ROADWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT (RSI) ROAD SAFETY AUDITS & AUDIT REVIEWS CLIFF REUER TRAFFIC & SAFETY ENGINEER SDDOT OFFICE OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Roadway Safety Improvement (RSI) 90% Federal funds. Locations with above average number of accidents. Accident records search – 5 accidents in 3 year period. Locations submitted by Regions, Class 1 Cities, & Highway Patrol.

Conducting RSI Inspection Look for accident pattern. Analyze collision diagram. Calculate accident rate > 2.0. Benefit Cost > On site inspection by RSI Team. Program in STIP.

Accident in South Dakota

Class 1 Cities with 5 + Inter

City of Pierre Inter

City of Rapid City Inter

I-190/West Blvd & SD44/Omaha

I-190/West Blvd & SD44/Omaha – p.1

I-190/West Blvd & SD44/Omaha – p.2

I-190/West Blvd & SD44/Omaha

City of Pierre Mid Block

Rural Crashes State System

Crash Summary (Rural I-90 E. of S. Falls)

Crash Summary (I-90 E. of S. Falls - p2 )

Crash Details ( Rural I-90 E. of S. Falls) P 1 of 3

Rural Off State System

Animal Crashes Rural – State & Local (2005) Green = Wild Purple = Domestic Total = 5011

Rural Animal Hits Near Sioux Falls

Road Safety Audit (RSA) A Road Safety Audit is an examination of a future roadway project, by an independent audit team, focusing solely on safety.

Road Safety Audit Review (RSAR) A Road Safety Audit Review is an examination of an existing roadway, by an independent audit team, focusing solely on safety issues. RSA & RSAR are proactive while historical safety programs are reactive.

Conducting the Audit/Review Is a Formal Process. Tailored to your issues. Both processes use an independent audit team approach. Team should consist of Traffic/Safety, Design, Construction & Maintenance expertise, SDLTAP…… If on Local Roads – Local entity should be represented

Conducting the Audit/Review (2) Audit can include on site review. Audit Review is an on site review. Audit results in a report to the designer. Audit Review report to the owner.

Use of Crash Data The RSA & RSAR use crash data as background information. Funding through the federal program still tied to crashes. South Dakota has funding in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to address RSAR findings.

Audit of Proposed Project Conduct when designer has plans % complete or before plans review process. Designer reviews and presents plans to audit team.

Audit Considerations Design standards used. Need for acceleration & deceleration lanes. Review turning templates. Parking removal. Access management. Sight restrictions

Audit Review of Existing Roads Used to identify safety deficiencies of existing roads. Are safety needs of road users being met? Has the use of the roadway changed over time. Have standards changed. May be performed on a newly opened road.

Audit Review Considerations Steep in slopes. Edge drop off. Sight distance restrictions. Need for safety pipe ends. Obstacles in clear zone/right of way. Surface defects Signing and striping deficiencies

Audit Review Findings Divided into three categories –Immediate safety improvements that should be made – Vegetation, Delineation in clear zone, signing. –Low cost improvements that could have a positive impact on safety – Signing, Clear the clear zone. –High cost improvements that should be considered when funds are available for a major rehabilitation – Construction, Re- construction.

Liability Concerns Can we be sued? List of needs protected by Sec 409. Best not to ignore safety related items. Defense - Creates plan to be completed as funds become available.

Summary RSA & RSAR can be applied to all roads. Can be proactive – don’t have to wait for accidents. Can identify design changes & low cost fixes. Can be used as a punch list for short term fixes and in planning long term needs. Liability should not be a concern.

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