Meaningful Use of Collected Local Roads Data and Information

Quarterly Report December 2005

Quarterly Report March 2006

Quarterly Report June 2006
Quarterly Report September 2006
Quarterly Report December 2006
Quarterly Report March 2007
Quarterly Report June 2007
Quarterly Report September 2007
Quarterly Report December 2007

FINAL REPORT

Project ID: 06-05
   
Research Project: Meaningful Use of Collected Local Roads Data and Information
   
P.I. Name & Address:

Terance McNinch

Michigan's Local Technical Assistance Program

Michigan Technological University

1400 Townsend Dr.

Houghton, MI  49931

tlmcninc@mtu.edu
   
Project Objective: The objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the current use of management systems by local road agencies. Achieving this understanding includes validating the deterioration and strategy evaluation models used in RoadSoft GIS and evaluating analysis use and needs in PASERWARE and WISLR.
   
Project Abstract: 39,000 local road agencies are challenged with implementation of road management systems. Local agencies in WI and MI have overcome some of the organizational and financial hurdles that prohibit implementation. This project will assess the current state of data collection and analysis, identify data gaps and recommend additional analysis at the region-wide and statewide level. Existing training materials will be evaluated and recommendations made for needed materials. The models currently used for pavement deterioration and strategy analysis in RoadSoft will be validated and if need be recommendations made for improvements. User implementation of PASERWARE and WISLR will be evaluation to determine its impact on the decision making process and additional analysis tool needs.
   
Task Descriptions:

1. A state of the practice summary on local road management will be prepared.

2. Local road agencies will be surveyed on data collection and analysis practices.

3. Suggestions will be made for region-wide and statewide analysis and the issues related to such use.

4. Data gaps that hamper implementation will be identified.

5. A summary of existing training materials and training needs will be prepared.

6.Validation of RoadSoft Models.

7. Evaluation of PASERWARE use.
   
Milestones, Dates:

Project Start Date: June 2005. Project End Date: September 30, 2006; Extended to: December 31, 2007

   
Budget: $171,000
   
Matching Funds & %: ***
   
Student Involvement: 1 Graduate Student
   
Relationship to Other Research Projects:

Michigan—RoadSoft GIS, Integrated roadway management system for counties, cities and villages in

Michigan. Under continued development since 1992. Funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Wisconsin—PASERWARE & WISLR, Local agency road management system for counties and towns in

Wisconsin. Funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
   
Technology Transfer Activities: Specific task regarding evaluation of current training materials and recommendation of training needs. Additionally, initial work will involve the LTAP Centers in MI, WI, MN, IL, IN, and OH. 
   
Potential Benefits of the Project: The 39,000 local agencies nationwide are in serious need of management systems they can understand and that are organizationally feasible to implement.  This project will document current best practices, gaps in data collection, strategic use of analysis, and validation of models for use in local roads management,
   

TRB Keywords:        

  Asset Management, Operations
   

Primary Subject:       

  Local agency data analysis
   
Modal Orientation: ***