Analyzing Data for Measuring Transportation Performance by State DOTs and MPOs (2019)

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38 This chapter summarizes activities underway within states and MPOs under NCHRP studies and within FHWA to develop new tools and techniques for data to support performance measure- ment. The chapter is based on the survey results and follow-up interviews, as well as the litera- ture review. There is a great deal of activity and research around techniques for improving the collection, analysis, and reporting of data to support performance measurement within DOTs and MPOs. State and MPO Activities Underway In the surveys and case examples, State DOTs and MPOs reported that the following activities for bridges and for mobility and safety were underway. Bridge Michigan DOT has been forecasting bridge condition using a Bridge Condition Forecast Spreadsheet for many years. This spreadsheet takes into account current condition, his- toric deterioration rates, project costs, future budgets, and currently programmed projects in order to project future network-level condition based on a minimum NBI condition rating. They intend to continue with this spreadsheet to develop targets for bridge condition, with perhaps a more detailed analysis on programmed projects to evaluate dates in order to better determine when those projects would tie to a final inspection and an increase in condition. Michigan DOT is also researching 3D inspection, and using the location-based/spatial inspection data to improve deterioration models as other elements (aka joints) can heavily influence the future condition of other elements in the bridge. Montana DOT is developing RFP requirements for an analytical tool to assess future bridge condition, establish targets, identify funding gaps, and assist in agency and federal reporting needs. Mobility Pennsylvania DOT is undertaking several efforts internally and with universities to calculate performance measures using custom-developed tools. These efforts are focused on joining several data sources together to create a picture of congestion/mobility. Tools under develop- ment for Pennsylvania DOT for specific performance measures include a public-facing website, mid-level analysis tools, and deep-dive analytical tools. C H A P T E R 5 Research and Development Underway

Research and Development Underway 39 Kentucky indicated that Hadoop was required to handle the mass of data on hand for this effort. They are also looking at using Tableau to aid in presenting the data. New York State DOT, in collaboration with the state’s 14 MPOs, is working through its University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) and using the State University at New York’s AVAIL to analyze the NPMRDS data and develop a tool that will be used to pro- duce the required metrics. New York State is also interested in developing partnerships with other states to share and build on the capabilities of the AVAIL dashboard tool. Over the next year, MetroPlan Orlando will be developing outreach opportunities through the Invest Tool Grant to understand the big picture themes and vision for transportation, health, and the economy. This process will identify major goals, performance measures, and general targets that will feed into the 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan Update (see more detail in Appendix C Case Example). MetroPlan Orlando is also looking into the use of accessibility software to get a better, more consistent measure for multimodal mobility. Maryland DOT’s SHA is finalizing a DBP to better coordinate and manage mobility data for performance measures and Transportation System Management and Operations (TSM&O) (see Appendix C). Safety New York State already collects crash data on all public roads. They are creating a database of intersections, taking additional traffic counts on local roads, and creating a local LRS to improve crash data analysis capabilities on local roads. New York is also taking additional traffic counts on local roads to obtain a more accurate estimate of VMT. Florida DOT is working with the HSM methods for predictive analysis and is encouraging the use of those methods to be used in benefit/cost analyses to justify safety projects. South Dakota DOT is developing a performance tool to calculate the benefit/cost of com- pleted safety projects. NCHRP Studies Underway Several relevant NCHRP studies are underway or planned as described below. Pavement NCHRP 01-52—A Mechanistic-Empirical Model for Top-Down Cracking of Asphalt Pavement Layers—To be completed October 31, 2017—The objective of this research is to develop a mechanistic-empirical model (and associated computational software) for predicting top-down cracking in asphalt pavement layers and incorporation into the MEPDG procedures. Performance Measures and Data NCHRP 20-24 (104)—State DOT Implementation of MAP-21 Performance Measure Rules—To be completed September 2017—The objective is to create a timeline tool for State DOTs, MPOs, and transit agencies to track deadlines and requirements of MAP-21/FAST Act. NCHRP 07-24—Estimating the Value of Truck Travel Time Reliability—The objective of this research is to develop an improved framework for truck freight reliability valuation.

40 Analyzing Data for Measuring Transportation Performance by State DOTs and MPOs Asset Management NCHRP 08-36 (Task 144)—Transportation Asset Management and Effective Organiza- tional Models for Program Implementation—To be completed May 2018. The objective of this research is to enhance understanding of TAM’s relationship to broader transportation goals and how best to make the connections stronger from planning, program- ming, project delivery, to maintenance/operations. NCHRP 08-109—Updating the AASHTO Transportation Asset Management Guide— A Focus on Implementation, Phase 1—To be completed November 10, 2017. The objective of NCHRP Project 08-10 is to update the AASHTO Transportation Asset Management Guide—A Focus on Implementation to improve its effectiveness, and thereby advance the practices of public agency TAM. NCHRP 08-103—Implementing NCHRP Report 806: Guide to Cross-Asset Resource Allocation and the Impact on Transportation System Performance—To be completed June 1, 2018. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the implementation of the prototype cross- asset resource allocation tool developed in NCHRP Report 806: Guide to Cross-Asset Resource Allocation and the Impact on Transportation System Performance. The research should address a broad range of activities related to cross-asset resource allocation. NCHRP Studies Anticipated Two studies of interest are anticipated in 2018: • NCHRP 08-113—Effective Transportation Asset Management Practices at State DOTs, Regional Organizations, and Local Agencies, 2018; and • NCHRP 08-115—Framework for Designing and Managing Data and Information Workflows for Transportation Assets, 2018. FHWA Research Underway Being a central resource for TPM support, FHWA provides tools, noteworthy practices, and presentations to assist states and MPOs in aligning processes, practices, resources, and day-to- day work requirements to achieve national performance objectives and progress. The TPM office provides noteworthy practices, presentations/webinar, publications, tools, the TPM Digest, and the TPM Toolbox. All of the resources and research underway can be found on the TPM website (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tpm/about/tpm.cfm). Another important initiative within FHWA is the development and support of the NPMRDS. A new set of data will be available to states in the near future. Many of the issues related to confla- tion with HPMS are supposed to be addressed with the new contract. Additional relevant studies underway within FHWA include • Guidebooks Development for Transportation Performance Management Implementation; • Development of Guidance Documents and Workshops to Support the Implementation of Asset Management Plans; • Office of Operations Data Business Plan Guide; • Office of Safety Data Business Plan Guide; and • Office of Safety—Data Collection and AADT Estimation for Non-Federal-Aid System Roads.

Research and Development Underway 41 Relevant FHWA studies that are in procurement stage are • FHWA Improved VMT Estimation on Non-Federal-Aid System Roadways; • SHRP Reliability Data and Analysis Tools (RDAT) Outreach Planning and Program Support; • Enhance Existing Planning for Operations Workshops to Incorporate Reliability; • Integrating Travel Time Reliability into Transportation System Management; and • Organizing for Reliability Peer Exchange. Some of the research needs identified in this synthesis may be related to the ongoing and anticipated initiatives described above.