Domestic Scan Proposal Form
AASHTO is soliciting topic proposals for a Calendar Year 2014 US Domestic Scan Program (NCHRP Panel 20-68A). Each selected scan topic will be investigated through site visits to three to six locations for approximately a two week period or less (type 1), 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 http://www.domesticscan.org/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. Use your TABà key to advance to the area where you need to complete information.
Proposals should be returned no later than OCTOBER 15, 2013.
IMPORTANT NOTE on How to save your document: LastNameFirst Initial, underscore_Organization Acronym _CY2014.
Saved Document Name Example: VitaleM_AASHTO_CY2014
If you have more than one, add a number after first initial: VitaleM1_AASHTO_CY2014
Domestic Scan Proposal Contact Information
Name / NANCY BOYD / Address / 310 Maple Park Ave SETitle / Program Administrator / E-mail /
Member Department / WSDOT / Telephone number / 360.905.1545
AASHTO Committee / SCOH / Date of submission / 10/15/2013
Title of Proposed Scan: Implementing Practical Design into Multimodal Project Planning, Design, and Delivery
Problem Statement (What topic is to be examined? What drives the need for the scan? Why now?)
Practical design is an approach to engineering and project development that focuses on maximizing targeted transportation improvements for the best value, in order to focus spending where it's most effective.Some states have adopted formal policies and design guidance, and the recently published NCHRP Synthesis 443 "Practical Highway Design Solutions" features several states with practical design initiatives. As more states struggle to adjust with dwindling revenues, they will be seeking guidance and best practices from organizations that have already implemented practical design. In particular, it will be important to share information, best practices, and lessons learned on topics including: 1) implementing practical design throughout the development process (planning, scoping, design, operations); 2) messaging practical design for multuple audiences (engineers, legislators, the public) for maximum effectiveness; 3) incentivizing practical design; and scientific methodology to analyze data, tradeoffs, and inform decision-making.
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)?
This scan will examine states that have implemented practical design so that scope and cost of projects have decreased without sacrificing operations, community livability, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Focus should be on states or other organizations that have broadly implemented practical design throughout the project development process and across modes. Possible states to visit include: Missouri, Utah, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Kansas. Other states that may be of interest include Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New Hampshire, and Maine. Participation by organizations such as local or provincial governments or private companties is encouraged as the scan team determines is appropraite. In order to explore the scope of implementation in each organization, each visit should include meeting with the applicable planning, scoping, program development, design, and operations staff. Where communication and training plans were implemented, the appropriate communication and training staff should also attend.
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 audience for this scan will be states that are implementing, or considering implementing, their own practical design initiatives. Information to be collected and shared with this scan should build upon the work already collected under NCHRP Synthesis 443. Focus areas will include the following questions:
1) How has practical design been used in the planning process?
2) How has practical design been used in the scoping/project definition process?
3) Has practical design been applied at a programmatic level?
4) Have HSM and other tools and methodologies been used in implementing practical design?
5) How has design year been considered in each phase of project development?
6) How is "best return on investment" measured?
7) Are practical design strategies used in non-highway mode decision making?
8) Are intermodal interests are addressed in practical design strategies?
7) Are other measures used to determine effect of practical design?
8) Was there a strategic approach to communicating and training that fostered culture change?
9) Was there strategic engagement with legislature or other funding decision-makers?
10) Are there lessons learned that should be shared?
Benefits Expected (Including potential impacts on current technology or procedures)
Practical design is poised to jump to a new level of innovation and implementation, as more states consider practical design initiatives to cope with funding shortfalls. In order to facilitate this change, it will become increasingly important to share experiences between states. In addition, some states are seeking to apply the principles of practical design across the full spectrum of project development, seeking further opportunities to consider multimodal or multijurisdictional solutions that meet the need for less cost. This scan will realize benefits in terms of increased efficiency in organizational implementation of practical design, reduced likelihood of "reinvention of the wheel", and increased understanding of the benefits and possibilities of practical design.