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Local Government Assistance - Georgia

Original publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010 (PDF, 1MB)

Publication Year: 2010

Key Accomplishments

  • Established dedicated funding source for off-system safety improvements.
  • Distributed off-system safety funding to 103 counties.
  • Reduced off-system crashes.
  • Improved safety knowledge at the county and municipal level.

In 2005, Georgia represented nearly 20 percent of the total increase in motor vehicle fatalities nationally. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) had traditionally spent most of its safety dollars on improvements to State route intersections. However, approximately 36 percent of fatalities and 41 percent of crashes were occurring on off-system routes. The State realized it could not reach its goal of 1.0 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel by addressing on-system locations alone.

The State developed an off-system safety program in 2005 by providing each district $1 million per year dedicated to off-system safety projects. Each district hired an off-system coordinator (consultant) to manage the program. The off-system coordinators provide technical assistance and traffic engineering expertise to local governments to help identify projects and prepare cost estimates. GDOT and local governments entered into agreements enabling local governments to let and award their own projects. Some districts divide dollars evenly among counties based on need. Others require local participation to leverage funding. If districts are not able to prepare projects in time to obligate the full $1 million, remaining balances are distributed among the other districts. GDOT conducts spot inspections once work begins.

Program eligibility criteria were developed with input from FHWA, GDOT senior management, and district engineers. Eligible activities include:

  • Centerline raised pavement markers;
  • Shoulder, centerline, and edge line rumble strips;
  • Edge line (20 feet or wider roadways), centerline, and stop-bar pavement markings;
  • Signing;
  • Chevrons;
  • Vegetation removal;
  • Guardrail – excluding routine upgrades;
  • Guardrail delineation; and
  • Traffic signals if a crash warrant is met and adequate turn lanes exist.

Results

As a result of dedicated funding for off-system improvements, local jurisdictions have received increased technical assistance and traffic engineering expertise to identify projects and prepare cost estimates. County and city interest in identifying safety issues and making safety improvements has increased. Off-system safety improvements have reduced crashes in a number of SHSP emphasis areas.

Contact:
Kathy Zahul
Traffic Safety and Design
Georgia DOT
404-635-8134
kzahul@dot.ga.gov

Publication Year: 2010

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