MPC
Research Projects (2008-09)

Project Title

Implementation of the Wyoming Rural Road Safety Program

University

University of Wyoming

Project Investigator

Khaled Ksaibati

Description of Project Abstract

The new transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU contains language indicating that State Department of Transportation agencies will be required to address safety on local and rural roads. It is important for state, county, and city officials to cooperate in producing a comprehensive safety plan to improve safety statewide. The new legislation provides an opportunity to implement a more cohesive and comprehensive approach to local road safety in Wyoming. The Wyoming LTAP has supported road safety efforts through its existing activities which include: training classes, newsletter publication, information dissemination, and technical assistance. The Wyoming LTAP center can provide additional services to help WYDOT, as well as Wyoming counties and cities in identifying low cost safety improvements on high risk rural roads statewide.

The Wyoming LTAP developed a Wyoming Rural Road Safety Program (WRRSP) to help in reducing crashes and fatalities in the state of Wyoming. This study will help counties interested in implementing the program.

Project Objective

The main objective of this research is to implement the Wyoming Rural Road Safety Program (WRRSP) in the state of Wyoming. This program was developed in an earlier MPC study to help in reducing crashes and fatalities on Wyoming rural roads.

Project Approach/Methods

In this project, the Wyoming LTAP will work closely with interested counties to help them in implementing the WRRSP in their counties. The requested funding will be used mainly to fund a transportation safety analyst so that he implements the five-step rural safety program in selected counties in the state.

MPC Critical Issues Addressed by the Research

The advisory board members of MPC established research emphasis areas for transportation related research. The Board consisted of chief engineers of the DOTs in region 8 in addition to FHWA representatives. This project fits under the Transportation Safety and Security theme with concentration in High-Risk Rural roads. The research from this project will benefit WYDOT’s Highway Safety program in its development of a safety management system that includes all public roadways within the State. The research will also strengthen the direction provided to safety partners by the Wyoming Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Technology Transfer Benefits

The Wyoming LTAP center will hold several workshops statewide to insure the proper implementation of this study. In addition, safety packets will be distributed to all local agencies so that they can be part of the state wide safety initiative. Efforts will be also made to distribute the packets to other interested states in our region.

Time Duration

July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009

Total Project Cost

$93,275

MPC Funds Requested

$47,027

TRB Keywords

Transportation safety, road safety audit, road safety review, road classification