MODERNIZATION
Green Book Officially Adopted

MDOT SHA recently adopted the latest edition (version 7) of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) title, "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets," also known as The Green Book. In addition to more modern touches, like color pictures and updated charts and figures, the latest version incorporates more design flexibility, a greater emphasis on multimodal design, and a more performance-based approach than previous versions.

Starting with a total rewrite of Chapter 1, A New Framework for Geometric Design, the Green Book authors set a new tone for practitioners. The new chapter starts by identifying a project's purpose and need, which will drive the scope of the project. At MDOT SHA we have already begun to implement this approach as part of a Practical Design "...focus on addressing the needs of the project without needlessly exceeding them."

Additionally, classifying roads into either rural or urban highways is a thing of the past. There are now five context classifications (rural, rural town, suburban, urban, and urban core) so that practitioners can better identify the appropriate design elements on every project.

Almost every chapter of the Green Book has been updated to emphasize the importance of designing for all transportation users, including pedestrians and bicyclists who use our roadways. This updated content will better address all needs, expectations of communities and the surrounding land use.

As states move away from designing new roadways and focus on maintaining existing roads, so should the approach in designing for existing roadways. The new Green Book guides practitioners to utilize a more flexible and performance-based design approach. This approach focuses on utilizing existing roadway data to quantify tradeoffs and ultimately make better informed decisions, delivering better for all of our customer whether traveling by foot, bicycle or vehicle.

The latest version incorporates more flexibility, a greater emphasis on multimodal design, and a more performance-based approach.

INNOVATION
Where Will the Road be in 20 Years? Try to See It.

Caroline Pecker says that TFAD's simulation models not only forecast future traffic but also provide options to solve possible problems.

Even with the very best data about a planned project, you may have trouble envisioning what a road will look like 5, 10 or even 20 years from now. Still, you need this projection to plan for future projects before the first shovel hits the ground.

To the rescue comes our Travel Forecasting and Analysis Division (TFAD), a team of engineers who can help visualize a roadway with computer simulation and vivid animation that translates traffic data into something you can see.

"We analyze traffic. We assess traffic volumes for every project at MDOT SHA," explains TFAD Team Leader Caroline Pecker. "We develop forecasting models that predict those volumes, and we analyze various solutions that can be considered by MDOT SHA to accommodate future traffic needs."

TFAD Chief Lisa Shemer oversees a group of Team Leaders, Traffic Engineers and consultants, who are able to create impressive animations with realistic landscape features using the traffic simulation software VISSIM. The animations, based in real world data and forecasted future conditions, provide a sense of how traffic will look years into the future.

Simulation and graphics can assist both MDOT SHA project planners and residents who come to public meetings to better understand how the proposed solutions will impact roadways.

The animation, Caroline says, lets you look at proposed alternatives. "You might want to add a lane or reduce speed," she explains. "We can visualize it immediately." TFAD can insert satellite imagery and 3D representation of the study area to picture numerous features along the roadway facilities. It can provide different angles of view, for example looking down from a bridge or from behind the wheel of a car.

TFAD works on many internal projects and addresses many MDOT SHA needs. The ongoing collaborations with those working on Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) and Connected & Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are two of their current outstanding efforts. The US 50 Severn River Bridge Project was also a great example where TFAD used simulation to obtain a fast turnaround solution to a big problem.

Says Caroline, "We help you find the best way to solve a problem."

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Stepping Over the Line (in a Good Way)

Construction on MD 273 over Big Elk Creek affects drivers in three states, so MDOT SHA staff provided Delaware and Pennsylvania residents with well-received updates.

MDOT SHA touches every part of our great state. While our projects and primary obligations are in Maryland, our customers can be anywhere. District 2 and Public Involvement staff recognized this fact recently when they reached across two state lines with a newsletter mailing about our MD 273 bridge replacement project.

The bridge spans Big Elk Creek as well as a popular hiker/equestrian trail in the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Five minutes to the north and you're in Pennsylvania; five minutes to the east and you're in downtown Newark and the University of Delaware.

Response to the simple update was impressive, with many Delaware and Pennsylvania residents lauding MDOT SHA for looking across state lines.

David Kuntz wrote, "I am also extremely pleased that you included Pennsylvania Elk Township people in the mail handout. Your state is a very good neighbor and compliments to all on this project."

Ginny Widdoes of Newark also was among several who took the time to express their appreciation, noting, "I received your very informative, comprehensive and understandable notice. It is greatly appreciated because MD 273 is a major artery for us."

Paula Carter of Newark said the mailing was, "very thoughtful and neighborly. We are, truly, all in this together and communication is key to good relations and understanding."

"Project Engineer Trudi Gaito understands the commuter traffic patterns here and has a great working relationship with Fair Hill park officials, so we know who crosses both over and under this bridge," said District Community Liaison Bob Rager. "Once you know your customers, reaching them is easy, thanks to our fantastic Public Involvement team!"

MDOT SHA Public Involvement Coordinator Monica Stevens adds that while it's unusual to get comments about a mailing, "I think people genuinely appreciate it when we reach out to them on a project they care about."

Thank you to everyone who was involved with this outreach effort. Your hard work paid off and was clearly appreciated by our customers near and far. Keep up the great work!

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The safety of MDOT SHA team members and contractors in work zones is our top priority. In January, MDOT SHA piloted a new safety tool, temporary rumble strips, which can alert drivers as they approach work zones. D4 District Engineer Wendy Walcott oversaw a test of the strips, which were placed for the first time in Maryland with specialized equipment.