Search the Noteworthy Practices database FHWA Arizona Division Office Uses Technology Transfer (T2) Funds to Create Local Agency Grant ProgramPublication Year: 2012Roadway Safety Issue, Problem, or Gap:Roadway departures account for approximately half of all fatal crashes nationwide. Pavement edge drop-off has been linked to many serious and fatal roadway departure crashes; drivers who leave the roadway may overcompensate by steering too hard, causing a vehicle to fishtail, swerve into another lane, or completely leave the roadway. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) advocates installing Safety Edge™ to mitigate vertical drop-offs. In Arizona, most local agencies did not have the expertise or equipment to include Safety Edge™ on their roadway projects. To address this gap, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) worked with the FHWA Arizona Division Office to create a program to provide the Safety Edge™ equipment and training to local agencies. Description of PracticeI think part of it (Local Agency Safety Edge™ Grant Program) was time-consuming because we were learning the best ways to structure the program as we go, but in the end I felt it was definitely worth it, because the program was so successful! Our program had 15 devices, all of which but two have been given to agencies, and more Tribes are interested. Kelly LaRosa, FHWA Arizona Division The FHWA Arizona Division Office used Technology Transfer (T2) funds from the Division of Field Service Regional Offices to purchase fifteen Safety Edge™ Shoe Devices exclusively for local agencies, allowing Safety Edge™ to be more broadly implemented throughout the state. Agencies submit an application to receive a Safety Edge™ Shoe Device and training. The Division Office and the ADOT-LTAP actively promoted Safety Edge™ at industry meetings/conferences and at MPO and Council of Government meetings. ADOT LTAP also built up its internal capacity by participating in Safety Edge™ Train-the-Trainer events. Key Accomplishments and Results:
Figure 1: Maricopa County, AZ Note ContactBrian Hurst Publication Year: 2012 |