Transportation Asset Management Threshold Levels

TAM Pooled Fund Research Program Project

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Project ID:                    05-01

Research Project:         Transportation Asset Management Thresholds                   

 

P.I. Name & Address:  Co. PIs. Pablo Durango-Cohen

Edward J. Czepiel

Transportation Center

Northwestern University

600 Foster Street

Evanston IL 60208-4055

Project Objective:        The goal of the project is to establish guidelines to answer the following questions: 1. What asset management programs are appropriate to support existing business practices in agencies with small transportation networks? & 2. What level of resources should be committed to adopting, implementing and supporting such programs?

Project Abstract:          The objectives of the proposed research are to: 1. Catalog best practices in asset management based on technological sophistication, expertise needed (information technology vs. organizational), and funding requirements (initial investment, maintenance, training, and upgrade costs), as well as other potential measures of value. 2. Assess status of municipal and county agencies in terms of resources, organizational structure, and related infrastructure systems. 3.Perform a linkage analysis for establishing guidelines as to what types of activities and support tools, data are appropriate depending on the status of agencies. 4.  Create a customized a plan to suggest activities that agencies can conduct within the framework of asset management and that are within their resources. 

Task Descriptions:      

Task 1: Summary of DOT or other agency best practices used to identify the techniques and

software/hardware requirements for Transportation Asset Management at a county or municipal level.

Task 2: Identification of asset management tools and techniques that are most appropriate for agencies with small networks.

Task 3: Suggestions for thresholds, in terms of some measure of size, below which even fairly simple asset management tools may not be appropriate for an agency to employ.

Task 4: A set of guidelines to help local transportation agencies use or modify these best practices strategies effectively in their respective states.

Task 5: A review of barriers that may exist in federal laws, regulations, guidance and practices that might inhibit or foster the use of these strategies.

 

Milestones, Dates:        Project Start Date: Oct 1, 12 months

Budget:                        $138,526

Matching Funds & %: $33,540, 24% (Northwestern University)

Student Involvement:   1 12 month Graduate student assistant 

Potential Benefits

of the Project:             jointly Northwestern University and Cambridge Systematics.

Northwestern brings strong expertise in Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning.

 

Modal Orientation:      Highway