July 14, 2016
Innovation of the Month: Improving DOT and Railroad Coordination
Hundreds of highway projects cross or abut railroad rights-of-way each year. Improving department of transportation and railroad coordination can save money and time on those projects and result in faster, smarter highway renewal.
Through Every Day Counts, the Federal Highway Administration is encouraging two approaches to DOT-railroad coordination:
- Best practices and streamlined processes that enhance relationships between railroads and transportation agencies, such as internal and external coordination, innovative partnering techniques and collaborative approaches
- Standardized—or master—agreements that provide templates for the interactions between organizations and include provisions to expedite projects while protecting the rights and obligations of agencies and railroads
The second Strategic Highway Research Program R16 project developed innovative techniques for DOT-railroad coordination.
Read Strategies for Improving the Project Agreement Process Between Highway Agencies and Railroads for recommended practices, streamlined permitting processes and model agreements.
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont Launch Regional Traveler Information System
State transportation agencies in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont launched a new regional Advanced Traveler Information System this week called the New England Compass. It combines data from dispatchers, sensors, weather stations, and traffic cameras to provide travelers with real-time information and road conditions. FHWA is encouraging adoption of this type of smarter work zone strategy to improve safety and reduce congestion.
FHWA Deputy Administrator Discusses Intelligent Transportation Systems with India's Minister of Road Transport
FHWA Deputy Administrator David Kim joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and other modal representatives on July 11 in meeting with India's Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping. During the meeting, Kim led a discussion on intelligent transportation systems, one of the strategies being promoted through the EDC-3 smarter work zones effort. The delegation will visit transport facilities' automation operations in New York and San Francisco this month and discuss ITS, transport management and other highway practices in the United States.
Oklahoma Shares High-Friction Surface Treatment Success Story
FHWA staff presented Oklahoma's experiences with high-friction surface treatment at the American Society of Civil Engineers 2016 International Conference on Transportation & Development on June 29 in Houston, Texas. In addition to describing how HFST has improved highway safety and reduced crashes, the presentation shared the success of local stakeholder partnerships in promoting and deploying innovations and technologies within the state.
