Evaluation of the Safety Edge

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General Information
Solicitation Number: 872
Former Study Number:
Status: End Solicitation Phase
Date Posted: May 18, 2004
Last Updated: Feb 02, 2012
Solicitation Expires: Sep 30, 2004
Partners: CA, CO, GADOT, IN, MS, NC, NY, UT
Lead Organization: Federal Highway Administration
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2004
Commitment End Year: 2008
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Commitments Required: $225,000.00
Commitments Received: $360,000.00
Estimated Duration Month: 36
Waiver Requested: No
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kerry Perrillo Childress
kerry.childress@dot.gov
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Kerry Perrillo Childress
kerry.childress@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3318
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
California Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
Colorado Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Georgia Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
New York State Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
Utah Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov

Background

It is known that pavement edge (vertical) drop-offs, ranging in height from two inches to five inches, are frequently observed at the pavement edge on two-lane rural roadways. When an errant vehicle leaves the edge of the traveled path and encounters a pavement edge drop-off, it may be difficult for the driver to negotiate the drop-off and safely return to the traveled way. There is potential for the tire to scrape along the drop-off instead of being able to negotiate safely back into the traveled way. This unexpected tire engagement and corresponding resistance often leads to driver over-correction, directing the vehicle to return to the roadway at a sharper angle than necessary. On narrow two-lane roadways, this can result in the vehicle encroaching into the opposite lane of traffic and being involved in a secondary collision. This secondary collision can take the form of a (1) head-on collision with the opposing lane traffic, (2) sideswipe collision with the opposing lane traffic, (3) a run-off-road crash on the opposite side of the road, or (4) an overturn either within the traveled way or on the opposite side of the roadway. One pavement edge solution being used by some states, particularly when a pavement overlay is applied, is the termination of the pavement edge at a sloped angle, creating a fillet rather than a vertical edge. Prior research tends to indicate that the edge fillet, currently termed the "safety edge" or "edge wedge," presents less resistance to vehicle tires and can lead to a smoother, more controlled reentry back into the traveled way. Further evaluation is needed on the safety edge to determine its effectiveness.

Objectives

The goal of the proposed research is to evaluate the effectiveness of using the Safety Edge (edge wedge) to help prevent and reduce severity of pavement edge drop-off related crashes. A before-after evaluation (Empirical Bayes method) will be performed on sites with upcoming installations of the safety edge in the U.S.

Scope of Work

The initial scope of the Safety Edge Pooled Funds Study is to conduct a research project totaling $500,000 over three years. The end results will be an Empirical Bayes evaluation, using before-after data (where safety edges are installed), to help determine their effectiveness in reducing the number and severity of crashes due to pavement edge drop-offs. A contractor will be hired to collect before data (crash, traffic and roadway) this early summer (2004) at each of the sites where states believe they will be installing the safety edge. Once installation is complete, data will be collected and used to help determine the effectiveness in reducing crash frequency and severity. This construction season at least eight states are planning to install safety edges; it is our intent to collect data from each of these states, where appropriate sites and data are available. FHWA is spending $150,000 of FY 04 safety research funds to help begin the collection of data due to the rapid timeframe.

Comments

Solicitations will continue to be accepted through August 31, 2004. States interested in joining the study should contact Ms. Lisa Williams at (202) 493-3376. This project is open to any number of participating states, with a minimum of 5 states. The approximate amount of funding requested per state is $15,000 per year for 3 years. Total anticipated state funds are $225,000 over 3 years. FHWA will contribute $275,000.

No document attached.

Evaluation of the Safety Edge

General Information
Solicitation Number: 872
Status: End Solicitation Phase
Date Posted: May 18, 2004
Last Updated: Feb 02, 2012
Solicitation Expires: Sep 30, 2004
Partners: CA, CO, GADOT, IN, MS, NC, NY, UT
Lead Organization: Federal Highway Administration
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2004
Commitment End Year: 2008
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Commitments Required: $225,000.00
Commitments Received: $360,000.00
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kerry Perrillo Childress
kerry.childress@dot.gov
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Kerry Perrillo Childress
kerry.childress@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3318
Commitments by Organizations
Agency Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
California Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Craig Copelan Osama Elhamshary Osama_Elhamshary@dot.ca.gov
Colorado Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Skip Outcalt Aziz Khan aziz.khan@state.co.us
Georgia Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Stanley Kim Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Todd Shields Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 James Watkins James Watkins 601-359-7650 jwatkins@mdot.state.ms.us
New York State Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Dave Clements Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2004 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Emily McGraw Rodger Rochelle 919-715-4657 rdrochelle@dot.state.nc.us
Utah Department of Transportation 2005 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2006 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Mack Christensen Daniel Hsiao 801-386-4929 dhsiao@utah.gov

Background

It is known that pavement edge (vertical) drop-offs, ranging in height from two inches to five inches, are frequently observed at the pavement edge on two-lane rural roadways. When an errant vehicle leaves the edge of the traveled path and encounters a pavement edge drop-off, it may be difficult for the driver to negotiate the drop-off and safely return to the traveled way. There is potential for the tire to scrape along the drop-off instead of being able to negotiate safely back into the traveled way. This unexpected tire engagement and corresponding resistance often leads to driver over-correction, directing the vehicle to return to the roadway at a sharper angle than necessary. On narrow two-lane roadways, this can result in the vehicle encroaching into the opposite lane of traffic and being involved in a secondary collision. This secondary collision can take the form of a (1) head-on collision with the opposing lane traffic, (2) sideswipe collision with the opposing lane traffic, (3) a run-off-road crash on the opposite side of the road, or (4) an overturn either within the traveled way or on the opposite side of the roadway. One pavement edge solution being used by some states, particularly when a pavement overlay is applied, is the termination of the pavement edge at a sloped angle, creating a fillet rather than a vertical edge. Prior research tends to indicate that the edge fillet, currently termed the "safety edge" or "edge wedge," presents less resistance to vehicle tires and can lead to a smoother, more controlled reentry back into the traveled way. Further evaluation is needed on the safety edge to determine its effectiveness.

Objectives

The goal of the proposed research is to evaluate the effectiveness of using the Safety Edge (edge wedge) to help prevent and reduce severity of pavement edge drop-off related crashes. A before-after evaluation (Empirical Bayes method) will be performed on sites with upcoming installations of the safety edge in the U.S.

Scope of Work

The initial scope of the Safety Edge Pooled Funds Study is to conduct a research project totaling $500,000 over three years. The end results will be an Empirical Bayes evaluation, using before-after data (where safety edges are installed), to help determine their effectiveness in reducing the number and severity of crashes due to pavement edge drop-offs. A contractor will be hired to collect before data (crash, traffic and roadway) this early summer (2004) at each of the sites where states believe they will be installing the safety edge. Once installation is complete, data will be collected and used to help determine the effectiveness in reducing crash frequency and severity. This construction season at least eight states are planning to install safety edges; it is our intent to collect data from each of these states, where appropriate sites and data are available. FHWA is spending $150,000 of FY 04 safety research funds to help begin the collection of data due to the rapid timeframe.

Comments

Solicitations will continue to be accepted through August 31, 2004. States interested in joining the study should contact Ms. Lisa Williams at (202) 493-3376. This project is open to any number of participating states, with a minimum of 5 states. The approximate amount of funding requested per state is $15,000 per year for 3 years. Total anticipated state funds are $225,000 over 3 years. FHWA will contribute $275,000.

No document attached.

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