DESIGN AID INSTRUCTIONS
SAMPLE RECONNAISSANCE INSPECTION REPORT
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$The attached Design Aid is a sample report intended to be used as a general format template when writing Draft /Final Reconnaissance Inspection Reports. The report should summarize the project design standards, existing condition, recommendations, and cost estimates. To use, download the sample report, and modify all text, names, titles, project numbers, etc., as necessary to create a project specific report. Topics or attachments should be added or removed as necessary.
$Consultants writing reports for WYDOT are required to include their COMPANY NAME, CITY, and STATE at the top of the title page as shown in the sample report.
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FOR
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
February 1, 2002
DRAFT OR FINAL RECONNAISSANCE INSPECTION REPORT
For
Project No. NH-0N33-01(021)
Thermopolis - Meeteetse
(Thermopolis Northwest Section)
Hot Springs County
FIELD INSPECTION:February 3, 2004
DRAFT REPORT: February 20, 2004 FINAL REPORT: March 24, 2004
PREPARED BY: Ed Douma, P.E.
INSPECTION PERSONNEL:
Mike Schilling, P.E.Project Development Engineer Cheyenne
Mark Stiver, P.E.Project Engineer Worland
John HerrinMaintenance Foreman Thermopolis
Vicki Bonds, P.E.Materials Laboratory Cheyenne
Mike Schulte, P.G.Geology Cheyenne
Ed Douma, P.E.Project Development Cheyenne
Tim Stark, P.E.Environmental Services Cheyenne
Curtis Clabaugh, P.E.Photos and Surveys Cheyenne
Marion Barber, P.E.FHWA Cheyenne
Reviewed By:
Anthony Laird, P.E.
Project Development Engineer
Date:
Approved: Approved:
Paul Bercich, P.E. Shelby Carlson, P.E.
Highway Development Engineer District Engineer
Date: Date:
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Issued Apr_ 2008
LOCATION:
On Wyoming State Highway 120, beginning approximately 0.2 miles northwest of the west corporate limits of Thermopolis and extending northwest along the existing alignment for about 3.27 miles, ending about 2.4 miles southeast of Owl Creek.
REFERENCE:Program Study Report, dated June 6, 2002
ROUTE: WYO 120
NHS SYSTEM: NHS 0N33
HIGHWAY DISTRICT:Five
HIGHWAY COMMISSION DISTRICT: Five
LENGTH OF PROJECT:3.07 miles (Programmed)
3.27 miles (Modified per inspection)
PROGRAM PROJECT LIMITS:MP 1.14 to MP 4.21(Programmed)
MP 0.94 to MP 4.21(Modified per inspection)
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Rural Principal Arterial
PROGRAMMED CHARACTER OF WORK:Upgrade the highway to current standards to improve serviceability and safety. Reconstruction suggested. (per 06/06/2003 Program Study Report and current STIP)
PROGRAMMED FUNDING:Per 06/06/2002 Program Study Report and current STIP
CONSTRUCTION$ 2,500,000
P.E.$ 250,000
C.E.$ 250,000
2002 TOTAL$ 3,000,000
PROGRAMMED CONSTRUCTION YEAR:FY 2008 (per current STIP)
PURPOSE AND NEED:
The purpose of this project is to upgrade the highway to current standards and improve the safety and condition of this section of highway. This project is the last of a series of reconstruction projects between Thermopolis and Meeteeste.
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Issued Apr_ 2008
Foremost is the safety of the highway, which is substandard in terms of steep slopes causing potential vehicle rollovers. Also the top width of the pavement is insufficient for current standards, which call for wider shoulders. The existing north bound climbing lane is too short.
Consideration should be given to lengthening the crest vertical curve at MP 2.78 to improve stopping sight distance and visibility at the intersection with Sage Valley Road at MP 2.92.
EXISTING FACILITY:
Construction History:
The section of highway from MP 0.94 to MP 4.21 was originally graded and surfaced with plant mix pavement in 1961. It was overlaid with plant mix pavement in 1977. Since then, only crack sealing projects have been conducted.
Traffic Data:
MP 0.95 to MP 4.21
YearAADT DHV (%) Trucks (%)
Existing: 20021430 (est.) 182 (12.7%) 11.2%
Projected: 20231833 (est.) 233 (12.7%) 11.2%
Posted Speed Limit:65 mph
Horizontal Alignment:There are a total of six horizontal curves along the project.
LocationDegreeRadius Existing Superelev. Design Speed
MP 0.68 - MP 1.121 00' 2865 ft unknown 70 mph*
MP 1.26 - MP 1.5231 00' 1910 ft unknown 70 mph*
MP 1.78 - MP 2.2231 00' 1910 ft unknown 70 mph*
MP 2.31 - MP 2.4311 30' 3820 ft unknown 70 mph*
MP 2.60 - MP 3.1031 00' 1910 ft unknown 70 mph*
MP 3.64 - MP 4.2021 00' 2865 ft unknown 70 mph*
*All the existing horizontal curves would meet a 70 mph design speed with proper superelevation. The actual superelevations are not shown on the Aas-constructed@ plans. The curve from MP 0.68 to MP 1.1 is within the Thermopolis urban limits and is posted at a reducedspeed limit.
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Issued Apr_ 2008
Vertical Alignment:
The existing terrain and current highway profile grade approaches mountainous conditions. The maximum vertical profile grade is 4.8 percent. Using AK@ values shown in the 2001 AASHTO Green Book, the existing vertical crests and sags exceed a 75 mph stopping sight distance, except for the following vertical curves.
LocationCurve TypeK valueMax. Design Speed
MP 2.78Crest22667 mph
Roadway Widths:
Mileposts Total Width Left Shoulder Right Shoulder
0.94 - 2.5236 ft6 ft 6 ft
2.52 - 2.92**40 ft 4 ft 0 ft
2.92 - 4.2136 ft6 ft 6 ft
**This section of the highway includes a northbound climbing lane.
Existing Surfacing:
The existing highway pavement is in fair condition. Rut depth is averaging 0.22 in. The surfacing section consists of 52 in of plant mix pavement and 4 in crushed base.
Sideslopes/Grading:
Many of the existing roadside slopes are steep. Some fills have 1V:2H slopes and include long sections of corrugated beam guardrail. Some steep slope areas are currently not guardrailed.
Structures:
The following structures are located within the project limits:
MP 1.37 - 9 ft 9 ft reinforced concrete culvert constructed in 1961. The length is 154 ft.
MP 2.06 - 7 ft 7 ft reinforced concrete culvert constructed in1961. The length is 176 ft.
MP 3.59 (Str. No. CAK) - Triple reinforced concrete box constructed in 1961. The length is 109 ft. The sufficiency rating is 94.2. (See Picture 5)
Crash Experience:
There were a total of 27 crashes on this section of road from 1993 through 2002. There were 12 injury crashes. The total persons injured was 25 with no fatalities. The Wyoming 10-year average crash rate for state and federal systems was 1.6. The average 10-year crash rate for this section was 1.7.
Utilities:
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Issued Apr_ 2008
The utility data base report is included in this report. Utilities shown in this report include overhead power lines, underground telephone lines, and a fiber optics line paralleling and crossing the highway. There is a major 230 KV power line crossing at MP 1.2. There are also oil line encroachments at MP 1.0, MP3.0, and MP 4.0. The oil lines may be abandoned. The District will complete a utilities survey for inclusion on the mapping.
Right-of-Way:
The existing right-of-way width ranges from 200 ft to 250 ft wide.
Land Use:
The adjoining land is mostly privately owned. There also may be a small amount of BLM land. The property is mainly ranch land used for grazing. Some of the adjoining property near Thermopolis may be subdivided. The District will complete the LOCO map.
EnvironmentalConcerns:
A Categorical Exclusion should be sufficient for this project. One public meeting for informational purposes will be scheduled around the issuance of the Preliminary Grading Plans.
This area has the potential for a high density of cultural resources. Archeological and cultural investigations are needed along the project and within the proposed surfacing pit. Artifacts could be revealed during the investigations that may require special attention during design and construction.
Threatened and endangered species that need to be considered are raptors (including eagles), mountain plover, and black-footed ferrets. No raptors or nests were seen during the inspection; however, the area is favorable habitat. Occasionally, prairie dogs have been seen in the area, although there are no known prairie dog towns along the project. It is not expected that threatened and endangered species will be a major issue on this project.
No wetlands were identified during the inspection. If there are any wetlands, they would most likely be located along some of the drainages and would be very small in size.
There is an existing active spring located in the drainage on the west side of the highway at MP 2.06. It is possible that the construction will affect this spring.
There is a large draw that parallels the highway from MP 1.7 to MP 2.2 (See picture 6). If the highway is widened along the existing centerline, the addition of the climbing lane will require large fills that will encroach into this drainage. In addition, there are smaller drainage channels that encroach within the right-of-way between MP 2.8 and MP 3.4 that will be affected by the highway widening. Channel changes will probably be required. Even though these channels are dry most of the time, it is possible that they may be classified as Waters of the U.S.
RECONNAISSANCE REPORT RECOMMENDED INTENT:
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Issued Apr_ 2008
Widen and overlay and partially reconstruct the roadway. Widen shoulders and safety grade to current standards. Correct superelevation in horizontal curves and construct northbound climbing lane in accordance with current standards. If feasible, increase the length of the vertical curve at the top of the hill to improve sight distance.
RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE: FY 2008
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE BASED ON RECONNAISSANCE
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS:
PROJECT ESTIMATE
CONSTRUCTION (Roadway)$ 3,245,000
CONSTRUCTION (Bridge)$ 250,000
Inflation$ 324,000 (3 years at 3% per year)
SUBTOTAL$ 3,819,000
P.E. (10%)$ 382,000
C.E. (10%)$ 382,000
SUBTOTAL$ 764,000
TOTAL$ 4,583,000 (FY 2008 dollars)
This estimate was produced assuming 35 percent reconstruction and 65 percent widen and overlay.
DESIGN CRITERIA
Type of Terrain:Severe rolling to mountainous
Type of Area:Rural
Number of Lanes:Two lanes plus climbing lane where required
Minimum Design Speed:65 mph (70 mph where possible)
Lane Width:12 ft
Shoulder Width:8 ft (6 ft along climbing lane)
Clear Zone Width:30 ft
Surface Type:Plant Mix Pavement and crushed base
RECONNAISSANCE REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
Project Limits:
Adjust the project limits on the southeast end of the project to tie into the recently completed Thermopolis Streets Section at the point where the road width taper is 40 ft wide. This is at approximately MP 0.94. The adjusted project length would be approximately 3.27 mi.
Intent and Typical Section:
This section of highway will be widened and overlaid and partially reconstructed in accordance with current WYDOT and AASHTO standards for rural principal arterial. Planning Study Report suggested total reconstruction. The remaining sections of highway between Thermopolis and Meeteetse were reconstructed in the 1980s and early 1990s.
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Issued Apr_ 2008
The proposed paved top width will be 40 ft (two 12-foot traveled ways with two 8-foot shoulders) in the two lane sections. In the climbing lane section, the paved top width will be 50 ft, consisting of two 12-foot traveled ways, one 12-foot climbing lane, one 8-foot shoulder, and one 6-foot shoulder on the climbing lane side. The 6-foot wide shoulder along the climbing lane will be constructed in lieu of the minimum 4-foot shoulder allowed be the AASHTO Green Book to provide additional room for bicycle traffic. This road experiences high bike traffic during the summer months.
According to the Aas-constructed@ plans, this section of road was constructed on a constant 1.56 percent crown slope in tangent areas with no center crown (similar to a typical interstate highway lane). If the project is widened and overlaid, this configuration would need to be maintained.
Climbing Lane:
Construct a north bound climbing lane of sufficient length to meet the requirements outlined in the 2001 AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. The existing climbing lane was striped in after the highway was originally constructed and is too short. There is no existing paved shoulder along the existing climbing lane.
Horizontal Alignment:
The existing horizontal alignment geometrics will meet a 70 mph design speed and can be maintained. However, it may be desirable to make minor alignment shifts along the project to minimize construction of high fills or channel changes that would be necessary if the road is widened along the existing centerline. This would only be possible on portions of the highway that are reconstructed. In widen and overlay areas, the existing horizontal alignment would be maintained.
Superelevation:
The superelevations along the horizontal curves will be improved to meet a minimum 65 mph design speed. This will be accomplished by reconstruction and/or by cold milling and placing plant mix leveling along the existing pavement. The horizontal curves cover about 2.21 miles (68 percent) of the project.
Vertical Alignment:
The vertical crest curve at the top of the hill at MP 2.78 may be lengthened and reconstructed to improve the stopping sight distance and improve visibility at the Sage Valley Road intersection at MP 2.95 (See Pictures 1 & 4). There have been some collisions and Anear misses@ at this intersection where the limited sight distance over the crest was a contributing factor. It should be noted that the vertical profile over the crest does meet a minimum 65 mph stopping sight distance. The existing vertical alignment will be maintained through the rest of the project.
Turn Lanes:
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Issued Apr_ 2008
The District recommends that a left turn lane be constructed at the intersection with Sage Valley Road. District maintenance recently widened the road in this area and added a left turn lane due to the traffic safety problems discussed above (See Picture 4). The climbing lane and passing lane may need to be carried beyond the left turn lane.
Pullouts:
The existing pullout at the top of the hill at MP 2.78 will be rebuilt if feasible.
Grading:
In non-guardrail locations, 30-foot wide clear zones will be provided. Barnroof 1V:8H slopes will be constructed along the outside shoulders. Roadside ditches will be constructed to a minimum 3 ft depth. Flat bottom ditches maybe constructed beyond the typical ditch section to obtain borrow material and to provide snow storage.
Borrow material will be obtained along the highway from roadside cuts. It is not anticipated that separate borrow sources will be needed.
Guardrail:
The existing highway has extensive runs of guardrail due to steep slopes. Side slopes will be flattened to eliminate the need for guardrail as much as possible. Guardrail will be replaced at locations where it would not be practical to flatten the slopes. Box beam guardrail will be used.
Snow Drifting:
Snow drifting problems have occurred along a couple of the guardrailed sections at the top of the hill. The road will be safety graded here to eliminate the need for the guardrail. No other snow drifting areas were identified at the inspection.
Geology:
The Geology Program will investigate the roadway and will produce a soils profile. Geology investigations will also be conducted at the box culvert and large pipe culvert locations. There are some eroded slopes around the existing draws crossing the highway that will be repaired during construction.
Surfacing:
The preliminary surfacing section for reconstruction locations is as follows:
16 in Crushed Base
4 in Hot Plant Mix (full width) Chip Seal
The preliminary surfacing section for widen and overlay areas is as follows:
16 in Crushed Base (widening both sides)
2 in Hot Plant Mix (widening)
1 in Hot Plant Mix Leveling (full width)*
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Issued Apr_ 2008
2 in Hot Plant Mix overlay (full width)
Chip Seal**
* It is anticipated that leveling within the horizontal curves could average several inches in depth to correct superelevations. Some cold milling may also be done to help correct superelevations.
**The chip seal will be placed across the traveled ways extending 1 ft into the shoulders.
Existing plant mix pavement within reconstruction areas will be cold milled and stockpiled for use as temporary surfacing during construction, or it could possibly be incorporated into the crushed base.
Materials Source:
The proposed surfacing source has not been determined yet. The closest existing source is the High Island & Brown Pit located near MP 20. The District will try to locate a closer pit. If it is a new source, Geology will need to investigate the pit and Environmental Services will conduct the necessary investigations.
Plant Site:
The plant site will probably be located at the pit. An air quality permit will be needed if it is a new surfacing source.
Water Source:
The water source will probably be the Big Horn River. WYDOT may also apply for water from the Town of Thermopolis from its current permit for untreated water from the Big Horn River.
Right-of-Way:
Additional right-of-way and construction permits will be required along the project to accommodate the highway widening and safety grading and to obtain borrow material. Any additional right-of-way takings or construction permit areas will need to be investigated archeologically and culturally.
Drainage Culverts:
All existing pipe culverts will be evaluated hydraulically. If the existing culverts are large enough and in good condition, they will be extended. For existing pipes in poor condition within high fills, the option of installing and grouting smaller pipe or PVC liner pipe through the existing pipe should be evaluated. All other pipes will be replaced. The double pipe crossing at MP 1.0 will be replaced due to seepage and corrosion problems. The roadway has also settled over this draw.
Box Culverts:
The three box culvert crossings along the project will need to be extended. The Bridge Program will determine if extension is sufficient or if replacement is necessary. It will need to be determined if any of the box culverts are used for livestock crossings.
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Issued Apr_ 2008
Traffic Control:
Traffic control issues include maintaining traffic mobility during construction. If the roadway is reconstructed, it may be desirable to incorporate minor alignment shifts or detours in places to allow work on the road while maintaining traffic on the existing surface.
Signing:
Permanent signing will be upgraded and delineators replaced along the project.
Road Closure Gates & ITS:
There is a road closure gate at MP 0.94. There are no weather sensors, cameras, or any other ITS devices currently located on this section of the road. The project will be reviewed to determine if any ITS devices should be installed as part of the contract.
Fencing:
New fence will be installed along the right-of-way line.
Public Meetings:
One informational public meeting is recommended for this project. It will be scheduled after the issuance of the preliminary grading plans.
Project Schedule: