Nov/Dec 2019 | V13 | Issue 75

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) integrated data-driven safety analysis into its routine business practices. MnDOT updated its district safety plans using systemic data analysis, which identifies locations at high risk for serious crashes across a road network so agencies can install cost-effective safety countermeasures. MnDOT is working with Minnesota counties to include systemic analysis in local roadway safety plans. Focusing on predictive analysis, MnDOT published a Performance-Based Practical Design guidance document, which emphasizes use of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Highway Safety Manual to inform decisions. The agency made crash modification factors—which calculate expected crash numbers after applying safety countermeasures—standard practice to quantify benefits of spot location safety projects.

Transportation utility fees (TUFs) are a value capture technique that can provide an effective way to fund road repair and maintenance projects. Under TUF programs, residents and businesses pay monthly fees based on formulas developed by the Institute of Transportation Engineers linking road maintenance costs to transportation system benefits. The city of Newberg, OR, adopted a TUF to generate about $1.2 million a year. In one project, the city rehabilitated four blocks of East Fifth Street rated in poor condition. The TUF covered nearly two-thirds of the cost to reconstruct the street and bring sidewalks and ramps up to Americans With Disabilities Act standards.

A review of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) data found that fatalities, injuries, and crashes decreased overall at 19 roundabouts built at 16 locations that were previously stop or signal controlled. The agency evaluated roundabouts that had at least 3 years of crash data available before and after construction. The data show that fatalities declined from two to none, suspected serious injuries dropped 90 percent, and total number of crashes decreased 34 percent. In addition to the 19 roundabouts reviewed, PennDOT has built 29 other roundabouts and has 40 more in design. To educate road users, the agency created a video on how to use roundabouts whether in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot.