happy days - texas a&m university · happy days november 8, 2017 pavement marking shields pm...

Happy Days November 8, 2017

HAPPY DAYS Traffic Engineering Measures that

Solicit Positive Public Comment


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


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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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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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



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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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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.


Overhead Speed Limit Signs

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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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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.



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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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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.



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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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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..



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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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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.


Wrong Way Driving Prevention Treatments

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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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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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Questions

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Special thanks to Ugonna Ughanze, P.E., Phillip Garlin, P.E., and Sergio Rodriguez, P.E.

happy days - texas a&m university · happy days november 8, 2017 pavement marking shields pm...

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