The study found that FAST systems have demonstrated the potential to reduce the number of crashes and reduce the cost of winter maintenance activities, if sited at appropriate locations (e.g., high-traffic-volume ice-prone ramps). However, improved installation techniques and involvement of maintenance crews during FAST installation are necessary to further increase the cost-effectiveness of a FAST system deployment. Extra effort will be made in sharing the information gained from this research study by focusing on CDOT personnel involved in planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of FAST systems.
Based on the study presented in this report, it was determined that S50 structural concrete can be produced to meet the requirements of the CDOT Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Construction.
The overall conclusion of the study is that application of magnesium chloride deicer having a chemical composition and application rate similar to those of 1997-98 is highly unlikely to cause or contribute to environmental damage at distances greater than 20 yards from the roadway. Even very close to the roadway, the potential of magnesium chloride deicer to cause environmental damage is probably much smaller than that of other factors related to road use and maintenance, including pollution of highway surfaces by vehicles and use of salt and sand mixtures to promote traction in winter. Magnesium chloride deicer may offer net environmental benefits if its use leads to a reduction in the quantity of salt and sand applied to roadways. The environmental safety of magnesium chloride deicer depends, however, on low concentrations of contaminants and avoidance of rust inhibitors containing phosphorus. Appropriate specifications for vendors and routine testing can insure the continued environmental acceptability of magnesium chloride deicers. Deicers provided by vendors should be monitored independently by CDOT for chemical characteristics. Any significant changes in processing or source material should be disclosed by the vendor. Colorado-based specifications should be developed for vendors. Independent specifications for low elevation could be developed, or the more stringent high elevation specifications can be applied to all purchases.
Discusses the highway and landscape variables that highway planners/designers should consider when choosing the best locations for mitigation that helps medium- and large-sized mammals cross highways safely."
This study is monitoring the performance of cable guardrail installed in Colorado. The three-year study will gather accident, maintenance, and repair data from sites and build databases to evaluate the data.
Currently, CDOT has no uniform statewide procedure to size detour drainage structures and permanent hydraulic structures using existing methodologies may result in failures. The main objective of the study is to develop a statewide detour drainage structure design procedure that also considers environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
