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Happy Days November 8, 2017
HAPPY DAYS Traffic Engineering Measures that
Solicit Positive Public Comment
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Agenda
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What is positive public comment?
Pavement Marking Shields
Truck Lane Restrictions
Overhead Speed Limits
Improved Flood Gauges
Flashing Curve Chevrons
Pavement Marking Improvements
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Questions9
Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments8
Happy Days November 8, 2017
What is Positive Public Comment?
Positive Public Comment is just what it sounds like, the
public reacting positively to a treatment we have
designed and installed. Our “data” on these positive
comments are more our section’s experiences with the
public, and less hard numbers.
Our presentation will not only consist of the positive
comments. We will talk of the measures effectiveness
in an overall traffic outlook, and their implementation
costs and challenges.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Shields
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Shields
PM Shields used typically at freeway to freeway interchanges.
(direct connectors)
They are popular because they give the drivers another way to
recognize which lane they need to use. This is helpful in areas
of abundant weaving.
PM shields supplement, sometimes confusing, overhead
signing.
They narrow the drivers’ focus helping to reduce “sign clutter”
for some drivers.
They also allow drivers’ another option when they are behind a
large vehicle that is occluding the overhead signs.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Shields
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Shields
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PM Shields are used typically at freeway to freeway
interchanges. This causes the interchanges to be
closed they are installed or replaced.
They are installed in locations of unusually high traffic
volumes with unusually high weaving movements;
therefore, they are easily worn out.
They work best if installed on pristine pavement (not
driven on) or it will require complicated surface
preparation.
PM shields are an expensive installation. ~$500
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Truck Lane Restrictions
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Truck Lane Restrictions
TL Restriction signs are perceived to allow cars a
“Truck Free” lane with which they may maneuver.
They are installed on controlled access freeways with 3
or more lanes and must be at least 6 miles in length
so are typically installed in urbanized areas.
TL Restriction signs are appreciated by car drivers,
trucking companies, and truck drivers as a way to
lessen vehicle conflicts.
They are appreciated by both Cities and Counties as a
way to show the public they are proactive to the
concerns of drivers.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Truck Lane Restrictions
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Truck Lane Restrictions
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TL Restrictions are NOT “Truck Free Zone” with which car
drivers may solely maneuver. Trucks are allowed to use the
lanes to pass.
They must be installed on controlled access freeways with 3+
lanes and must be >6 miles in length, and they must also
meet the criteria to be considered.
– It can’t be installed based upon public demand.
TL restrictions are only effective when they are enforced by
local authorities.
When they are used improperly, it is difficult for TxDOT to
convince the general public that the rules must be followed.
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Overhead Speed Limit Signs
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Overhead Speed Limit Signs
This will allow the driver an unencumbered view of the
speed limit sign without looking across 4 to 6 lanes of
traffic.
Law Enforcement like them as they then have a
wonderful “Didn’t you see the Speed Limit?” example.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Overhead Speed Limit Signs
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Overhead Speed Limit Signs
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The signs are large and expensive to install, i.e.
freeway lane closures.
–The size is not in MUTCD or SHSD. It is a
supplemental sign, and does not replace standard
signs.
Some drivers complain endlessly about the other
“CRAZY” drivers that continue to drive above the
posted limit and insist that they be installed on every
overhead structure.
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Improved Flood Gauges
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Improved Flood Gauges
Improved Flood gauges have the yellow color, and they
stand out better than the older white color.
The Houston District’s gauges are larger than the
SHSD Standard. Easier for public to see.
Used with the preceding warning signs TURN AROUND
DON’T DROWN/ROAD MAY FLOOD they have had a
greater impact on drivers
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Improved Flood Gauges
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Improved Flood Gauges
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There seems to be a great number of drivers that do
not understand how to read the gauges, and the
potentially serious danger that the gauge is warning
them about.
They are located far to the right or left, so they can be
overlooked by a driver especially when they are driving
in extremely heavy rain.
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Flashing Curve Chevrons
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Flashing Curve Chevrons
Flashing Curve Chevrons greatly enhance the
driver’s understanding of the severity of certain
curves.
They are loved by local authorities and residents as it
reduces the number and severity of crashes.
As they are flashing, the signs can help to focus
some impaired, fatigued, or distracted drivers
attention back to the roadway.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Flashing Curve Chevrons
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Flashing Curve Chevrons
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Flashing Curve Chevrons are more expensive to install.
They are also more expensive to maintain. They
require special parts, and signal technicians for repair
which causes their replacement take more time.
As they are so loved by the public you have many
communities /people demanding they be placed at
their curve, whether they are needed or not..
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Improvements
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Improvements
PM improvements include Shadow, Contrast, and just
wider pavement markings.
Shadow PM is easier to see in bright conditions like
sunrise, sunset.
Contrast PM, as a tape product, lasts longer and
remains reflective throughout the product life.
Wider pavement markings are easier to see in adverse
weather conditions and in the dark.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Improvements
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Pavement Marking Improvements
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Shadow, Contrast, and wider pavement markings all
increase the cost of pavement marking jobs.
Shadow markings are difficult to obliterate and
refresh. The change may confuse drivers if there have
been a lane shift.
Contrast PM as a tape product costs significantly
more, and has much more surface prep involved.
Additionally, if it is not installed correctly, then it can be
costly to remove and replace.
Happy Days November 8, 2017
Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments
WWD treatment is an attention grabbing treatment for
the wrong way driver.
It provides a proactive treatment to answer public
concerns.
WWD treatment provides additional information for out
of state/unfamiliar drivers.
A typical risk location treatment is not expensive
~$1,000
Subtle changes for the typical driver (not distracting/
confusing)
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Wrong Way Driver Prevention Treatments
The additional cost of full detection for higher
risk locations, or locations that continue to
have wrong way drivers after initial treatment.
(~$70,OOO)
There are increased maintenance costs/
efforts.
The treatment is fairly new. Exact efficacy % is
still unknown.
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Happy Days November 8, 2017
Questions
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Special thanks to Ugonna Ughanze, P.E., Phillip Garlin, P.E., and Sergio Rodriguez, P.E.
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