Kansas Evaluates Effectiveness of Dynamic Signs in Slowing Traffic Near Work ZonesMay 11, 2021-Work zones for highway maintenance, repairs or construction can become unsafe when drivers fail to slow down.
Dynamic messaging signs are often used to alert drivers to the presence of work zones and foster slower traffic speeds, but whether the signs actually accomplish their intended goals has not been well understood.
In an attempt to verify the effectiveness of the signs, Kansas DOT collected and analyzed vehicle speeds and related data at three work zone sites. The study identified areas of improvement for future research to yield more conclusive findings.
Read the technical summary: Analysis of Speed Profiles and Evaluation of Dynamic Signs in Kansas Work Zones, March 2021.
Image source: Oregon DOT
Oregon Develops Chip Seal Performance Specification and Maintenance GuidanceMay 4, 2021-In an effort to ensure long-lasting chip seals, Oregon DOT has developed quantifiable standards that can be used to objectively measure a chip seal’s performance over time.
With input from maintenance workers, designers, suppliers, consultants and other industry stakeholders, Oregon DOT’s proposed performance specification for chip seals aims to encourage quality workmanship and innovation. The proposed specification also includes a one-year maintenance provision.
Read the report: Implementation Phase of SPR 777 Study and Guidance for a Chip Seal Performance Specification, April 2021.
Image source: Minnesota DOT
Remote Sensing Can Help Minnesota Improve Maintenance SafetyApril 20, 2021-Areas with tall grass can obscure hidden objects or even people, posing serious risk to maintenance crews. To reduce the risk, Minnesota DOT investigated remote sensing tools that could be used to identify dangers hidden from the naked eye.
The most promising tools offer a range of sensing capabilities, including infrared/thermal imaging, polarization filtering and radar. These are detailed based on applicability, availability, cost and more.
Read the research synthesis report: Remote Sensing in Maintenance Work, October 2020.
Image source: Minnesota DOT
Illinois Compiles Best Practices for Pothole RepairApril 14, 2021-To better understand how pavement repairs are addressed by transportation agencies across the country, Illinois DOT thoroughly examined available resources to identify the materials, equipment, and techniques commonly used.
The result is a compilation of current pothole repair practices for dozens of state transportation agencies, and the researchers' recommended steps for improving practices in Illinois.
Read the report: Current and Future Best Practices for Pothole Repair in Illinois, February 2021.
Ohio Assesses Influence of Roadside Tree CanopiesApril 6, 2021-Properly maintained roadside trees improve air quality and beautify roadways. Whether trees' canopies adversely affects pavement condition or motorist safety, however, has not been well understood.
Comparing shaded and unshaded road segments, researchers working with Ohio DOT did not find significant differences in the condition of pavements or in driver behavior/performance. They concluded that roadside trees should not be removed routinely, but instead individual trees and specific cases should be addressed.
Iowa Improves Accuracy of Work Zone DataMarch 30, 2021-Accurate construction and maintenance work zone data are essential for all kinds of transportation-related operations, such as traffic management, emergency response, and even post-project evaluation and analysis.
To improve the accuracy of Iowa DOT's data, researchers developed a work zone database that draws real-time information from a variety of sources and integrates it with the agency's existing systems.
Read the report: Developing a Research-Grade Iowa Work Zone Database Final Report, December 2020.
Louisiana Explores Machine Learning to Detect Pavement CracksMarch 23, 2021-After studying and classifying more than 2,500 images depicting concrete surface cracking, researchers working with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development applied complex mathematical formulas to create an improved digital modeling method to identify pavement cracks.
Together with visual imagery collected with drone or through other means, this could potentially change how roadway maintenance projects are identified and lead to improvements in the speed and accuracy of pavement crack detection.