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Domestic Scan Proposal Form

AASHTO is now soliciting proposals for the US Domestic Scan Program (NCHRP Panel 20-68A).

Selected scan topics will be investigated by one of three ways: (type 1) site visits to three to six locations for approximately a two week period or less, by webinar; (type 2) peer exchange; or (type 3) conducted by a group of eight to 12 transportation professionals with expertise in the selected topic area. Proposed topics should meet the following criteria:

• Address an important and timely need for information by transportation agencies;

• Are of interest to a broad national spectrum of people and agencies;

• Are complex and also “hands-on,” meaning they lend themselves particularly well to exploration through on-site visits; and

• Are sufficiently focused that the tour participants are able to investigate and understand key issues in the limited time available on the tour.

Before submitting your proposal it is highly recommended that you read What Makes a Good Scan Topic Proposal

This form is designed to collect the full length of your proposal. Sections requiring essays have unlimited space for you to use. Contact information has some limited text. Click on the highlighted boxes to advance to the area where you need to complete information.

Proposals should be returned no later than date list on NCHRP website.

IMPORTANT NOTE on How to save your document: LastNameFirst Initial, underscore_Organization Acronym _CY2021 Saved Document Name Example: NgetheP_AASHTO_CY2021

If you have more than one, add a number after first initial: NgetheP1_AASHTO_CY2021

Domestic Scan Proposal Contact Information

Name Vaughn Nelson Address

Title Statewide Design Engineer E-mail vanelson@

Agency/Member Department

Utah Department of Transportation

AASHTOCommittee

Committee on Design

Telephone number 801-910-2031

Date of submission

10/29/2020

☐Please check this box if your proposal has been endorsed or is being requested through an AASHTO Committee. List the AASHTO Committee(s) that endorsed this proposal: Click or tap here to enter text.

Title of Proposed Scan:Implementation of Context Classification of Roadways

Problem Statement (What topic is to be examined? What drives the need for the scan? Why now?)

Expanding and increasingly varied urban development requires the additional flexibility that is possible through broadened context classification of roadways. The recently released 7th edition of the AASHTO Green Book introduced the concept of context-based classification of roadways as a means to design roadways that are more appropriate for the environment in which they are built and operated. The 8th edition of the Green Book is expected to expand the use of context in determining the design parameters for roadways.

Although the increased flexibility of the context-based classification is appreciated, it introduces many questions on how to actually implement this change. For example, when is the context of a certain segment of roadway determined? Should this be done on a state-wide basis, or corridor by corridor, or perhaps project by project? What factors should be used in determining the context of a particular roadway. Is it set based on current conditions or anticipated future conditions? Who is involved in making that determination? Likewise, how are the flexibilities afforded by the new Green Book actually implemented during design? What criteria are used for design exceptions? How do designers know the breadth of flexibility they are allowed to exercise and where the limits are?

As state DOTs adopt the latest edition of the Green Book there is increasing pressure to use this new found flexibility. States that are attempting to implement context-based classification would benefit from learning what other states have done to implement it. It would help them to develop their own context classification process and standards as well as training for planners and designers. Learning from experienced states will help ease the transition for states just embarking on implementation.

Scan Scope (What specific subject areas are to be examined? Which cities and states might be visited? Which agencies/organizations (including specific departments or types of staff if applicable)?

The scope of this proposed Scan Tour is to allow key personnel from states that are embarking on implementing context-based classification of roadways to gain insight into how it has been successfully implemented in other states (or unsuccessfully implemented). Florida is one example a state that has implemented a context classification guide and could be an option for a visit. Key staff members may include those responsible for maintaining the highway classifications, long range planners, those that oversee development of design documents such as manuals, policies, and training, and potentially others depending on the organization of individual DOTs.

Anticipated Scan Results (What key information is to be gained? What information is to be shared after the scan? Who would the audience be for this information?)

The intent of this scan tour is to allow states to learn from the experiences of those that have already implemented context-based classification of roadways. By talking with DOTs that have already gone through the implementation the participating states can determine how best to implement this process in their own state. They can learn what worked well and what the challenges were. Where in the Project Development process this should be done. Is it a planning responsibility or a design task? What lessons have states learned that would be useful?

Benefits Expected (Including potential impacts on current technology or procedures) The ultimate benefit of context-based classification of roadways is the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of roadways that are most compatible with the environment (natural and manmade) that they traverse and serve. Conducting this scan tour and allowing states to learn from those that have already implemented this process will allow the DOTs to be more efficient in their implementation. By avoiding pitfalls that previous DOTs have already experienced, the participants will be able to save money and time in their own implementation. Understanding how context-based classification effects the project development process, the design process, standards, etc. will prepare DOTs to implement this change more effectively. It should lead to a more uniform implementation across the country and allow for a common language to develop nationwide, promoting greater cooperation and sharing amongst DOTs.

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