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NJ LTAP ENews March/April 2012

Volume 14, March/April 2012

In This Issue

From the Director: NJ LTAP on the Move

Janet LeliThis spring, the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program asks that you take a moment to consider the importance of the contribution of public works to your daily lives through the planning, building, managing and operating of the infrastructure in our local communities. The American Public Works Association (APWA) has selected “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression” as its theme for 2012’s National Public Works Week, which will be celebrated May 20-26. APWA states that theme speaks to the never-ending effort of public works professionals to use sustainable solutions to bring their communities the highest possible quality of life within a framework of environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

Each year in the third week of May, National Public Works Week provides an excellent opportunity for public works agencies and professionals to share their stories with their communities by engaging in outreach activities such as parades, displays of public works equipment, high school essay contests, open houses, programs for civic organizations and media events. In New Jersey, the state chapter of APWA will be seeking a proclamation from Governor Chris Christie to recognize May 20-26 as Public Works Week.

NJ LTAP recognizes the important role of our public works professionals throughout the state, and we are happy to support their efforts with technical resources, training, and reference materials.

Janet Leli, Director

In Memoriam

in memoriumThe NJ LTAP sadly announces the passing of Joseph R. Smith, who served as an instructor for many NJ LTAP asphalt-related courses over the last decade. Joe, a resident of Hamilton Square, New Jersey, died peacefully on March 27, 2012, after a courageous battle with Parkinsons disease. His loving family surrounded him at the time of his passing. He was employed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), retiring in 1992 after 37 years of service. Following his retirement from NJDOT, he founded JRS Asphalt Consultant, and was in high demand as recognized expert on asphalt plant and paving technology. He was an early proponent of recycling asphalt paving and helped develop some of the technologies that are still used today. He received the Local Technical Assistance Program Instructor Award in 2008 from Rutgers' Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Joe was the 2004 New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association Member of the Year and was inducted into the New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

 

Don’t Barrel Through Work Zones: National Work Zone Awareness Week 2012

States across the country will remind motorists that safer driving means safer work zones as National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) 2012 kicks off April 23 on Route 141 near St. Louis, Missouri. “Don’t Barrel Through Work Zones” is the theme of the 2012 event.

barrelThe Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is reconstructing a 3.2-km (2-mi) stretch of Route 141, upgrading it from a three-lane road with at-grade intersections to a six-lane freeway with multiple interchanges. The upgraded roadway will enhance the flow of traffic through the region, reduce congestion, and generate an estimated $1 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years.

To keep traffic moving safely through the work zone, MoDOT uses a combination of education, enforcement, and engineering practices. Work zone signs have been enhanced, for example, to make them more visible to motorists. An online map with work zone information helps motorists “drive smart” and better plan their trips. And drivers are encouraged to visit MoDOT’s Web site at www.modot.org/workzones/comments.htm to rate work zones and offer suggestions on how to improve them.

Missouri and other States such as Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have also sponsored “Go Orange” campaigns where they light public buildings in orange and encourage citizens to wear the color to show support for NWZAW. In Missouri, more than 90 buildings and landmarks throughout the State have participated in Operation Orange.

“These and other work zone safety awareness strategies States are using stress the importance of protecting both workers and motorists,” said Chung Eng of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In 2010, 576 workers and motorists were killed in highway work zones and more than 37,000 were injured. Approximately 85 percent of those killed in work zones are drivers and their passengers.

NWZAW began in 1999 when FHWA, the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement pledging to increase public awareness of work zone safety issues through a national media campaign. Since then, awareness has continued to grow, with State agencies and other organizations sponsoring high-visibility education and outreach initiatives. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, for example, launched a “Know the RED Zones” campaign to highlight areas with significantly reduced capacity during highway construction projects. The campaign’s goal is to encourage motorists to be aware of the RED Zones and consider alternate routes, when available, before they approach the construction area. Travel tips and project information are available on the RED Zones Web site at www.arkansashighways.com/Roads/roads2.aspx.

New Jersey will host the 13th Annual New Jersey Work Zone Safety Conference on April 25, 2012, at Rutgers University. Conference topics include traffic control in work zones, maintaining pedestrian access in work zones, and financial implications of work zone accidents. For more information, visit http://cait.rutgers.edu/cait/13th-annual-work-zone-safety-conference.

Work zone safety messages are reaching the youngest passengers as well. The Connecticut Department of Transportation, Connecticut Technology Transfer Center at the University of Connecticut, and Governor’s Work Zone Safety Council are sponsoring an “Every Life Counts in Connecticut” roadway safety poster contest for children. Campaign efforts also include outreach to driver training companies, motor transport associations, utility companies, schools, and contractor organizations. To learn more, visit www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1410&q=475476.

In addition to ATSSA, AASHTO, FHWA, and individual States, supporters of NWZAW 2012 include the American Road and Transportation Builders Association and the Associated General Contractors of America. More details about NWZAW 2012 and the kick-off event will be posted at www.atssa.com and www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_awareness.htm as information becomes available.

New work zone safety resources released by FHWA include a report on Work Zone Road User Costs—Concepts and Applications (Pub No. FHWA-HOP-12-005). The report provides an economic basis for quantifying adverse work zone impacts. These data can then be used to make decisions about how to improve work zone mobility and safety, including selecting preferred alternatives to maintain traffic during construction. Step-by-step instructions are provided for key computations. Three real-world case studies from FHWA’s Highways for LIFE program are also presented. To download the publication, visit http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/publications/fhwahop12005/index.htm.

Also available is FHWA’s A Primer on Work Zone Safety and Mobility Performance Measurement (Pub. No. FHWA-HOP-11-033). The primer describes how to better quantify the effects of work zones on travelers, residents, businesses, and the local workforce (see November 2011 Focus). To download a copy of the primer, visit www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/decision_support/performance-development.htm.

States, contractors, and others can also find guidelines, products, publications, and training resources developed through FHWA’s Work Zone Safety Grant program. Since 2006, $27.8 million in grant funds have been distributed to provide highway work zone safety training and develop guidelines to prevent and reduce work zone injuries and fatalities. To date, a minimum of 50,000 individuals have received grant-supported training. More than 45 guidelines and publications, 40 training modules, and 1 software application are now available. For a complete list, as well as a wealth of other work zone safety resources, visit the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse at www.workzonesafety.org/fhwa_wz_grant.

Another valuable resource is FHWA’s Work Zone Safety and Mobility Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program, which matches agencies with experienced transportation professionals who can provide guidance on how to address common challenges in implementing work zone management strategies. To be matched with a peer, call 866-P2P-FHWA (866-727-3492), or send an email to workzoneP2P@dot.gov. There is no cost to participate in the program.

 

To learn more about FHWA’s work zone safety and mobility resources, visit www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz. Information is also available by contacting Chung Eng at FHWA, 202-366-8043 (email: chung.eng@dot.gov)

Source: Federal Highway Administration's March 2012 issue of Focus, which is also available online at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/

The Place to Go for Bridge Preservation

A new online toolbox developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) means that bridge preservation resources are now just a click away.

As State and local transportation departments contend with aging bridge inventories, increases in traffic and congestion, limited funding, and rising costs for labor and materials, adopting strategies for bridge preservation as part of overall management of bridge assets is more vital than ever.

“A successful bridge program seeks a balanced approach that incorporates both preservation and replacement,” said Anwar Ahmad of FHWA. Focusing only on replacing deficient bridges while putting off preservation needs will be inefficient and costly in the long term, as this will allow bridges in good condition to deteriorate. Preservation treatments generally cost much less than major reconstruction and replacement activities.

Bridge PreservationThe Bridge Preservation Toolbox (www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/preservation) serves as a compendium of bridge preservation-related information and strategies. The information is structured under four main categories: Legislation and Policies, Bridge Management, Bridge Preservation Treatments, and Research and Development.

“The initial content of the Toolbox highlights some of the great work that has been done by the bridge community. We will make every effort to continue to update the contents as new material becomes available,” said Ahmad.

The Bridge Preservation Treatments section features information on preservation and maintenance methods and procedures, including repair methods and protective systems. Visit the Legislation section to find the latest on Federal, State, and local laws and bridge preservation-related policies. Also featured are background information on bridge preservation terminology and links to State and Federal guides, including FHWA’s Bridge Preservation Guide (Pub. No. FHWA-HIF-11-042) (see September 2011 Focus). Included in the FHWA guide is a framework for establishing a Systematic Preventive Maintenance (SPM) program for bridges. An SPM program can be implemented at the network-wide, highway system, area-wide, or regional level. Federal-aid funds may be used for SPM on highway bridges located on public roads regardless of whether a bridge is eligible for replacement or rehabilitation.

Bridge Management resources cover such topics as condition assessments, performance measures, strategies, cost data, deterioration trends, and life-cycle cost analysis. In addition to guidance from FHWA, resources include reports and information from Arizona, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Virginia, and other States.

In the area of Research and Development, users can find technical presentations, details on standards and specifications, National Cooperative Highway Research Program reports, and information on training opportunities.

Visit the Bridge Preservation Toolbox at www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/preservation. For more information on bridge preservation resources, contact Anwar Ahmad at FHWA, 202-366-8501 (email: anwar.ahmad@dot.gov)

Source: Federal Highway Administration's March 2012 issue of Focus, which is also available online at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/

Aging in Place, Stuck Without Options

By 2015, more than 15.5 million Americans 65 and older will live in communities where public transportation service is poor or non-existent, a new study shows. That number is expected to continue to grow rapidly as the baby boom generation “ages in place” in suburbs and exurbs with few mobility options for those who do not drive.

The report, Aging in Place, Stuck Without Options, ranks metro areas by the percentage of seniors with poor access to public transportation, now and in the coming years, and presents other data on aging and transportation.

A full copy of this article and link to the full report is available at http://t4america.org/resources/seniorsmobilitycrisis2011/

Aging

Source: Transportation for America, t4america.org

NJDOT 2012 Supplemental Guide Signing Manual

Great FallsThe New Jersey Department of Transportation has released The 2012 Supplemental Guide Signing Manual that provides standards, criteria, and limitations for the installation of supplemental guide signing for traffic generators and motorist attractions along the highway system.

Information about the Manual’s release may be found in BDC12T-05 available @ http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/eng/documents/BDC/pdf/BDC12T05.pdf

FHWA Standard Highway Signs and Markings 2012 Supplement

Standard highway signsThe Federal Highway Administration has developed the design details of the new signs added in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD and signs whose designs have been modified in the 2009 MUTCD. The new designs are provided in the form of a Supplement to the 2004 Edition of Standard Highway Signs.

The contents of the 2012 Supplement will be incorporated into the new edition of Standard Highway Signs and Markings, which is due to be released later this year. The new edition will contain the details for all signs and pavement markings in the 2009 MUTCD, expanded sign design guidelines, and details for symbolic traffic and lane-control signal indications. Information on the 2012 Supplement is available at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-shs_millennium.htm

Source: USDOT Federal Highway Administration

USDOT Proposes to Streamline Environmental Reviews for Transit Projects

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Proposes to Streamline Environmental Reviews for Transit Projects, Dramatically Cutting Red Tape and Improving Transparency without Short-Changing the Environment

Responding to President Obama's call for federal agencies to speed infrastructure development through more efficient environmental reviews, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff today announced they are proposing common-sense changes that would significantly cut red tape for certain transit projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and dramatically speed some projects towards completion.

"The President has asked us to find new ways to make our government work smarter on behalf of the American people by cutting waste and inefficiency wherever we find it," said Secretary LaHood. "The changes we're proposing will allow us to still carefully assess the impact of transit development on the environment, while reducing the time and energy needed to green-light good projects that clearly do not have a significant impact on the environment."

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) anticipates that for certain transit projects, the streamlined NEPA review process would be five times faster, making the NEPA process the most efficient it has been in 20 years. The time-savings would be due, in part, to allowing certain types of transit projects that clearly do not have a significant impact on the local environment—such as projects to be built within an existing right-of-way where transit or other transportation already exists—to potentially undergo a less intensive NEPA evaluation, while still providing for a more thorough review of projects that do have the potential for significant environmental impacts. For qualified projects, less documentation would need to be submitted, and project sponsors and state and regional transportation authorities would be encouraged to take environmental impacts into consideration sooner, as part of the planning process.

path train

"This new NEPA process would help provide transportation solutions to communities more quickly by potentially shaving more than a year off of the environmental review process for some projects," said Rogoff. "The bottom line is that project sponsors would be able to spend less time and effort guiding projects through a maze of paperwork and more time building projects that will provide a real alternative to ever-increasing fuel costs." The proposed changes would boost transparency of the NEPA process by encouraging the posting of all environmental impact statements and environmental records of decision on a grant applicant’s project website—and maintaining that information until a project is constructed and operating.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on "Environmental Impact and Related Procedures" appeared in yesterday's Federal Register. A 60-day public comment period follows. This is the second effort to cut red tape undertaken by the FTA this year. In January, reflecting an April 2011 Executive Order – Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer Service, by President Obama to streamline service delivery and improve customer service, the FTA announced a proposed rulemaking to streamline the way major transit projects compete for federal funds.

Source: USDOT Federal Transit Administration

National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization

click itThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds us that May 21 - June 03, 2012 is National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization. Every year during our annual Memorial Day Weekend holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, from coast-to-coast, for an enforcement blitz that delivers on our message Click It or Ticket.

Click It or Ticket (CIOT) is the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever, helping create the highest national seat belt usage rate of 86 percent. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple - Click It or Ticket.

2012 CIOT National Enforcement Mobilization - The cornerstone of NHTSA's seat belt communications program is the national Click It or Ticket May Mobilization. The primary audience continues to be men ages 18 to 34, which research shows are less likely to wear seat belts.

For more information, please visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/CIOT

Source: USDOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

A Guide to Conducting an Independent Assurance Program

A new Tech Brief released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides guidance State transportation agencies can use in conducting an Independent Assurance (IA) Program to evaluate the sampling and testing procedures they use in their materials and quality assurance (QA) program.

As required by 23 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) 637 for projects on the National Highway System, an IA Program ensures that materials sampling and testing are performed correctly and that the testing equipment used is operating correctly and remains calibrated. To conduct the IA Program, a separate and distinct schedule of sampling, testing, and observation must be maintained by personnel other than project personnel.

Independent Assurance Programs (Pub. No. FHWA-HIF-12-001) discusses best practices for meeting the C.F.R. requirements, including choosing a systems versus project approach. While a project approach covers all projects, a systems approach covers all QA testers. Also addressed is the frequency of IA testing, which may be based on the testing frequency performed for the project’s regular QA program or on a specified time interval for a project. Alternatively, a systems approach may be used to base the IA frequency on the number of times that all personnel who perform testing used in the acceptance decision will have to be reviewed during a year. IA evaluators would then review the work of these personnel at specified intervals. A mix of both of these approaches can also be used. The regulations require States that use the systems approach to submit an annual report to their FHWA division office.

Test equipment can be evaluated by using calibration checks, split samples, or proficiency samples, while testing lab personnel can be evaluated through observations and either split samples or proficiency samples. The typical approach for performing IA is to check equipment and personnel at the same time. IA evaluators visit a job site to observe the sampling and testing being performed and to also test a split sample on site with equipment brought by the testers, or to take the sample to a laboratory for testing. If the split samples do not compare, then further analysis is required to determine if the source of the error is in the procedures or equipment.

Other states perform testing on three-way split samples. Using this approach, one split is tested by project personnel, one by the contractor personnel, and one by the IA personnel. This is typically done at the beginning of production to ensure that all testing personnel and equipment are functioning correctly. The Tech Brief also discusses the way proficiency samples can be used in an IA Program.

As the Tech Brief notes, IA Programs must compare results and detect deficiencies in State or contractor testing procedures in a timely manner. Deviations from established tolerances will require an audit of the respective sampling and testing procedures, as well as the equipment used. The Tech Brief discusses how to establish comparison tolerances and how often to reevaluate these decisions. While some States evaluate their tolerance levels every year, at a minimum the tolerances should be evaluated every 5 years.

To download the Tech Brief, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/materials/hif12001.pdf. To view the C.F.R. regulation, visit www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/23cfr637_03.html. For a list of frequently asked questions on the quality assurance regulation, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/materials/qanda637.cfm. For more information on materials quality assurance, contact Michael Rafalowski at FHWA, 202-366-1571 (email: michael.rafalowski@dot.gov), or Dennis Dvorak at the FHWA Resource Center, 708-283-3542 (email: dennis.dvorak@dot.gov).

Source: Federal Highway Administration's March 2012 issue of Focus, which is also available online at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Revises Hazard Communication Standard

GHSRegulation protects workers from dangerous chemicals, helps American businesses compete worldwide

To better protect workers from hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations' global chemical labeling system. The new standard, once implemented, will prevent an estimated 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year.

"Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious dangers facing American workers today," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard will improve the quality, consistency and clarity of hazard information that workers receive, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive in the global marketplace."

The Hazard Communication Standard, being revised to align with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, will be fully implemented in 2016 and benefit workers by reducing confusion about chemical hazards in the workplace, facilitating safety training and improving understanding of hazards, especially for low literacy workers. OSHA's standard will classify chemicals according to their health and physical hazards, and establish consistent labels and safety data sheets for all chemicals made in the United States and imported from abroad.

The revised standard also is expected to prevent an estimated 585 injuries and illnesses annually. It will reduce trade barriers and result in estimated annualized benefits in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store and use hazardous chemicals, as well as cost savings of $32.2 million for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the standard.

"OSHA's 1983 Hazard Communication Standard gave workers the right to know. As one participant expressed during our rulemaking process, this update will give them the right to understand, as well," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

During the transition period to the effective completion dates noted in the standard, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers may comply with either 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200 (the final standard), the current standard or both.

The final rule revising the standard is available at http://s.dol.gov/P1*.

Further information for workers, employers and downstream users of hazardous chemicals can be reviewed at OSHA's Hazard Communication Safety and Health topics at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html, which includes links to OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard and guidance materials such as Q and A's, OSHA fact sheet and Quick Cards.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

NJ LTAP

 

Upcoming NJ LTAP Courses

The following workshops for Winter and Spring 2012 are open for registration. Please visit the NJ LTAP website for a complete list of our course offerings.

Work Zone Safety Awareness for Local Police

April 19, 2012
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This course, similar to our Work Zone Safety Awareness Program, is specifically being offered to current New Jersey law enforcement officers who require an overview of working safely in the roadway. This course does not replace the Police Work Zone Safety Train-The- Trainer Course.

DETAILS >>

Police Work Zone Safety Train-the Trainer: Passaic County Police Academy

April 30, 2012
May 7, 2012
May 10, 2012
May 17, 2012
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

This four-day program is designed for experienced police personnel who seek to become trainers in work zone traffic control. The NJDOT and other agencies require enforcement personnel to be trained when working on roadway construction projects.

DETAILS >>

Bridge Maintenance for Locals

May 8, 2012
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed for local agency maintenance managers, supervisors and personnel who are interested in developing a good bridge maintenance program. Participants will learn how to gather data on maintenance needs, diagnose common problems, and deal with bridge emergencies.

DETAILS >>

Compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

May 10, 2012
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

This session provides an overview of state and local laws governing ADA compliance, responsibilities of facility owners and funding recipients, project requirements, and ADA standards and applications.

DETAILS >>

Conducting Road Safety Audits

May 16, 2012
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

This workshop will help local road agency professionals understand basic road safety audit concepts, risk and safety, and common issues, and allow them to bring this knowledge back to their organization.

DETAILS >>

Low Cost Safety Improvements

May 22, 2012
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This course is designed to help local road agencies, engineers and public works personnel reduce the incident of traffic crashes through the application of low cost "best safety practices," many of which feature the efficient use of traffic control devices, into their routine day-to-day activities.

DETAILS >>

Work Zone Safety Awareness Workshop

June 4, 2012
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The Work Zone Safety Awareness Program is offered to participants who require an overview of working safely in the roadway.
DETAILS >>

Traffic Control Coordinator Program

June 5-8, 2012

8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

This four-day program is designed for experienced highway work zone personnel who seek training in work zone traffic control.

DETAILS >>

Conducting Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Inspection

June 6, 2012
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This course will provide training for field inspectors to perform sign retroreflectivity inspection using the approved methods by the FHWA.

DETAILS >>

Traffic Control Coordinator Refresher

July 10, 2012

8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The course provides a review of the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and includes a brief overview of federal changes, worker safety considerations, sign placement, and special considerations for local and state roadways.

DETAILS >>