Archives:
FHWA
Initiatives – Publications
This page contains archived items from the FHWA Initiatives - Publications page. View the most recent Publication items.
2021
Looking to Aggregates to Improve Pavement Sustainability (7-2021)
This Public Roads article spotlights FHWA’s research, tools, and data collection and analysis to improve how aggregate materials are sourced, planned, and used in sustainable pavement construction and maintenance.
Evaluation of FHWA’s eNEPA Tool (7-2021)
This report evaluates the use of eNEPA, particularly the use by State departments of transportation (DOTs) and other transportation stakeholders. eNEPA allows State DOTs to share documents, track comments, schedule tasks with participating agencies (including Federal agencies), and perform concurrent reviews for their environmental documents. The evaluation team collected information on the breadth and depth of eNEPA use, usability of eNEPA, and effectiveness of eNEPA at reducing projects' environmental-review timeline and improving timing, quantity, and quality of interagency collaboration in developing environmental documents.
New Livability Fact Sheets Focus on Freight and Curbside Management (6-2021)
FHWA released updated livability fact sheets covering topics including curbside management, freight, FHWA programs, and the role of State DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations. Updates discuss innovation in micromobility, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and the importance of connectivity between regional and local systems.
Impacts of Automated Vehicles on Highway Infrastructure (6-2021)
This research utilizes literature review, stakeholder engagement, and stakeholder engagement events to assesses the demands and impacts Automated Vehicles (AVs) place on current and future infrastructure assets. Based on this research, early strategies for stakeholders in AV readiness can begin implementing measures for a smooth transition. Early strategies include standardization of pavement markings, expanding preventative maintenance on roadways i.e. potholes, edge wear, and rutting, and enforcement of more standardized traffic management signage throughout the country.
Effective Practices for Using UAS during Bridge Construction (6-2021)
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are being used to improve the effectiveness of certain required tasks, reduce time and costs, and enhance safety during construction. This FHWA techbrief outlines effective strategies for using UAS during bridge construction. Strategies include using UAS to assess environmental conditions, documenting prior physical conditions of a construction site, and building a library of weekly photos to aid in the analysis of construction progress and community outreach.
Developing Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation Tools for Connected and Automated Vehicle Applications (6-2021)
This report documents a simulation-based case study on a real world 13 mile long corridor in Northern Virginia, used to investigate the effectiveness of SAE J3016 Level 1 automation technology for mitigating or solving existing transportation problems related to congestion, fuel consumption and emissions. The case study involved site selection, model calibration, connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) model development, experimental design, simulation execution, result reporting, and recommendations for future studies. Three infrastructure scenerios were played out with ML 1 performing the best and ML 3 performing the worst, ML 1: dedicated ramps and CV and CAV eligible HOV lanes, ML 2: CV and CAV eligible HOV lanes, and ML 3: HOV lanes (baseline).
Assessment on the Effectiveness of Performance-Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) in Transportation Decision-Making (6-2021)
This report presents the findings of a study on how performance-based planning and programming influences transportation planning and programming decisions at 52 State departments of transportation and 85 metropolitan planning organizations. Research was conducted throughout 2020 using online reviews of planning and programming documents, interviews and peer exchanges with practitioners, and a survey of FHWA Division and Federal Transit Administration Region staff. This report documents current practices and identifies opportunities for enhancements.
FHWA Publishes Updated Rails-with-Trails Report (5-2021)
This updated Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned report documents how the state of the practice, perspectives, and context for rails-with-trails have evolved and includes updated effective practices. The information presented in this report is based on extensive research into existing and planned rails-with-trails that involved interviews with railroad officials and trail managers; a literature review of previous rail-with-trail studies; a review of trail planning guidance documents; and input from various railroad and trail professionals.
FHWA Guidance Addresses Alternative Uses of Right-of-Way for People Experiencing Homelessness (3-2021)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released guidance on alternative uses of highway rights-of-way (ROWs) for uses including homeless shelters. The memorandum notes that temporary alternative use of the ROW for shelters and other services to people experiencing homelessness provide urgently needed social benefits. The guidance clarifies that FHWA may approve alternative uses of the ROW if FHWA determines that such occupancy, use, or reservation is in the public interest and will not impair the highway or interfere with the free and safe flow of traffic.
Impacts of Automated Vehicles on Highway Infrastructure (3-2021)
This Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) report presents a multiphase effort to document the potential impact of automated vehicles (AVs) on highway infrastructure. Several aspects of roadway infrastructure are considered in the study including the quality and uniformity of traffic control devices, the changing demands of intelligent transportation systems, structural requirements for pavements and bridges, effects on multimodal infrastructure (e.g., bike lanes and Complete Streets designs), and the potential need for other roadside infrastructure (e.g., guardrails and communications systems for roadway digital infrastructure). These report findings are part of an important analysis on the sustainability of AVs in connection with other modes of transit and existing structural and safety systems.
Scour Considerations within AASHTO LRFD Design Specifications (3-2021)
This Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Technical Brief (TechBrief) provides programmatic and technical considerations for understanding the interaction of limit states and scour depths in foundation design related to provisions of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications. This TechBrief informs readers interested in sustainable design against scouring events used to protect bridges, superstructures, decks, piers, retaining walls, and other elements of highway infrastructure. Included in this TechBrief are scenarios to illustrate various design flow conditions, scour design for each scenario, and how they relate to scour-related provisions in the AASHTO LRFD in compliance with the FHWA’s Design Standards (23 CFR part 625) and National Bridge Inspection Standards (23 CFR part 650, subpart C).
Return to top ↑
2020
FHWA Publishes Alternative Fuel Corridors Best Practices (12-2020)
FHWA’s Alternative Fuel Corridors Program published best practices focused on the Clean Cities Coalition Network, the National Highway Charging Collaborative, and clean freight corridor planning.
Fact Sheet on Supporting Alternative Fuels with CMAQ (12-2020)
FHWA has recently issued a fact sheet describing how alternative fuel projects, including fleet conversions and refueling infrastructure, are one of the eligible project categories under CMAQ.
New FHWA Air Quality Analysis Report and Fact Sheet (12-2020)
FHWA released a report and fact sheet summarizing an evaluation undertaken to compare methods of representing vehicle activity at signalized intersections for use in project scale air quality analysis. This evaluation is intended to advance the state of the practice for emissions and dispersion analysis at signalized intersections, which will improve the accuracy of pollutant concentration estimates.
FHWA Publishes Example Practices for Performance-Based Planning and Programming (10-2020)
FHWA released a report showcasing example practices of State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) implementing performance-based planning and programming (PBPP) in order to help advance the state of the practice. Focusing primarily on the FHWA performance measures in Section 150 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C. 150) for highway safety, pavement and bridge condition, travel time reliability, freight reliability, traffic congestion, and on-road mobile source emissions, the research team reviewed planning documents from over 30 MPOs and from 50 States, not including the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico.
FHWA Updates Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Audit Guide and Prompt List (9-2020)
FHWA published the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Audit Guide and Prompt List, which serves as an update to the Pedestrian Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists (2007) and Bicycle Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists (2012). The updated resource combines content into a single document, outlining information on how to conduct road safety audits (RSA) and effectively assess the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. It discusses the RSA process, basic safety principles, and potential hazards affecting users.
New FHWA On-Demand Webinar on Planning and Environment Linkages (9-2020)
The on-demand webinar consists of three presentations from experts and practitioners focused on Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL). Topics covered include an overview of PEL authorities and available resources from FHWA, information about a State-level implementation of PEL, and the early involvement of resource agencies when using PEL approaches.
Return to top ↑
2019
FHWA Newsletter Highlights Section 106 Tribal Agreements (6-2019)
The June 2019 issue of FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter focuses on Section 106 agreements between FHWA and Federally Recognized Tribes, and the respective roles of each agency involved in the Section 106 consultation and the agreement development processes.
FHWA Publishes Environmental Justice State of the Practice Reports (3-2019)
Two new reports on environmental justice in highway programs have been issued by FHWA. These reports describe how State DOTs and MPOs are addressing environmental justice concerns based on a review of all 52 State DOTs and a sample of 100 MPOs. The report includes commonly applied techniques and new environmental justice strategies, such as stakeholder engagement, benefits-costs assessments, and techniques for identifying and understanding the needs of environmental justice populations.
Addressing Changing Demographics in Environmental Justice Analysis, State of the Practice
Environmental Justice Analysis in Transportation Planning and Programming: State of the Practice
Collection of State DOT Pollinator-Friendly Practices (2-2019)
FHWA published an updated list of pollinator-friendly practices in roadside vegetation management. This list contains practices from 33 State DOTs and provides information on pollinator habitat programs, guidelines, and project enhancements.
Wildlife Crossing Workshop and Peer Exchange Report (2-2019)
A summary report has been published by FHWA for an Eco-Logical workshop focused on wildlife crossings. Attendees of the workshop shared information on wildlife data collection techniques and crossing options.
Using Eco-Logical for Project Delivery (1-2019)
The January 2019 issue of FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter highlights state of the practice for the Eco-Logical approach. The Eco-Logical approach organizes current methods for addressing natural resource identification, avoidance, minimization and mitigation into a systematic, step-wise process that starts at the beginning of the transportation planning process and concludes with establishing programmatic approaches to recurring natural resource issues that are implemented at the project level. The newsletter also provides examples of the tool’s approach and its benefits, as well as uses by agencies to accelerate project delivery.
Climate Resilience in Transportation Report (1-2019)
FHWA released an updated summary of the ways the administration, State DOTs, and regions are incorporating climate resilience into their planning processes.
Life Cycle Planning in Asset Management Handbook (1-2019)
FHWA published a handbook on utilizing life cycle planning to support transportation asset management. Life cycle planning is a process to estimate the cost of managing an asset class, or asset sub-group, over its whole life with consideration for minimizing cost while preserving or improving the condition. This handbook provides guidance on how to implement life cycle planning for bridges and pavements.
Updated Guide on Renewable Energy in Highway ROWs (1-2019)
An updated guide for energy projects in highway rights-of-way has been released by FHWA. This guide provides State DOTs and FHWA division offices with the relevant FHWA requirements and required approvals. It also includes reports from a recent peer exchange in Maryland focused on this topic.
Return to top ↑
2018
Guidance for Total Emissions Reduction Measure (12-2018)
FHWA recently published guidance for calculating total emissions reduction measures to assess on-road mobile source emissions under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. This guidance includes a calculation formula and frequently asked questions.
Transportation Resilience & Alternative Fuels Featured in FHWA Newsletter (11-2018)
FHWA’s latest issue of its Air Quality and Sustainability Highlights newsletter highlights coastal resilience projects in Maine and New Hampshire and provides details on alternative fuel corridor nominations, and future air quality and sustainability events.
Alternative Fuel Corridors FAQ Document (11-2018)
FHWA issued a new Q&A document regarding provisions within the FAST Act for alternative fuel corridor designations. The document covers questions about the three rounds of designations, fuel types, signage, and technical assistance resources.
Coastal Green Infrastructure in Delaware (7-2018)
FHWA has published a report on a pilot project with the Delaware DOT to develop coastal green infrastructure, particularly in areas susceptible to coastal and urban runoff. Along sections of Delaware State Route 1, Delaware DOT plans to install a sand dune levee, add an oyster reef and oyster bag stabilization, build a tidal marsh, and replace an existing storm drain outfall.
CMAQ Performance Plans for MPOs (7-2018)
FHWA published a guidebook to assist metropolitan planning organizations in developing Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) performance plans. The guidebook explains important aspects of these plans and provides descriptions of performance targets, project descriptions, and assessments.
FHWA Guidance Addresses Noise Measurement Efforts (7-2018)
FHWA has released a guide for transportation agencies for field noise measurements related to highway projects. The guide includes checklists for determining existing noise levels and validating the FHWA Traffic Noise Model. The guide also covers how to evaluate indoor noise levels from exterior sources, noise and vibration measurements, and vehicle noise emission level.
New Guide and Case Studies for Community Impact Assessments (6-2018)
FHWA’s Quick Reference Guide for Community Impact Assessments (CIAs) has been updated, and a series of best practice case studies have been posted. Community Impact Assessments involve understanding the needs of communities and documenting potential social impacts of a project. The guide covers the processes, tools, and information sources for CIAs, and includes best practices describing assessments conducted on projects in various States.
User Guide for Long-Term Pavement Performance Climate Tool Published (6-2018)
A user guide for FHWA’s Long-Term Pavement Performance Climate Tool has been published. This online tool provides access to climate data from NASA’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications database.
NEPA Reviews During Emergencies (6-2018)
The newest issue of FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter covers environmental compliance and the different uses of NEPA reviews during emergencies. Programs run by FHWA and FEMA offer to help fund expenses associated with declared emergencies, such as hazard mitigation and resilience features.
Report Summarizes Resilience Integration with State Transportation Planning (6-2018)
FHWA has published a report that highlights the activities of transportation agencies to integrate resilience into transportation planning processes across 52 State DOTs and 101 MPOs. The report examines how these agencies have been integrating resilience into their processes, such as resilience in goals and objectives, vulnerability assessments, and performance measures.
Materials Available from 2017 Extreme Weather and Climate Impacts Resiliency Peer Exchange (5-2018)
Materials from a peer exchange for climate impacts and resiliency are now available. The peer exchange focused on methods of assisting transportation stakeholders in resolving issues related to extreme weather and sea level rise preparedness, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
FHWA Report Evaluates Eco-Logical Program (3-2018)
FHWA has completed an evaluation study for the implementation of Eco-Logical, an ecosystem-based infrastructure planning and mitigation approach. This evaluation report describes the implementation actions of FHWA, such as the 2006 primary resource document, rounds of funding, peer exchanges and webinars, case studies and reports, and outreach to State and local agencies.
FHWA Report on Nature-Based Coastal Resilience Features (2-2018)
A report by FHWA details the current uses of nature-based infrastructure features for coastal-highway resilience. These projects mimic natural features and can be used to protect coastal highways from sea level rise and extreme weather events. The report includes information on natured-based solutions, lessons learned, performance, and examples of successful applications in Delaware and Virginia.
FHWA Updates Vulnerability Assessment Framework (2-2018)
The new edition of FHWA’s Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework for the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure has been released. The third edition of the framework provides more detailed instructions, an expanded adaptation options analysis, and additional information on putting the results into action.
Findings of Regional Congestion Pricing Workshops Published By FHWA (2-2018)
A summary report has been published by FHWA on the findings from the Regional Congestion Pricing Workshops series. The workshop series was conducted between March 2016 and May 2017. The workshops included facilitated discussion on the planning and implementation of congestion pricing programs, the barriers to implementation, case studies, and outreach methods. Strategies for increasing political support to address equity concerns in pricing programs and stakeholder awareness were also covered.
FHWA Newsletter Highlights Project Delivery (1-2018)
This issue of the FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter focuses on the environmental review process efficiencies, improving environmental documentation, and bridge permitting.
Evaluation of FHWA’s Roadside Revegetation Guide (1-2018)
A review of FHWA’s roadside revegetation guide showed positive results, and also recommended that the guide should emphasize training and outreach efforts to promote effective methods.
Return to top ↑
2017
FHWA Requirements for Renewable Energy Projects in Highway Right-of-Way (12-2017)
Several States have installed renewable energy infrastructure (such as solar panels or wind turbines) along highways, and other States are planning on doing the same. FHWA has released a quick guide for State DOT and FHWA Division Offices on federal requirements for such projects on Highway Right-of-Way.
Context Sensitive Solutions Case Studies Published (10-2017)
FHWA implemented a technical assistance effort to support states in applying Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) to a variety of challenges in transportation planning, design, and implementation. North Dakota and Florida were two of the States participating, and were asked to identify one challenge to use a CSS approach. Both Florida and North Dakota developed case studies of their experiences.
Applicability Determination for Performance Measures Released (10-2017)
FHWA has published a list of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that are required to establish targets and report progress for the performance measures related to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.
Report on Sustainable Rest Area Design and Operations Released (10-2017)
This report includes case studies of five State Departments of Transportation that have implemented sustainability strategies at their rest areas. Agencies in Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Georgia, and Vermont have constructed or renovated rest areas in ways that reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, minimize environmental impact, and in many cases save money.
Resilience Assessments of NY, NJ, CT After Hurricane Sandy (10-2017)
FHWA released a study of the NY-NJ-CT metro region’s resilience to extreme weather, climate change, and sea level rise. The report identifies methods to reduce vulnerabilities to extreme weather in transportation systems using lessons learned from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and other recent weather events, as well as future climate projections. The report includes regional, subarea, and facility level assessments.
Endangered Species Consultation Process Highlighted in FHWA Newsletter (10-2017)
The Endangered Species Act’s consultation process is discussed in the October issue of FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter. This consultation process requires collaboration and planning between agencies to ensure that projects do not threaten any species or impact critical habitats. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of communication, and also details each step of the process.
Peer Exchange Report on the Impacts of Transportation and Land Use Decisions on Health, Safety, and Quality of Life (9-2017)
FHWA has published a summary of the “Happy, Healthy, Smart Cities Symposium” Peer Exchange. The event included documentaries concerning transportation and related health outcomes, the technologies of smart cities, and the relationship between land use and transportation.
Peer Exchange Report on Renewable Energy in Highway Rights of Way (ROW) (9-2017)
FHWA has released a summary report on a peer exchange concerning approaches to renewable energy technologies in highway rights-of-way. Presentations during the peer exchange included Federal regulatory requirements for alternative uses of highway ROW, the use of solar panels along I-90 in Massachusetts, and regulatory challenges for Maryland to expand ROW renewable energy usage.
Summary Report of Resilience and Planning Workshop in Texas (9-2017)
FHWA published a summary report on a Resilience and Planning workshop that addresses climate change and extreme weather resilience and planning. The workshop covered new requirements in the transportation planning rule and Texas DOT’s perspective on resilience planning, as well as the efforts of the North Central Texas Council of Governments to address vulnerabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
FHWA Highlights NEPA and Permitting Integration (8-2017)
FHWA’s Every Day Counts Innovation of the Month for August is the integration of NEPA and permitting processes. The innovation is supporting 14 State DOTs in their efforts of integrating NEPA and permitting. Combining these environmental and permitting processes improves the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery.
FHWA Releases Context Sensitive Solutions Case Studies (8-2017)
FHWA has released case studies from Washington and Delaware centered on the applications of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) for integrating resiliency strategies and addressing transportation challenges for State DOT operations.
FHWA Report Highlights Resilience in Project Development (8-2017)
A report from FHWA seeks to help practitioners incorporate resilience in transportation engineering projects. The report provides examples of how to integrate climate considerations into project development and lists the sources available for climate projections.
The Netherlands Shares Resilience Lessons with USDOT (8-2017)
Officials from the Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment shared lessons learned with the USDOT in the report “Resilient and Sustainable Transport-Dutch Style.” The report includes the RWS’ experiences with the European ROADAPT methodology and their analysis of climate change vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies using the FHWA’s sensitivity matrix and Vulnerability Assessment Scoring Tool (VAST).
FHWA Showcases Outcomes from Peer Exchange on Resilience (8-2017)
FHWA has released a report for a peer exchange on Resilience in Transportation Planning and Project Development. The peer exchange hosted representatives from FHWA and states in the EPA’s Region 5, who discussed approaches to greenhouse gas emissions analysis in transportation project development.
Highway Renewable Energy: Photovoltaic Noise Barriers (8-2017)
FHWA has released a paper on Photovoltaic Noise Barrier (PVNBs) systems to be implemented along roadways. PVNBs allow transportation agencies to abate noise and produce renewable energy simultaneously.
Carbon Monoxide Categorical Hot-Spot Finding Released by FHWA (7-2017)
FHWA has released the 2017 carbon monoxide categorical hot-spot finding. This tool allows projects that fall within the acceptable ranges of emissions to reference the current finding in place of doing an independent carbon monoxide hot-spot analysis as part of a project-level conformity determination in carbon monoxide maintenance areas.
Report on Transportation Infrastructure Resiliency in Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands (7-2017)
The report on a Global Benchmarking Program study performed by FHWA explores how transportation agencies in other countries are adapting their roadway infrastructure to severe weather events and climate change. The study also sought to identify innovations and best practices to help advance resilience strategies in the United States.
FHWA Reports on Improvements to Transportation Assets (6-2017)
Two reports by FHWA were released that cover the operation, maintenance, and improvement of transportation assets under FHWA’s Asset Management Rule. Under this rule, State DOTs are required to implement risk-based management plans and determine the benefits and costs over the life cycle of transportation assets.
FHWA Publishes Noise-Related Fact Sheets (5-2017)
Four noise-related fact sheets were posted by FHWA. The include uses of programmatic agreements, as well as ways to streamline the noise study process. Fact sheets cover methods for determining and placing nonresidential sound receptors, and the use of sound level descriptors. Case studies of the single point, frontage-based, lost-sized based and grid-based methodologies are also included.
FHWA’s Air Quality and Sustainability Newsletter (4-2017)
The February/March 2017 edition of the FHWA Air Quality and Sustainability Newsletter includes information concerning the energy independence and economic growth Executive Order, a Q&A on the Emergency Relief Program and Resilience, and an Atlanta peer exchange on climate resilience.
FHWA Newsletter Addresses Quality Environmental Documentation (4-2017)
FHWA’s April issue of Successes in Stewardship newsletter focuses on producing high quality environmental documentation. Environmental documents are used to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate impacts of agency decisions. This issue includes best practices for creating high quality documentation to reduce time during project review processes, EDC-2 and EDC-3 products under the Every Day Counts initiative, and resources concerning trainings, workshops, and technical assistance.
Integrated NEPA/Permit Streamlining in FHWA’s Newsletter (2-2017)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and environmental permitting is highlighted in FHWA’s Successes in Stewardship newsletter. The approach provides transportation agencies with integration tools and strategies. It also covers the creation of informal and formal agreements, establishing liaisons, and using the online collaboration tool, eNEPA.
Atlanta’s Regional Commission Releases Climate Peer Exchange Report (1-2017)
FHWA released a report on the climate resilience peer exchange held by the FHWA and the Atlanta Regional Commission. The peer exchange discussed adaptation options, risk assessment, and project prioritization for climate resilience. The report highlights presentations on climate change impacts in the Atlanta region and how it effects human health.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Resource Collection Guidance Released by FHWA (1-2017)
FHWA has released a collection of resources for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) to accelerate deployment of V2I communication systems. The systems capture vehicle-generated traffic data through hardware, software, firmware, and wireless communication. The collection of resources includes a primer on connected vehicle impacts, references for connected vehicle planning processes, and products and analysis tools, techniques, and data concerning highway capacity and traffic simulation models.
FHWA Issues Report on Sustainable Pavement Systems (1-2017)
FHWA released a reference document concerning sustainable pavement systems which analyzes sustainability considerations throughout the entire pavement life cycle and highlights the importance of recognizing context sensitivity. The report addresses sustainability concepts, pavement materials, maintenance and preservation treatments, and considerations for the construction phase, the use phase, and the end-of-life phase.
Return to top ↑
2016
Environmental Justice Considerations for Connected and Automated Vehicles (12-2016)
FHWA has released a report on the implications for environmental justice and safety that autonomous vehicles can bring to the table, such as reducing traffic and associated emissions, or increasing mobility for currently immobile populations.
FHWA Releases Summary Report on FHWA’s Bicycle-Pedestrian Count Technology Pilot Project (12-2016)
This report summarizes the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s one-year Bicycle-Pedestrian Count Technology Pilot Project. The purpose of the pilot project was to increase the organizational and technical capacity of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to establish and operate effective bicycle and pedestrian count programs, and to provide lessons learned for peer agencies across the country.
FHWA Releases New Air Quality and Climate Change Highlights Newsletter (11-2016)
FHWA has published the October/November 2016 newsletter highlighting air quality and climate change news. The newsletter includes information on the updated interim guidance on mobile source air toxics analysis in NEPA documents, the designation of alternative fuel corridors, the updated greenhouse gas emission reduction policy analysis tool, INVEST case studies, recordings, and the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program emission reductions calculator.
Webinar Recording: Eco-Logical Community of Practice Webinar: Pollinator Habitat Programs (7-2016)
The recording for a webinar on pollinator habitat programs that was held on July 13, 2016 is now available. The webinar discussed how to establish a State DOT pollinator habitat program, how to establish an agreement amongst neighboring States to collectively manage pollinator habitat, and how to creatively fund a pollinator habitat program. Presenters included representatives from The Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Highway Administration.
Climate Change and Environmental Justice: Considerations for Transportation Decision-making (6-2016)
The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty developed a fact sheet describing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and provides information on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) policy statement on climate change regarding environmental justice populations.
FHWA Innovator: March/April 2016 (4-2016)
The most recent edition of the FHWA Innovator includes articles on the expanding use of warm-mix asphalt, which saves energy and reduces emissions, and growth in the use of e-Construction among states. e-Construction is defined as “the collection, review, approval and distribution of highway construction contract documents in a paperless environment.”
FHWA Successes in Stewardship: Freeway Cap Parks Encourage Stakeholder Coordination, Reconnect Communities, and Promote Healthy Ecosystems (3-2016)
The March edition of the FHWA Successes in Stewardship newsletter covers the benefits of creating parks in freeway caps.
TRB Webinar: New Technologies for Renewable Energy in the Public Right of Way (3-2016)
On March 31, 2016, TRB held a webinar on New Technologies for Renewable Energy in the Public Right of Way, which included presentations on a Roadway Wind/Solar Hybrid Power Generation and Distribution System, and Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Pavement Deformation and Vibration. The presentation slides are available on the website.
FHWA Public roads (2-2016)
The Winter 2016 edition of FHWA Public Roads covers transportation investments, innovations, safety and changing travel trends in the United States.
FHWA Releases New Climate Change Publications Online (1-2016)
FHWA recently released a new infographic on climate change and transportation as well as a report on climate change resilience pilots. The infographic shows the importance of taking action early to plan for infrastructure resilience and to cut transportation greenhouse gas emissions. The climate change pilot report covers pilots conducted in 2010-2011 and 2013-2015.
FHWA’s Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter (1-2016)
The FHWA Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter compiles articles that offer examples of real-world ways that transportation investments promote livability, such as providing access to good jobs, affordable housing, quality schools, and safer roads.
FHWA Successes in Stewardship: Planning for Climate Change: FHWA’s Climate Change Resilience Pilot Program (1-2016)
The January edition of the FHWA Successes in Stewardship newsletter covers the FHWA’s Climate Change Resilience Pilot Program.
Return to top ↑
2015
FHWA Climate Change Adaptation Guide for Transportation Systems Management, Operations, and Maintenance (11-2015)
The guide assists State departments of transportation (DOTs) and other transportation agencies in understanding the risks that climate change poses and actions that can help reduce those risks. Incorporating climate change considerations into how agencies plan and execute their transportation system management and operations (TSMO) and maintenance programs helps the agency become more resilient to unanticipated shocks to the system. Adjustments to TSMO and maintenance programs—ranging from minor to major changes—can help to minimize the current and future risks to effective TSMO and maintenance.
PEL Benefits: Measuring the Benefits of Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) (10-2015)
This FHWA report explores and documents the benefits stemming from the incorporation of Planning and Environment Linkage (PEL) strategies into State, regional, and local planning and project development processes. The report includes five case studies from across the country that detail five different implementations of PEL strategies and their attendant benefits. The case studies investigated two common PEL strategies: PEL studies and electronic screening tools. The most common benefits included facilitation of the environmental review process, cost and time savings, and a flexible evaluation of alternatives.
FHWA’s Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter (10-2015)
The FHWA Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter compiles articles that offer examples of real-world ways that transportation investments promote livability, such as providing access to good jobs, affordable housing, quality schools, and safer roads.
Successes in Stewardship: GIS Tools to Improve Project Delivery (10-2015)
The current edition of the FHWA Successes in Stewardship newsletter covers the use of GIS tools to improve project delivery. As spatial data becomes more widely available, practitioners are capitalizing on the intersections between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and required environmental review processes, to accelerate and improve the quality of environmental impact evaluations.
Public Roads: An Array of Possibilities (10-2015)
A new article in Public Roads provides examples of State transportation agencies developing renewable energy technology in highway rights-of-way in effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under tight budgets and supplying the energy to utility companies. The projects, including wind turbines and solar panels, have the environmental benefits of using clean, renewable sources of electricity, as well as economic benefits of lowering energy costs and creating new revenue streams.
Surface Transportation System Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events (9-2015)
This E-Circular summarizes plenary sessions and technical discussions from the Surface Transportation System Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events conference held in September 2015. The conference brought together government, private sector, academia, business, and nonprofit organization representatives to consider climate change and extreme weather resilience in the mainstream of all aspects of transportation decision making. Special focus was given to the development and application of climate information and innovative tools.
The 2015 Red Book: Synchronizing Environmental Reviews for Transportation and Other Infrastructure Projects (9-2015)
The updated Red Book provides Federal, State, and local practitioners with a variety of methods to streamline NEPA and other regulatory reviews and encourages increased use of synchronization and other tools to reduce project timelines and impacts to the environment. The update is the result of a collaborative effort among six agencies, promoting processes and tools that can benefit multiple agencies and stakeholders.
FHWA Air Quality and Climate Change Highlights (9-2015)
The August/September version of the highlights covers climate change resiliency efforts and conferences as well as frequently asked questions related to air quality analysis.
The Transportation Planning Process Briefing Book (9-2015)
FHWA’s 2015 Transportation Planning Process Briefing Book provides an overview of transportation planning. The intended audience includes government officials, transportation decisionmakers, planning board members, transportation service providers, interested stakeholders, and the public. The briefing is an update to the 2007 report of the same name and updates the basics and key concepts of metropolitan and Statewide transportation planning, along with references for additional information.
TRB Webinar: Cold Central Plant Recycling - A Proven Paving Approach Using 100% Recycled Materials (9-2015)
On Thursday, September 3, 2015, TRB held a webinar on cold central plant recycling (CCPR). CCPR is a paving technique that uses 100% recycled materials, which allows contractors to process the recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) material they already have. Traditionally, this technique has not been frequently used in the United States, but recent research illustrates that it may be a viable option for use in higher volume applications. Presentation slides are available through the link.
Public Roads: Changing The Landscape of Livability (8-2015)
Research from the real estate industry shows that many people want to live in more convenient, walkable neighborhoods. To address these and related challenges, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formed the Partnership for Sustainable Communities in 2009. The partnership coordinates Federal housing, transportation, and other infrastructure investments to help neighborhoods become more prosperous, reduce pollution, and enable people to live closer to jobs.
Successes in Stewardship Newsletter (8-2015)
This month’s newsletter highlights FHWA initiatives to promote pollinator health, including new and existing best practices for pollinator habitat management from State DOTs.
FHWA Air Quality and Climate Change Highlights (7-2015)
The report summarizes FHWA announcements, recent events, research, and resources as they relate to air quality and climate change.
Transportation, Climate Change & Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessment Webinar Series (6-2015)
FHWA hosted a four-part webinar series designed to provide information to transportation agencies interested in assessing the vulnerability of infrastructure to climate change and extreme weather events, and applying the results. Recordings of the webinars are available on the website.
Transportation Sustainability Guide (6-2015)
Librarians with the Eastern Transportation Knowledge Network created a guide that compiles resources for practitioners dealing with sustainability in operations, planning, design, and management. The resources cover innovation, best practices, and solutions for increasing sustainability and minimizing environmental impacts from transportation infrastructure. The project was funded through the FHWA Pooled Fund Study (TPF-5(237)).
FHWA Posts New Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool Case Studies Online (5-2015)
FHWA has posted new case studies to the sustainability self-assessment tool, INVEST. INVEST is designed to help transportation agencies improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The latest case studies are on sustainability efforts from Delaware Department of Transportation, Utah Department of Transportation, and Cape Cod Commission in Massachusetts.
Successes in Stewardship Newsletter (5-2015)
This month’s newsletter highlights FHWA National Transportation Liaisons who serve as the FHWA’s connection to Federal resource and regulatory agencies. The liaisons facilitate coordination among these agencies and FHWA. They contribute expertise and perspectives to inform FHWA initiatives and programs, and assist States interested in establishing resource or regulatory agency transportation liaison positions.
The Collaborative Benefits of Using FHWA’s INVEST - Arizona Department of Transportation Sustainability (4-2015)
This report highlights Arizona DOT’s use of FHWA’s Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool (INVEST) to assess Arizona DOT’s sustainability programs and practices.
Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking (4-2015)
FHWA and FTA have developed a guide to inform the public how the transportation decisionmaking process uses public input to create a safer, more efficient transportation systems in communities.
New Tool Helps Agencies Manage Transportation Assets in the Face of Climate Change (2-2015)
FHWA partnered with two Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), the National Park Service (NPS), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), to develop a new resource to facilitate climate change-related strategic transportation investments: the FLMA Southeast Region Climate Change Transportation Toolbox.
Return to top ↑
2014
FLMA Southeast Region Climate Change Transportation Tool (12-2014)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) partnered with the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help Federal Land Management Agencies understand how to manage transportation assets in the face of climate change. Two parks and two refuges were selected as pilots in the Southeast Region.
USDOT Climate Adaptation Plan 2014: Ensuring Transportation Infrastructure and System Resilience (10-2014)
In coordination with other federal agencies, USDOT released a Climate Adaptation Plan in October 2014. The plan identifies actions for the agency to move towards fully integrating considerations of climate change adaptation and resiliency into DOT policies, programs, and operations.
Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning Handbook (9-2014)
This handbook is designed to help State DOTs develop or update State pedestrian and bicycle plans. Based on research including interviews with 9 State DOTs and critical evaluations of documents from 15 States, this handbook covers statewide planning from plan inception and scoping to engaging stakeholders and the general public; developing goals, objectives and strategies; collecting and analyzing data; linking to the larger statewide transportation planning process; and implementation.
ICT Researchers Identify Green-Friendly Practices for IDOT Rest Areas (8-2014)
The Illinois Center for Transportation developed a report that lists “green-friendly” best management practices for six interstate rest areas that have the highest energy consumption in Illinois, in cooperation with the Illinois DOT and FHWA. The project, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, includes a survey of State DOTs’ best practices for rest areas and a decision support tool to identify upgrades for public buildings in Illinois to achieve a specified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Transportation Systems and Infrastructure, The Gulf Coast Study, Phase 2, Task 3.2: Engineering Assessments of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Measures (8-2014)
This report discusses a series of engineering assessments on specific transportation facilities in Mobile, Alabama that evaluated whether those facilities might be vulnerable to projected changes in climate, and what specific adaptation measures could be effective in mitigating those vulnerabilities.
Advancing a Sustainable Highway System: Highlights of FHWA Sustainability Activities (6-2014)
FHWA is undertaking a significant amount of work related to sustainability across a number of program areas throughout the Agency. This report showcases some of the ways in which FHWA is incorporating and embedding sustainability into its programs, projects, policies, processes, and partnerships.
Guidelines for the Implementation of Reduced Lighting on Roadways (6-2014)
Issued by the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety Research and Development, this report provides guidelines for the implementation of an adaptive lighting system for roadway lighting. Based on the analysis of crashes and lighting performance, a series of criteria and the associated design levels have been developed to provide an approach for light level selection and the adjustability of the light level based on the needs of the driving environment. The application, the technology needs, the benefit cost, and the legal implications of adaptive lighting are also considered in this guideline document.
FHWA White Paper on Statewide Transportation Planning for Healthy Communities (4-2014)
FHWA and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center recently released a white paper titled “Statewide Transportation Planning for Healthy Communities.” The second in a series of FHWA white papers on this topic, the document presents a flexible framework for State departments of transportation (DOTs) that choose to integrate public health considerations into their transportation planning and decisionmaking. The paper draws from five case studies of DOTs and their partners.
Statewide Transportation Planning For Healthy Communities (4-2014)
This white paper presents insights and a flexible framework for State DOTs that choose to integrate public health considerations into their transportation planning and decisionmaking.
Return to top ↑
2013
A Performance-Based Approach to Addressing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions through Transportation Planning (12-2013)
FHWA developed A Performance-Based Approach to Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Transportation Planning to describe considerations for selecting relevant GHG performance measures, techniques for evaluating performance, and approaches for using performance information to support investment choices and enhance decisionmaking.
FHWA Report on Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Transportation (12-2013)
Highlights climate change adaptation actions that transportation agencies around the world are pursuing and discusses strategies, examples, and best practices for evaluating the costs and benefits of adaptation.
FHWA Climate Change Adaptation Case Studies (12-2013)
Case studies on climate change adaptation and resilience in the transportation sector.
Ultra-High Performance Concrete: A State-of-the-Art Report for the Bridge Community (9-2013)
Includes details on materials and production, mechanical properties, and structural design and testing. While ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has higher initial costs than conventional concrete, UHPC bridges are expected to have a longer service life and require less maintenance than conventional structures.
FHWA Fact Sheet Describes Experimental Efforts to Prolong Concrete’s Service Life (9-2013)
FHWA’s Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program has released a fact sheet on experimental efforts to extend concrete’s service life through utilizing multiscale crack control. The fact sheet describes a multi-phase experiment funded by FHWA, which will test deterioration reduction through micro and macro crack control (DRMC) applied to fly ash concrete and recycled concrete aggregates. Earlier testing showed that applying the DRMC approach to hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete demonstrated superior crack resistance.
FHWA Research Report on a Smart Pavement Monitoring System (5-2013)
The Federal Highway Administration has released a report examining the effectiveness of a smart pavement monitoring system. Comprised of integrated wireless circuit sensors that use less than one microwatt of power, the system continuously monitors and records data on the pavement’s dynamic strain levels. Data gleaned from the system helps highway agencies to more effectively facilitate maintenance, rehabilitation, and preservation decisions.
Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) report: Incorporating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions into the Collaborative Decision-Making Framework (3-2013)
The report presents background information on the role of GHG emissions in the transportation sector, factors influencing the future of emissions, GHG emissions reduction strategies, as well as information on cost effectiveness and feasibility of these reduction strategies. It also presents case studies to illustrate different scales and institutional contexts for GHG analyses. A companion practitioner’s guide is also available.
Alternative Uses of Highway Right-of-Way (ROW): Accommodating Renewable Energy Technologies and Alternative Fuel Facilities (2-2013)
In a report prepared for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Volpe researchers describe the state of practice in accommodating renewable energy technologies and alternative fuel facilities within highway ROWs.
SHRP2 Renewal Project: Using the Existing Pavement In-Place and Achieving Long Life (2-2013)
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessment Framework (1-2013)
FHWA has posted this final, updated framework for use by transportation agencies to assess vulnerability of transportation infrastructure to climate change and extreme weather events and adaptation options.
Return to top ↑
2012
Return to top ↑
2011
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Pilots (11-2011)
This project funded DOTs and MPOs to pilot a Conceptual Model to use in conducting vulnerability and risk assessments of infrastructure to the projected impacts of global climate change. The purpose of the pilots was twofold; 1) to assist State DOTs and MPOs more quickly advance existing adaptation assessment activities and 2) to assist FHWA in “test-driving” the model.
Return to top ↑
