HFST Review

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has implemented High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) in various locations across the state to reduce roadway departure crashes by improving pavement friction. To prevent premature failure and to ensure that the HFST performs adequately throughout the design life, this study evaluates the pavement distress and condition before and after the application of HFST. Along with the pavement distress and condition data, this study also evaluates the crash data of the HFST sections. Although analysis of distress data showed higher distress in some sections, it was the reflection of underlying distress, not the ‘failure’ of HFST, as observed from the ARAN images. Statistical analysis of the safety data revealed that HFST is around 66% effective in reducing crashes in wet conditions. Based on the evaluation of pavement condition and safety analysis, this study also provides guidance on the selection of future locations for the application of HFST.

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Report number: cmr 24-023
Published: December 2024

Project number: TR202219

Authors: Zafrul Khan, Jay F. Bledsoe, Ahmad Alhasan, and Hyung S. Lee

Performing organization: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Effective Methods to Safely Communicate with Commercial Motor Vehicles

One critical aspect of a proactive approach to improving the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) involves how to communicate with CMV drivers safely and effectively through an electronic notification system (ENS). The objectives of this project are to: 1) conduct a review of existing ENS methods in use by CMV drivers, trucking companies, and the freight industry; 2) conduct a survey of selected state departments of transportation (DOTs) regarding their current practice in ENS for communicating with CMV drivers; 3) conduct a needs assessment brainstorming workshop with MoDOT and other stakeholders; and, 4) develop standards and specifications for data feeds consisting of traveler information critical for CMV operators. Results from the literature review indicate that several communication technologies have a wide range of applications for communication with CMV drivers. In their survey responses, all 18 responding DOTs indicated that they have not developed any data standards or policies for communicating information electronically to CMV drivers. Based on the discussion at the stakeholder workshop, a matrix of various facets (e.g., what is available, what is important and urgent, challenges) of types of information and technology used to convey that information to CMV drivers was developed. To address the challenges of diverse data streams for CMV drivers, a unified application programming interface (API) was developed to consolidate all relevant data (e.g., work zones, weather, congestion, traffic incidents, parking availability, weight and height restrictions) into a single, cohesive platform, providing CMVs with seamless access to critical information. The API, which was demonstrated through a web interface, ensures that CMVs and their operators can make well-informed, safe, and timely routing decisions. The API’s modular and scalable design offers flexibility to add additional features in the future.

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Report number: cmr 24-022
Published: December 2024

Project number: TR202410

Authors: Praveen Edara, Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Henry Brown, Mark-Amo Boateng, Shawn Leight, and Joanne Stackpole

Performing organization: University of Missouri-Columbia