Many state DOT's have sponsored research on roadside safety issues that include crash testing of features in accordance with FHWA adopted standards (NCHRP Report 350). Many of the research and functional problems are common to more than one state and so there is efficiency and cost effectiveness in pooling resources to conduct certain crash tests.

To establish an ongoing roadside safety research program that will meet the research and functional needs of participating states in a cost-effective and timely manner.

A committee of representatives from participating states will form a technical committee to identify common research needs, select projects for funding and oversee implementation of results. Specific research activities addressed within the program will include the design, analysis, testing, and evaluation of crashworthy structures, and the development of guidelines for the use, selection and placement of these structures. Crashworthy structures to be addressed include bridge rails, guardrails, transitions, median barriers, portable concrete barriers, end treatments, crash cushions, culverts, breakaway support structures (e.g. sign supports, luminaire supports, mailboxes), and work zone traffic control devices. Research will also address the influence of highway features such as driveways, slopes, ditches, shoulders, medians, and curbs on single vehicle collisions. The problems identified with these structures and features will be addressed through in¿service performance evaluation studies, computer simulation, full-scale crash testing, clinical analyses, real-world crash data, and benefit cots analyses. The specific identification, selection and prioritization of research issues will be made by the technical committee on an annual basis, unless emerging issues require committee decisions in the interim.

WSDOT will serve as the initial chair of the technical committee and contemplates entering into an agreement with Texas Transportation Institute to perform the research projects. TTI will report to the committee and will work under the committee's guidance. TTI anticipates offering a reduced overhead rate for projects conducted under this pooled fund project at 10% of modified total direct costs. At a minimum, participating states must commit $25,000 for three years to participate in the pooled fund project. State's who have indicated an interest in this solicitation are Louisiana, Florida, Minnesota and Alaska.