Corridor and Systemwide Application of Performance Based Practical Design

Performance Based Practical Design (PBPD) is a change in mindset from traditional design techniques that mainly focused on meeting specific standards. PBPD places an emphasis on planning-level corridor or system performance needs and objectives to be utilized when scoping and developing individual projects. It is an outcome-oriented approach to design by development of performance-based goals for a corridor or system, and then utilizing practical design to meet those goals. Performance measures such as: safety, system reliability, congestion reduction, freight movement/economic vitality, accessibility, context sensitivity, life cycle costs, long range corridor goals, livability, environmental sustainability, operational performance/Level of Service, infrastructure integrity, and maintenance are some of the components to evaluate. The use of data driven analysis tools, balanced with stakeholder input, can be utilized to objectively develop the purpose and need (performance-based goals and objectives) for the corridor or system. Historically, MDOT has utilized traditional design techniques to minimally address required design standards while exceeding these standards where practicable. This rigid adherence to dimensional guidance has not addressed the nuance of how minor variations may have minimal effect on facility performance while having a significant effect on associated project costs and overall project purpose and need . An increased knowledge base is needed to document the development of the purpose and need to be utilized for individual project scoping development of a more flexible, confident, and cost-effective design approach. PBPD is being implemented nationally by various state DOTs through the support of FHWAs everyday counts initiatives and AASHTOs green book updates. At this time, PBPD is being implemented at the project level at MDOT. However, with the benefits of PBPD which MDOT has adopted, there is a need for MDOT to explore the application at the corridor/system-wide level. For those roadways or roadway characteristics in which flexibility from application of standard design criteria can be applied at low or minimal risk, the cost savings can be applied to other roadway features at the corridor or systemwide level that will improve the overall performance/mobility/safety of the roadway.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Contract Numbers:

      2021‐0221

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Michigan Department of Transportation

      Van Wagoner Building
      425 W. Ottawa Street
      Lansing, MI  United States  48909
    • Performing Organizations:

      WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff

      Albuquerque, New Mexico  United States 
    • Start Date: 20210201
    • Expected Completion Date: 20240131
    • Actual Completion Date: 0

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01774501
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Michigan Department of Transportation
    • Contract Numbers: 2021‐0221
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Jun 21 2021 10:49AM