisville area. These patrols have the capability to control the ATIS Expert System devices and receive information from the ATIS Expert System. There is also one private "Good Samaritan" van operating in the Indianapolis area.
Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI): Indiana's Toll Authority is planning to deploy a system to provide real time information and route guidance. Work is planned to begin in the fall of 2000.
NORPASS (I-75 Advantage): This project allows properly equipped commercial vehicles with up-to-date credentials to by-pass weigh stations. The I-65 Seymour station is Indiana's first under NORPASS, with construction about 50percent complete. No expansion to other stations is planned at this time.
Virtual Weigh Station: The INDOT, Indiana State Police, and Department of Revenue are working together to develop a virtual weigh station concept using mainline sensors (some at Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) sites where sensors are already in place) to identify non-compliant commercial vehicles. A "proof of concept" has been completed with promising results. The concept is designed to increase compliance, to increase coverage over the entire state, and to verify compliance more efficiently.
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Laboratory: INDOT, in cooperation with Purdue University, is developing an in-house capability to test and evaluate various ITS technologies and their deployment strategies. The Lab will be used for research, education, and training. Private sector participation is also anticipated. The Lab should be operational in March 2000.
Wireless Facilities Access Program: INDOT is developing a cooperative effort to provide communications carriers and third party network infrastructure developers the opportunity to construct towers on INDOT rights-of-way, in exchange for INDOT access to the infrastructure for ITS. Currently, there is one location in Indianapolis and one in the Louisville area. An additional two towers are under construction in Indianapolis and seven more towers have been proposed.
Other Indiana ITI Efforts: 1) The Indiana Lane Merge project is attempting to find a solution to aggressive driving in lane closure situations by activating a series of dynamic No Passing Zone signs. Sonic sensors detect stopped or slowed vehicles, and relay that information upstream to create a self adjusting No Passing Zone. A video is being produced to showcase the system. 2) On an I-65 ramp in Clark County, near Louisville, the INDOT has installed sensors to detect queues backing up onto the Interstate travel lanes. Loop detectors, a controller, a wireless relay, and flashing strobes are used to alert motorists of the backup they cannot see ahead. The low-cost system is under evaluation and has shown great promise. 3) The INDOT is using a sensor to detect low visibility on a remote section of I-69. The sensor communicates with the ATIS Expert System, which in turn updates appropriate traveler information devices. 4) The INDOT is installing location markers at 2/10 mile intervals in freeway medians on the Borman and in Indianapolis and Kokomo.
The Indiana Division is providing guidance and expertise to Indiana's ITI Program, ensuring that system compatibility and interoperability are achieved in accordance with national standards. The Division will promote ITI with the goal of having two additional metropolitan areas begin deployment of ITI elements in FY 2000.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ensures the protection of environmental resources at the national level. As part of FHWA's stewardship role, we are challenged to carry out the provisions of NEPA in the implementation of the Federal-aid Program. This is accomplished in partnership with numerous resource agencies, the INDOT, cities and counties, advocacy groups, and the public. In addition, the FHWA promotes the protection of environmental resources through programs in TEA-21. The following are environmental activities in Indiana.
Environmental Streamlining: Procedures were developed November 11, 1999 and are currently being implemented. The Division hopes to incorporate these procedures into a Indiana Environmental Streamlining Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will replace the NEPA 404 MOU by the end of this year. These procedures serve to better engage the resource/regulatory agencies during the feasibility study stage of project development so that "corridor level" decisions are based on sound environmental assessment and do not need to be fundamentally revisited during subsequent alternatives analysis unless new information comes to light. In fact, the feasibility studies are being advanced as NEPA Environmental Assessments until the purpose and need are identified and the near-term and long-term transportation solutions/strategies are identified. At that point, there may be a need to issue a Notice of Intent for a near-term strategy which involves significant impacts.
Environmental Impact Statements (EIS): An EIS is a comprehensive analysis of impacts and a documentation of commitments to mitigate those impacts. There are several EIS efforts underway. They include:
US 231 from the Ohio River North to I-64 - The Record of Decision (ROD) for this project was issued on January 21, 2000.
SR 641 Terre Haute Bypass from I-70 to US 41 - The FEIS was signed January 3, 2000 and forwarded to the EPA for Federal Register publication on January 24, 2000. It is expected that the ROD for this project will be issued in early March 2000.
SR 145 from I-64/SR 37 to existing SR 145 north of Ekerty - FHWA forwarded comments to INDOT on the preliminary FEIS on October 14, 1999. It is expected that the ROD for this project will be issued in mid-2000.
SR 25 Hoosier Heartland from Lafayette to Logansport - An extensive Environmental Overview was completed in December 1995. The Notice of Intent (NOI) was issued in November 1999 and a Scoping Meeting was held February 15, 2000 to initiate the NEPA alternatives analysis.
US 24 from Fort Wayne/New Haven, IN @ I-469 to Defiance, OH (FHWA-OH is the lead Division for this project) - A Scoping Meeting was held for this project on February 3, 2000.
Louisville/Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project (FHWA-KY lead Division for project) - The Ohio River Major Investment Study (ORMIS) resulted in a local consensus to build an additional I-65 bridge next to the exiting structure, reconstruct the Kennedy Interchange, and build an east-end bridge to complete the I-265 Beltway. These alternatives and more are under NEPA evaluation and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected to be published in the Summer of 2000.
Indianapolis Northeast Corridor Transportation Connections - The NOI was published January 13, 1999. This FHWA/FTA Major Investment Study (MIS)/DEIS is evaluating improvements to I-465 from I-70 on the eastside to US 31 on the north-side, improvements to I-69 from I-465 to SR 238, and various light-rail/transit improvements. There is no "good" solution to the congestion problem, and it is certain that transit options will be critical over the long-term. The DEIS is expected to be published in the Fall of 2000, at which point a Tier 1 FEIS/ROD will likely be prepared to advance the near-term transportation strategies.
Corridor 18 (Proposed extension of I-69 from I-465 in Indianapolis to I-64 just north of Evansville) - The NOI was published January 5, 2000, withdrawing the previous Southwest Indiana Highway Study DEIS so that an expanded study area from Indianapolis to Evansville can be considered. A Scoping Meeting was held on February 3, 2000. The purpose of the Tier 1 EIS will be to make "big picture" planning level corridor feasibility decisions. Once the Tier 1 EIS results in either a no-build or a preferred corridor, subsequent Tier 2 NEPA documents (EAs or EISs) will be prepared to advance elements of the overall corridor between logical termini.
US 231 Relocation and Wabash River Crossing, Lafayette, IN - This FEIS was signed June 8, 1992 and the ROD was issued September 10, 1992. The INDOT will reevaluate the section of US 231 from SR 26 to US 52 and update the EIS as appropriate for changed conditions.
US 31 from I-465 to SR 38 and upgrade SR 431 from 96th St. to US 31 - A Major Investment Study was completed in March 1997 and a Notice of Intent (NOI) is expected to be issued soon to initiate the NEPA alternatives analysis.
US 231 from I-64 north around Jasper and Huntingburg to SR 56 (east junction) - INDOT completed a feasibility study and a NOI is expected to be issued soon to initiate the NEPA alternatives analysis.
Corridor 18 (Proposed I-69 from I-64 north of Evansville south across the Ohio River to the Pennyrile Parkway south of Henderson, Kentucky) - The NOI will be issued soon to evaluate planning level corridors around Evansville. Once a preferred corridor is identified, various NEPA alternatives will be evaluated within the desired corridor. Environmental Streamlining concepts are being applied to this project to engage the agencies under a "NEPA umbrella" as the planning level corridor feasibility decisions are made. That way, there is consensus on elimination of non-feasible corridors before detailed NEPA alternatives analysis is advanced within the planning-level preferred corridor.
Regional Studies: The above FHWA/INDOT Environmental Streamlining methodology will also be applied to the following feasibility studies to engage the agencies when key decisions are being made (feasibility studies will be initiated as Environmental Assessments and some will be elevated to EIS projects if significant actions are involved):
SR 9 Greenfield Corridor Improvement/Bypass Feasibility Study
SR 37 Corridor Improvements in communities of Noblesville, Elwood and Marion Feasibility Study
US 36 Danville Corridor Improvement Feasibility Study
US 231 from I-70 to Lafayette Corridor Feasibility Study
SR 101 extension from Markland Dam north to US 50 Feasibility Study
Transportation Enhancements Program: This program provides 10 percent of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds for non-traditional projects to enhance the transportation experience in and through local communities. Examples are the rehabilitation of many historic bridges and train depots; several rails to trails conversions (Monon Trail); and downtown landscaping, lighting, and beautification (in Hobart, Lowell, Elwood).
Scenic Byways: This program allows for designation of certain highways as National Scenic Byways, thereby promoting tourism along them because of their scenic, historic, cultural, archaeological, recreational, and/or natural qualities. Indiana has two, for which they have also received funding for marketing and signing the routes: The Ohio River Scenic Route, and The National Road (U.S. 40) for its historic and cultural qualities. Both are part of designated multi-state scenic byways with adjoining states.
Recreational Trails: This program provides dedicated funding for trails for various uses such as hiking, bicycling, equestrian, snowmobile, cross-country skiing, and roller/in-line skating. Some 20 trails are in development. Examples are the Salamonie Trail and further development of the Monon Trail.
Historic Covered Bridges: This newly funded program dedicates funds for restoring historic covered bridges and may result in more Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds being available for other types of eligible projects since historic covered bridges can be funded under this HCB program.
The Indiana Division is directly involved in the approval of all EIS documents. In addition, the Division provides technical assistance and guidance in other environmental program areas such as Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusions, 4(f), Section 106, and Section 404 permits.
Indiana is a leader in the advancement of technology, through the resources of Purdue University and INDOT's vision for a high quality transportation network. The following are areas where Indiana is playing a leadership role for the transportation industry.
The Institute for Safe, Quiet, and Durable Highways (SQDH): The SQDH Institute was established in 1999. As a University Transportation Center (UTC) under TEA-21, Federal-aid grants under the UTC program will be in excess of $3 million over 6 years. This program could be increased by several fold with the addition of private, University, and other funding sources. The Institute will integrate education and research activities in noise and vibration control, pavement construction, material design, and traffic management, and then focus these activities on the development of vehicle-highway systems that are quiet, safe, durable and economical.
Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP): The JTRP was founded by the Indiana General Assembly in the 1930s and is a research, development, and technology transfer partnership of INDOT and the Civil Engineering School of Purdue University. The program is focused on the INDOT RD&T strategic needs. The JTRP Advisory Board provides peer reviews of RD&T of INDOT, Purdue, and other Indiana Universities funded under the INDOT Statewide Planning and Research (SPR) Program.
Superpave (Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements): Due to increased traffic demands and requirements by the public, Hot Mix Asphalt pavement designs were updated to incorporate national efforts to promote longer lasting asphalt pavements. Superpave is a combination of new material specifications together with new testing and construction requirements targeted toward improved long term pavement performance. Superpave has been promoted by the FHWA for use by all governmental agencies throughout the state. Indiana leads the country in the implementation of the new system as a result of partnering efforts between the FHWA, the state, and industry.
Research: The most significant arena in the advancement of the pavement and materials is research. The FHWA is actively involved with research to resolve current problems and to develop a better understanding of the future. Accelerated testing determines the performance criteria for both asphalt and concrete pavements. Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) evaluations are linked with roadway test track evaluations to evaluate and to correlate material characteristics as well as environmental and traffic stresses.
Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP): Purdue University has provided Indiana counties with local assistance through an extension arrangement since the late 1940s. This then evolved 20+ years ago into what is now known and funded under the LTAP Program. The Indiana LTAP Center receives 70 to 80 percent of its funding from State and local sources. Strategic direction is provided through their plan and a multi-disciplinary Advisory Board.
A large portion of the Indiana Division's efforts are focused on the promotion of technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal-aid Program in Indiana. Specific activities include: involvement in the development of research projects through participation at both the program level and the Study Advisory Committee level for each research study; involvement in the strategic direction of the LTAP Program; and providing extensive support and guidance to Superpave implementation.
The TEA-21 legislation, and its predecessor ISTEA, created greater emphasis in the transportation planning process. There are numerous Indiana activities in support of planning and air quality, as follows:
Long Range Plans: The INDOT has a June 2000 target completion date to update their Statewide Transportation Plan to the year 2025. The plan will be a project specific plan and will serve as an excellent basis to assure that the individual MPO Transportation Plans are fiscally responsible on a statewide basis. INDOT is making extensive use of its statewide Travel Demand Model and Highway Economic Requirements System (HERS) Model to help to prioritize those projects which result in the greatest return on the public investment. INDOT is the leader in the nation in this regard. The 2025 Statewide Plan will also help assure that the necessary NEPA clearances are made in a timely fashion to support the respective five year stages of the 2025 Statewide Transportation Plan.
South Bend has already updated its 20-year Transportation Plan (TP) to the year 2025. The following MPOs are currently in the process of updating their TPs to the year 2025: Anderson, Bloomington, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Louisville, Muncie , and Lafayette. Northwest Indiana is aware that FHWA will be unable to amend its 2020 TP after December 2000 because it will no longer have a 20-year planning horizon. The 3-year life of its TP conformity expires February 19, 2002.
STIP/TIPs: INDOT works with the MPOs annually to update the respective MPO Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) by July 1st each year. INDOT's target is to forward an updated Indiana Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (INSTIP) to FHWA/FTA for approval by October 1st. This annual process provides an opportunity for local elected officials and the public to recommend that new projects be programmed into the production schedule either during the public meetings, or the District program coordination meetings called for in the INDOT program development process. The TIP/INSTIP also serves as a fiscal management document and three year "ready-for-letting list" to assure that funds are equitably distributed around the State in keeping with the INDOT/Local Federal-aid Sharing Agreement. It is INDOT's intent to publish the INSTIP on its web site in the near future so that local elected officials, contractors and the general public are aware of the construction projects that have been programmed in their area.
MPO Certifications: The FHWA Indiana Division and Region 5 FTA conduct joint planning certification reviews on a three year cycle for the following Indiana Transportation Management Areas (MPO urbanized areas with population in excess of 200,000--the date in parenthesis represents the last Certification Report date ): Indianapolis (4/10/97), Northwest Indiana (10/17/99), South Bend (4/8/98), Fort Wayne (10/1/97), and Louisville (5/15/97). These reviews have served as an excellent mechanism to assure that the planning requirements in ISTEA and TEA-21 are being effectively implemented and to share best practices among the MPOs. Most recently, Environmental Justice is becoming an increasing focus as FHWA and FTA work with the MPOs to try to implement the October 17, 1999 guidance.
Conformity: Indiana currently has two Ozone non-attainment areas (Louisville and Northwest Indiana) and three Ozone maintenance areas (Indianapolis, Evansville, and South Bend). By July 2000, we expect the new 8-hour non-attainment designations to result in the following Ozone non-attainment areas: Northwest Indiana (Lake, Porter, & LaPorte), South Bend (St. Joseph & Elkhart), Fort Wayne (Allen), Indianapolis (Marion, Hancock, Madison, Hamilton, Boone, Hendricks, Morgan, Johnson, & Shelby), Evansville (Vanderburgh, Posey & Warrick), and Louisville (Clark & Floyd). An FHWA-EPA Indiana Transportation Conformity Workshop was held on January 26-27, 2000 to assure that procedures and methodologies are in place to demonstrate conformity to the new 8-hour standard in a timely fashion in order to avoid a lapse situation. The conformity consultation process has become increasingly complex and time consuming, but there has been a marked improvement in air quality over the past 10 years and the associated NOx controls and incentives are coming into place to assure the Clean Air Act standards are achieved in a timely fashion.
Metro Office Activities: The Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning area is part of the Chicago urbanized area. The FHWA/FTA Chicago Metro Office serves as an extension of the Indiana Division Office in providing MPO planning oversight and assistance to the NIRPC area. , has been delegated maximum signature authority. Given that many issues have statewide implications and there is a need to implement planning issues uniformly statewide, the Metro Office consistently coordinates all policy issues and controversies with the Indiana Division prior to taking action on behalf of the Indiana Division. Indiana's representative from the Metro Office is Mr. Steven Call.
Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS): INDOT, with assistance from the MPOs, collects and reports data on the length of public road miles (91,000 or 146,500 km), truck routes, through lanes, Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), traffic volumes, pavement condition, and many other characteristics of the highway system. These data are used to allocate funds to Indiana and to report to Congress on the condition and performance of national transportation systems. In addition, these data are an inventory system for public roads and a source of information for the transportation community.
Highway Statistics Reporting: Annual reports on motor-fuel consumption; motor-vehicle registrations; driver licensing; motor-carrier taxation; and the source, distribution and expenditure of highway funds also assist FHWA and Congress in highway policy development. Given that Indiana is a Donor State, the motor fuel reporting directly impacts the "bottom line" apportionment coming to Indiana. As such, the Indiana Division continues to work with INDOT and the Indiana Department of Revenue to assure the reporting is accurate.
The Indiana Division provides technical assistance and direction in the administration of these programs with the INDOT, MPOs and others. Where appropriate, the Division reviews and approves these activities to assure compliance with Federal regulations.
Indiana's Federal-aid Program is the 13th largest in the country, and has grown nearly 50percent from ISTEA under the increased financing of TEA-21. The program and its funds are managed using a variety of financing techniques.
Electronic Data Sharing and Signature: Indiana has fully implemented the transfer of project data, with electronic signature attached, directly from personal computers to FHWA's mainframe system. This procedure gives the INDOT more control over Program Funds Management. Processing time has been greatly enhanced, reconciliations eliminated, manpower reduced, and overall efficiency increased. The current billing system is also electronically signed and submitted, enabling timely reimbursement to the INDOT.
Innovative Financing: Several projects are utilizing flexible match, which include cash donations, both public and privately donated rights-of-way, soft match, and toll credits. INDOT and the Administration team of FHWA coordinate activities as the state chooses to utilize the new provisions for using federal-aid funds.
Toll Match Credits: INDOT has been approved for $26+ million of toll credits. These credits have been applied on Emergency Relief projects and are now being utilized as State and local match for railroad safety improvement projects. (See Governor's press release) http://www.ai.org/gov/pr/june-99/june8.htm The state will also continue to apply for credits for additional investments being made to the Indiana Toll Road that runs across northern Indiana.
State Infrastructure Bank: An inter-city project was partially funded using a loan made from the State Infrastructure Bank account. This allowed the project to proceed ahead of its normal projected schedule for construction.
The administration team is currently working towards an improved transfer of project statistical data from the INDOT to FHWA, thus eliminating considerable manual input to the Fiscal Management Information System. Steps would include providing greater ties to Indiana's Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document, and other program management features. The effort is being implemented concurrently with the revised FMIS system, and is expected to be complete by October, 2001.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE): The purpose of the DBE program is to provide contracting opportunities to disadvantaged minority and woman owned and controlled small businesses in an effort to bring them into the mainstream of the highway construction industry. A firm that wants to become a DBE must be certified by the State in the areas of work it is capable of performing. It is the DBE firm's responsibility to market itself to prime contractors. The national DBE program recently underwent several changes as a result of litigation. The previous program maximized opportunities for DBEs to do highway work. The new regulations now require that INDOT measure the capabilities of DBE firms and set goals based on the DBE population's relationship to the contracting industry as a whole.
Contract Compliance: As a result of bidding on and accepting a Federal-aid construction contract, each successful contractor agrees to certain conditions, such as paying the proper wages for the work being performed, to provide a non-threatening work atmosphere, and to assure non-discrimination in the work place. To assure that this is taking place, periodic contract compliance reviews of contractors are made. If a review discloses that a contractor is not complying, the contractor can be placed in non-compliance and must agree to certain actions to correct the deficiencies or the contractor may be barred from bidding on future projects.
Title VI: Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights act assures equal opportunity to everyone, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age or national origin on federally funded activities. This gives broad protection to all areas of the program including hiring, right of way, contracting, construction, and highway location. If an individual or firm feels they have been discriminated against, i.e. denied equal access to benefits, that person or firm can file a Title VI complaint, which must be investigated and satisfactorily resolved.
Environmental Justice: Consistent with the October 7, 1999 FHWA Headquarters Guidance on Environmental Justice, the Indiana Division is working with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and INDOT to evaluate the effectiveness of public involvement procedures in engaging low income and minority neighborhoods and individuals. Outreach strategies, such as focus groups and surveys, are being undertaken to assure that the voices of the low income and minority communities are heard. In addition, as part of Transportation Plan updates, an Environmental Justice/Title VI Chapter is included which serves to evaluate any disproportionate impacts of our projects on low-income and minority populations. This Chapter also serves to evaluate the distribution of benefits accruing from our FHWA/FTA USDOT Program. Environmental Justice is also a key issue during project development as part of the NEPA decision-making process. Impacts to low-income and minority populations influence the very creation of viable alternatives and ultimately selection of the preferred alternative.
The Indiana Division provides technical assistance and direction in the administration of these program areas with INDOT. Where appropriate, the Division reviews and approves these activities to assure compliance with Federal requirements.
The ROW program consists of four main areas, appraisal, acquisition, relocation, and property management.
Appraisal: Federal law requires that before property can be taken for a Federal-aid highway, the fair market value (FMV) of the property taken and any damages accruing to the remainder, if appropriate, be appraised by a qualified real-estate appraiser. The appraisal report that the appraiser issues must then be reviewed and approved by a qualified real-estate review appraiser. This process is required to provide an impartial valuation of the property needed for highway purposes.
Acquisition: After the FMV is established, the property must be purchased from the current owner. This is done during the acquisition stage. If the property owner does not agree with the State's offer of FMV, the State through its power of eminent domain can condemn the property needed for the project, deposit the FMV in court, and proceed to acquire the land by condemnation. This latter step is provided to assure the property owner that the value of the property needed for the highway will be decided by a jury, if necessary, and to assure the owner that he/she will be paid at least the FMV of the property.
Relocation: If a person, family, or business is located on the property purchased as ROW, that person(s) or business will be paid the cost of purchasing or renting a new home, or will be reimbursed certain expenses of establishing a new business. Federal law provides that no one should suffer disproportionately from a public improvement; thus the provision of relocation benefits applies to anyone displaced as the result of a highway project.
Property Management: The property management unit collects rents, sells or demolishes improvements remaining as a result of purchasing ROW, sends checks to property owners, and oversees any joint use of highway rights of way. They also dispose of any excess property owned by INDOT.
Division: The Indiana Division provides technical assistance and direction to INDOT and LPAs in the administration of the ROW program. Where appropriate, the Division reviews and approves these activities to assure compliance with Federal regulations.
The Division provides technical assistance to projects statewide, and is responsible for stewardship of reconstruction projects on Indiana's National Highway System (NHS). The following are significant activities:
I-65 in Lake County: Due to the high traffic demand, a third lane in each direction is being added to I-65 between US 30 and I-94. This will be completed over multiple years and will incorporate, as the first project does this year (2000), design-build warranty specifications in order to expedite the project schedule.
I-65 in Clark County: An additional travel lane is being constructed along with the reconstruction of the entire roadway along this section of I-65, which is part of the greater Louisville metropolitan area.
Hoosier Heartland: A series of projects are being built to provide an efficient East-West corridor from Fort Wayne to Lafayette. The final corridor will consist of a four-lane limited access highway across the state which will greatly enhance the mobility and safety of the traveling public. The eastern two-thirds, from Fort Wayne to Logansport, is nearing completion with the final third, from Logansport to Lafayette, in the environmental phase.
Indianapolis Area: A number of projects around the Indianapolis area are being studied and built. Projects along the I-465 loop will address current and future traffic concerns. The nation's first performance related specification for Portland cement concrete will be incorporated into one of these projects. In addition, a single point diamond interchange will be added to increase interchange capacity without adding extensive right-of-way. The vast majority of projects on interstates in the Indianapolis area are awarded using a technique known as A+B bidding, which considers both cost and time factors in order to minimize impact on the traveling public.
Division: The Division provides engineering assistance to these projects and is responsible for stewardship on Interstate reconstruction projects with an estimated cost greater than one million dollars.
Innovative contracting promotes improved methods which are designed to achieve a higher quality of work by industry at a lower cost to the public. The FHWA has been instrumental in encouraging the implementation of new technologies statewide in such areas as: warranties for hot mix asphalts (HMA), contractor acceptance for HMA projects, performance related specifications for concrete pavements, cost plus time bidding, and design-build projects. Indiana's efforts have been rewarded with National Quality Initiative awards in 1997 and 1999.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA): The FHWA promotes quality programs within the state specifically related to contractor and producer operations. QC/QA programs on all projects are made possible through partnering efforts with the INDOT and industry. Volumetric and performance related specifications have been established for use in hot mix asphalt pavements, Portland cement concrete pavements, and bridge projects. QC/QA specifications are also involved in aggregate quarry operations, asphalt refineries, and pre-fabrication production facilities. Certified Technician Programs designed to further educate and train individuals to oversee the QC/QA programs have also been implemented.
Design-Build: Design-build contracts give the contractor the responsibility of designing as well as building projects. Indiana has used the design-build concept in conjunction with warranties to construct projects on the interstate. It is expected that a number of additional projects will be awarded using this contracting technique and that continuous refinement of the design-build-warranty concept will further aid in providing completed highway projects to the public well ahead of what standard contract approaches could provide.
Performance Related Specifications for Portland cement concrete Pavement: In 2000, Indiana is awarding the first contract in the United States which incorporates a performance related specification (PRS) for Portland cement concrete pavement. The PRS approach involves measuring parameters which are correlated to a life cycle cost for the pavement. The specifications for this contract set the parameters for smoothness, thickness, and strength which are the basis of payment for the contractor. The contractor is paid more for higher quality work and less for poor quality work. As with other innovative contracting techniques, the contractor is given more responsibility for producing a quality product and paid accordingly. Indiana's national leadership in the use of new contracting approaches is exemplified by its eagerness in working with various research institutions and FHWA Headquarters personnel to implement a PRS project of this type.
Warranties: Although warranties have been used by a number of states for hot mix asphalt pavements, Indiana was the first state in the nation to apply warranties to interstate rehabilitation projects. From 1995 through 1999, seven projects have been constructed using a warranty for the bituminous pavement. Warranties define contractor responsibility for a number of pavement parameters (ruts, friction, etc.) over the life of the warranty. Repairs under warranty have been necessary on two of the projects, and were completed in an expeditious manner.
The Division provides technical assistance and leadership in these activities through their promotion and successful implementation.
The Indiana Division is committed to continually improving its products and services, and to ensuring effective communication among its partners and customers. The following FY 2000 activities reflect the Division's commitment to the quality journey:
Quality Workshops: The Division recently completed the first of a continuing series of semi-annual Quality Workshops. Two important products emerged from the first Workshop. First, a "Partnering Agreement" set expectations for working in the Division. "Thumbs up" consensus was reached (see cover photo). Second, a prioritized list of improvement opportunities was identified. Teams will be formed to address the opportunities and report progress on a regular basis.
Self-Assessment: The Division recently conducted a self-assessment using the Presidential Quality Award criteria. Recommendations will be implemented.
Customer Survey: A customer survey will be conducted, with feedback used to evaluate emphasis areas and customer perceptions of the quality of products and services provided by the Division.
Performance Measurement: The Division will continue its efforts to develop and apply outcome measures for performance.
Outreach: The Division is committed to outreaching with its partners and customers in order to ensure effective communication and understanding of issues. Safety is an outreach emphasis area for FY 2000.
And so the journey continues. We hope this summary provides a perspective of the many activities of Indiana's Federal-aid Program, and the FHWA Indiana Division's role in the program. We look forward to working with you, our partners and customers, as we help meet the challenges of the State in providing a high quality, safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system.
