Using Data to Improve Traffic
Incident Management
 Through Every Day Counts round four (EDC-4), the Federal
Highway Administration is supporting State and local agencies in using data to improve traffic incident
management (TIM).
Many States already use data to identify trends, pinpoint
areas for improvement, and enhance the performance of programs to clear highway
incidents safely and quickly.
The Michigan Department of Transportation, for example,
produces a monthly TIM performance report for
the Southeast Michigan Traffic Operations Center and the agency’s western
region. Michigan creates a number of graphs that show average roadway clearance
times and incident clearance details.
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Another example comes from the Virginia Department of
Transportation, which produces monthly and quarterly TIM performance reports. Graphs
show trends in average incident clearance times and other data.
See the National Cooperative Highway Research Program’s Guidance
for Implementation of TIM Performance Measurement Web page for an overview and model
database.
Contact Paul Jodoin or Kimberly
Vasconez of the FHWA Office of Operations for information and
technical assistance.
Michigan Speakers Encourage Involvement in
Advancing
Innovation
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and FHWA staff presented
an overview of the Michigan State Transportation Innovation Council
at the MDOT–American Council of Engineering Companies Partnering Conference on
February 2 in in Lansing. The presentation focused on how transportation
stakeholders are collaborating to expand innovation use in Michigan. The
speakers also discussed EDC-4 innovations and
solicited ideas to encourage more stakeholder involvement in advancing
innovation.
Stakeholders Learn About Innovation Programs
Two events enabled transportation stakeholders to
learn about innovation programs administered by FHWA’s Center
for Accelerating Innovation and continue a dialogue on patented and
proprietary products initiated during the EDC-4 summits in fall 2016. FHWA
staff presented “State Transportation Innovation Councils:
Leading the Way in an Era of Rapid Change” at the Mid-Atlantic Quality
Assurance Workshop held February 7 to 9 in Hershey, PA. Speakers discussed “Getting
Your Innovative Product to Market” at the American Traffic Safety Services
Association Annual Convention and Traffic Expo on February 11 to 13 in Phoenix,
AZ.
Sign Up For Ultra-High Performance Concrete Connections
Webinars
FHWA is sponsoring a webinar series on ultra-high performance concrete connections
(UHPC) for prefabricated bridge elements. The six webinars—one each month from
March to August—will cover information on UHPC uses, benefits, and lessons
learned. Register for the Introduction to UHPC webinar
on March 7 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET. The webinar will provide guidance on
identifying UHPC applications, typical UHPC components, mechanical properties,
durability, costs, and ways to mix and place UHPC.
Learn About Implementing Quality
Environmental Documentation
Agencies interested in learning about the principles of implementing quality environmental
documentation (IQED) can contact Rob Ayers at the FHWA
Resource Center to request a workshop. Using the IQED core principles—tell the
story, keep the document brief, and ensure legal sufficiency—can expedite the
development of environmental documents required for transportation projects.
FHWA is also integrating IQED principles into National Highway Institute
training courses and the environmental Discipline Support System.
Participate in Civil Integrated Management Survey
Transportation professionals are invited to
participate in an online survey on the use of Civil
Integrated Management practices at transportation departments. The survey is
being conducted by the University of Texas at Austin and supported by the
Transportation Research Board Civil Integrated Management Subcommittee. Related
to the EDC 3D engineered models effort,
Civil Integrated Management is the technology-enabled collection, organization,
and use of data throughout the life cycle of a transportation asset.
Read About New Office of Innovative Program Delivery
“Innovation Corner” in the
latest issue of Public Roads magazine features an overview of the new Office of
Innovative Program Delivery (OIPD). FHWA is expanding OIPD, which includes the Center
for Accelerating Innovation, to improve the agency’s ability to
advance innovation in the transportation community. “Hot Topic” in the same issue
explains the role of OIPD’s Center for Innovative Finance Support in helping
agencies identify and use project financing tools.
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