State Geometric Design Procedures for Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation (RRR) Projects Memo
Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently issued new guidance for FHWA Division approval of State Geometric Design Procedures for Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation (RRR) Projects, with a focus on improving safety for all users on the non-interstate portions of the National Highway System. The new guidance emphasizes that such projects often provide an opportunity to expand multimodal networks at little additional cost and are therefore a key strategy for improving safe access for all road users. The memo offers information for FHWA Divisions when they evaluate RRR procedures proposed by States, suggesting they look for procedures and considerations that would help expand multimodal networks, including:
- Route continuity to prevent permanent or temporary severance of existing nonmotorized routes unless a reasonable alternative route is provided or an alternative exists.
- Resurfacing opportunities for installing bicycle facilities during roadway resurfacing projects as an efficient and cost-effective way for communities to create connected networks. Incorporating On-Road Bicycle Networks into Resurfacing Projects recommends ways to integrate bicycle facilities into resurfacing programs, methods for fitting bicycle facilities onto existing roadways, cost considerations, and case studies.
- Measuring multimodal connectivity to assist agencies in proactively identifying bicycling and walking needs to inform RRR project planning. The Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity describes how to incorporate connectivity measures into transportation planning processes.
- Design flexibility to retrofit an existing RRR project location with constrained rights-of-way to include new or enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Achieving Multimodal Networks: Applying Design Flexibility and Reducing Conflicts describes flexible design treatments and approaches.
- Bikeway Selection Guide to help make informed decisions about tradeoffs when selecting specific bikeway types for the context.
Additionally, Improving Safety for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Accessing Transit provides a comprehensive understanding of how to address pedestrian and bicyclist safety concerns related to accessing transit.
