DOI

10.5703/1288284315528

Abstract

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) selects projects for implementation by taking into account several criteria related to cross-section, alignment and safety to evaluate various geometry improvements to be carried out as a part of projects. The existing practice uses an intuitive point allocation method to score these individual categories. The current study proposes a methodology to evaluate these projects considering the safety and mobility impacts of the improvements which lie in the scope of each project. This methodology is also used to screen roads based on existing geometry deficiencies with respect to a desirable design standard. The road screening process and the project evaluation process form two steps that support the asset management process. The road screening process helps in filtering road segments based on geometry deficiencies and identifies the least adequate road segments. Projects may be further developed with estimated improvements to be carried out on such segments using detailed information regarding these improvements.

As part of the study, we have also investigated feasible ways of extracting additional elements from available datasets to support asset management in Indiana. We have looked into available data sources for their suitability. We have combined the use of orthophotos, LiDAR point clouds, digital elevation and surface models to identify remote sensing methods that are capable of extracting the required features efficiently. We propose a framework for determining the paved surface, average grade, embankment slopes, extracting the obstructions near the traveled way like trees and man-made structures.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2015/06

Keywords

road geometry, asset management, project evaluation, new data sources

SPR Number

3640

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of this Version

9-2015

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