Document Library

Bridge management practices of departments of transportation (DOTs) in Idaho, Michigan, and Virginia, are reported. These DOTs are examples of the success that is possible for asset management practices applied to bridges and culverts. Idaho, Michigan, and Virginia manage their structures by: Identifying structures to be preserved; Measuring performance of structures; Setting goals for performance; Applying work programs that respond to performance measurements; Reporting performance to stakeholders, and; Leveraging State-wide commitment to preservation of assets.

Over the last decade the majority of the 250 highway authorities in the United Kingdom have developed highway asset management plans. The CSS Framework Guidance on Highway Asset Management (HAM) published in 2004 provided a real stimulus to help Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) get started. The recently published report by the English Government’s Audit Commission ‘Going the Distance’, further emphasized the economic benefits of applying comprehensive asset management to road infrastructure but also identified there was a very mixed economy in the take up the LHAs in adopting a comprehensive approach to applying HAM. The English Government’s Highway Maintenance Efficiency Programme (HMEP) was established in 2011. A total of £6 million of funds have been allocated to develop a comprehensive and long term efficiency program aimed at supporting English LHAs up to 2018. Over the coming years, HMEP will provide practical and adaptable efficiency solutions. Recognizing the importance of raising the bar in HAM in the UK, HMEP is supporting asset management projects: 1) new documentation for Highway Infrastructure Asset Management (HAM); 2) a toolkit for HAM life cycling planning; 3) standard deterioration model; and 4) guidance on the most cost-effective approach to maintaining drainage assets. All the products are currently under development and are scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2012.

The objective of NCHRP 25-25/51 is to discover what state departments of transportation (DOTs) are doing in the field to maintain environmental assets and to identify models where DOTs are performing condition assessments, setting thresholds and performance measures, and implementing asset management systems. Findings, considerations, and practices are presented in this report as a potential addition to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO’s) Compendium of Environmental Stewardship practices.

Failures of traffic signals can lead to crashes and loss of productivity. As the road network gets more congested, the sustained operation of traffic signals becomes even more critical. The effective management of traffic signal assets therefore plays a vital role. This study developed guidance in the management of traffic signal assets to maximise level of service at a minimum life-cycle cost; mitigate risks to road users; and continually improve planning, maintenance and operations. To provide guidance, a template for an asset management strategy for traffic signals was developed which focusses on achieving a well-defined and broadly accepted level of service, recognises and manages risks to road users and assets, and uses whole-of-life costs as its criterion. Performance monitoring, review and feedback processes are also suggested to identify improvements in the planning process.

This issue contains 13 papers concerned with traffic control devices, visibility, and highway-rail grade crossings. Specific topics addressed include: “vehicle entering when flashing” signs; countdown-only pedestrian change interval displays; driver perception-reaction time under rainy or wet roadway conditions at the onset of yellow indications; improved dilemma zone identification; left-turning driver behavior during the permissive interval of protected-permissive operation; and expectancy violations on frontage and conventional roads at interchanges. Other topics discussed include: illuminance from LED luminaires; the impact of modern headlamp technology on design criteria for sag vertical curves; background complexity of overhead guide signs; nighttime visibility of in-service pavement markings; replacing roadway lighting with new lighting technologies; injury severity of motor vehicle drivers at highway-rail grade crossings; and advanced devices for preventing crashes and gate-breaking incidents at highway-rail grade crossings.

Flyer for Transportation Asset Management Conference, May 8, 2013, East Lansing, MI.

This webinar focused on chapter 2 of the AASHTO Transportation Asset Management Guide. The focus of this chapter is on setting direction for TAM. Steps covered: Setting agency goals and objectives; Self-assessment and gap analysis; Defining scope of TAM in the agency. Includes case studies of Iowa, OH, and North Dakota. Presented in Webinar: The Transportation Asset Management Book Club.

Discusses Asset Management Needs / Drivers, the Systems Required to Support Asset Management, and business processes for design and integration

Describes how to develop, implement and maintain standards, recommended practices and design guidelines to achieve safety, reliability and efficiency in transit system design, operation and maintainability.

Introduces key asset management concepts, presents a transit specific asset management framework and business model that defines and communicates “best practice” and provides guidance to advance asset management maturity within any agency. Describes tools and case studies that can support implementation.

Overview of FTA Asset management pilot projects.

Transportation Asset Management Plan; Performance Management; LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT; PAVEMENTS; BRIDGES; HIGHWAY SIGNS; PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT