Statewide strategic transportation plan progress report, 2013

STATEWIDE STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT December 2013
Georgia Department of Transportation Planning Division

Georgia Department of Transportation One Georgia Center 600 West Peachtree NW Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 631-1990 www.dot.ga.gov
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................1 Transportation Performance Dashboard ................................................................................................................2 Performance of Georgia's Existing Transportation Network ..................................................................................3
Georgia's Roads are Getting Safer ......................................................................................................................3 Georgia's Roads are Well Maintained.................................................................................................................4 GDOT is Delivering on Its Promises .....................................................................................................................4 Congestion in Metro Atlanta is Better than in Many Peer Regions ....................................................................5 Transportation Performance Fact Sheets ...............................................................................................................9 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................................. A-1
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Introduction
The Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan (SSTP) is the official, intermodal, comprehensive, fiscally constrained transportation plan for Georgia. It includes projects, programs, and other activities to support the implementation of the state's strategies to achieve its transportation goals. Governor Nathan Deal approved the updated SSTP on September 11, 2013,1 and state law requires the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Director of Planning to report semiannually on the progress of projects and programs in the SSTP.2 The SSTP Progress Report helps the state make prioritized transportation investment decisions by monitoring the execution of the SSTP and the performance of the transportation system throughout the state, including:
1. Measuring the performance of Georgia's existing transportation network in order to demonstrate the extent to which the state is on the right track toward achieving its transportation goals;
2. Ensuring plans for Georgia's future transportation network support the goals and objectives of the SSTP; and
3. Monitoring the implementation of Georgia's transportation plans to ensure the on-time and onbudget delivery of strategic investments.
The first SSTP Progress Report, published in February 2012, included a snapshot of the performance of Georgia's transportation system using a series of measures outlined in the SSTP. It also contained a highlevel assessment of how plans for Georgia's future transportation network support the SSTP's investment guidelines and funding priorities. It focused primarily on metro Atlanta but also included statewide highlights from fiscal year 2010.

The second SSTP Progress Report3 analyzed the allocation of funds in Georgia's near-term transportation plans to transportation investments that the SSTP identified as critical to keeping Georgia economically competitive. The current report focuses on the performance of Georgia's existing transportation system and the on-time/on-budget delivery of GDOT's transportation projects.
Governor Deal has set strategic goals in support of his vision for a lean and responsive state government that allows communities, individuals and businesses to prosper.4 Among these goals are:
Improving the movement of people and goods across and within the state;
Expanding Georgia's role as a major logistics hub for global commerce;
Leveraging public-private partnerships and improving intergovernmental cooperation for successful infrastructure development; and
Reducing injury and loss of life on Georgia's roads.
Building from Governor Deal's priorities, GDOT's Strategic Plan5 also includes goals for:
Taking care of the state's existing transportation assets in the most efficient way possible; and
Planning and constructing the best set of mobilityfocused projects possible, on schedule.
GDOT measures its performance to track progress toward achieving the state's strategic transportation goals. This report reviews the current status, trends, targets, and strategies related to these measures.

1 http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/programs/Documents/SSTP/Plan/Statewide%20Strategic%20Transportation%20Plan%20Update.pdf
2 O.C.G.A. 32-2-41.1

3 http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/programs/Documents/SSTP/Reports/AttachmentE-SSTP-SB200.pdf
4 http://opb.georgia.gov/sites/opb.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/State%20Goals%20April%202013%2 0-FINAL.pdf
5 http://www.dot.ga.gov/aboutGeorgiadot/Documents/Strategic%20Development/FY2013-StrategicPlan.pdf
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Transportation Performance Dashboard

Goals and Performance Measures

Area

Year

Reducing injury and loss of life on Georgia's roads

Reduction in Annual Highway Fatalities

Statewide 2012

Taking care of what we have, in the most efficient way possible

Value Target

37

41

Fewer Fewer

Fatalities Fatalities

Status

Percent of State-Owned Bridges Meeting GDOT Standards

Statewide 2013

89%

85%

Percent of Interstates Meeting Maintenance Standards

Statewide

2013

83%

90%

Percent of State-Owned Non-Interstate Roads Meeting Maintenance Standards

Statewide

2013

71%

90%

Planning and constructing the best set of mobility-focused projects we can, on schedule, to improve the movement of people and goods across and within the state

Percent of Right-of-Way Authorized On Time Statewide 2013

55%

75%

Percent of Construction Authorized On Time Statewide 2013

75%

80%

Percent of Projects Constructed On Time

Statewide 2013

90%

80%

Percent of Projects Constructed On Budget Statewide 2013

99%

90%

Annual Congestion Cost per Peak Auto Commuter
Metro Atlanta Morning Peak Hour Speeds
Metro Atlanta Evening Peak Hour Speeds

Metro Atlanta

2011

$1,120 $1,106

Metro Atlanta

2013

39 mph 40 mph

Metro Atlanta

2013

37 mph 40 mph

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Performance of Georgia's Existing

Transportation Network

Generally speaking, Georgia's transportation network is performing well with respect to the Governor's and GDOT's goals. Georgia's transportation network is also performing well in comparison to other states. Even so, opportunities exist to enhance performance in certain areas as described below.
Georgia's Roads are Getting Safer
There has been a steady downward trend in highway fatalities in Georgia since 2005. In 2011, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, Georgia had the lowest rate of highway fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the Southeast.6 Furthermore, there were 37 fewer fatalities on Georgia's roadways in 2012 than in 2011, the third largest drop in annual highway fatalities in the nation.7

Council, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Georgia Hospital Association, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, local governments, the law enforcement community, and others. Emphasis area task teams develop specific, "four safety E's" programs involving engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency medical services, and the SHSP executive board meets quarterly to consider task team recommendations and progress updates.

Georgia had the lowest rate of highway fatalities per 100 million
vehicle miles traveled in the Southeast in 20116 and the third largest drop in annual highway fatalities in the nation between
2011 and 2012.7
This positive trend may be attributed in part to Georgia's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and the cooperation and collaboration of agencies represented by the SHSP executive board, known as the "Safety Program Leadership." The SHSP is a broad effort that includes the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, GDOT, Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Health, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Department of Driver Services, Prosecuting Attorney's

About one out of every four roadway fatalities in Georgia occurs at intersections. GDOT is using a multifaceted approach to improve intersection safety. The approach includes pursuing major improvements as well as deploying large numbers of relatively low-cost, effective countermeasures. In addition, in the spring of 2013, GDOT's Traffic Operations office tasked an independent, multidisciplinary Road Safety Audit team to identify and document roadway safety issues and recommend improvements. Several other states have successfully used Road Safety Audits as a proactive, lowcost approach to improving safety, developing innovative solutions, and saving lives.

6 Based on FHWA Highway Statistics Series Tables FI-10 and VM-2 from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2011/
7 http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811856.pdf

Examples of safety improvement projects completed by GDOT in fiscal year 2013 include:

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Installing cable barrier in the median of I-16 from SR 87/Ocmulgee E. Boulevard in Bibb County through Twiggs County and Bleckley County to County Road (CR) 96/Thairdell Road in Laurens County;
Improvements at twelve intersections along Ponce de Leon Avenue, North Avenue, and Linden Avenue in the City of Atlanta, including a landscaped median along Ponce de Leon Avenue between Peachtree Street and Juniper Street with bulb-outs in combination with on-street parking and upgraded crosswalks to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists;
Improvement of the former "Y" intersection of State Route (SR) 49 with SR 11/US 41 in Houston County by realigning SR 11 to create a 90 degree "T" intersection with SR 49 and the reconstruction of the intersection of SR 11/SR 49/US 41 with Houston Lake Road and Houston Road into two "T" intersections at 90 degrees. Turn lanes were added to all reconstructed intersections;
Improvement of the intersection of SR 193 and Happy Valley Road in Walker County by adding left and right turn lanes on Happy Valley Road and a new traffic signal at SR 193; and
Adding turn lanes and upgrading the existing traffic signal at the intersection of SR 21 and Crossgate Road/Gulfstream Road in Port Wentworth.
Georgia's Roads are Well Maintained
In 2011, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, Georgia had the lowest percentage in the nation of urban interstates and other urban roadways classified in poor condition.8 Georgia

also had the second lowest percentage in the nation of rural roadways (excluding rural interstates) in poor condition.8 Georgia had the 22nd lowest percentage in the nation of rural interstate roads in poor condition, but this amounted to only 0.4% of the rural interstate roadway miles in the state.8 GDOT has been very efficient in achieving these results. In the ten years leading up to and including 2011, Georgia averaged the ninth lowest expenditure rate in the nation in terms of maintenance dollars spent per state-owned road mile.9
Georgia had the lowest percentage of urban roadways in poor
condition and the second lowest percentage of non-interstate rural roadways in poor condition in the
nation in 2011.8
However, GDOT has set very high maintenance standards for state-owned roadways and bridges. To make progress in this area, GDOT is implementing transportation asset management, a process that moves away from a "worst first" approach and instead considers usage and risk when prioritizing projects for limited maintenance funds.

8 Based on International Roughness Index (IRI) for roadway miles reported in FHWA Highway Statistics Series Table HM64 (downloaded from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2011/xls/hm64.xls) and following the convention in the Reason Foundation's "20th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems" (http://reason.org/files/20th_annual_highway_report.pdf). Roadway sections with an IRI of greater than 170 inches per mile are classified as "poor." IRI is a measure of pavement roughness. To have a comprehensive measure of pavement condition, data on other pavement distresses such as rutting, cracking, and faulting are needed.

Examples of maintenance projects completed by GDOT in fiscal year 2013 include:
Milling and resurfacing I-20/SR 402 from SR 142 in Newton County to SR 83 in Morgan County;
9 Based on FHWA Highway Statistics Series Tables HM-10 and SF-4 for 2001 through 2011. Data downloaded from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics.cfm.

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Resurfacing SR 281 from SR 8 in Madison County to SR17 in Franklin County;
Placement of Porous English Mixture Asphalt riding surface on I-75 from SR 32 to SR 159 in Turner County;
Widening and reconstruction of I-75/SR 401 using crumb rubber asphalt beginning south of Pierce Avenue and extending north of Arkwright Drive in Bibb County; and
Resurfacing of SR 314 from SR 279 in Fayette County to SR 139 in Clayton County.
GDOT is Delivering on Its Promises
Of the projects that were under contract and scheduled to be completed in 2013, GDOT delivered 90% on time and 99% on budget. Nevertheless, some challenges remain. Project authorization is one of the first steps in delivering a transportation project, making federal and state transportation funds available to pay projectrelated expenses. GDOT missed its targets for on-time authorization of right-of-way purchase and project construction in 2013. Although delayed authorization does not necessarily lead to delayed delivery, it may put the project delivery schedule at risk. To help make progress toward its targets, GDOT is streamlining the project development process and increasing accountability by assigning projects to project managers from start to finish.

Of the projects that were under contract and scheduled to be
completed in 2013, GDOT delivered 90% on time and 99% on budget.
Congestion in Metro Atlanta is Better than in Many Peer Regions
Although Atlanta is the 9th most populous metro area in the nation, it was ranked 20th for congestion by INRIX10 in fiscal year 2013. Based on these studies, congestion in Atlanta was better than Chicago, Houston, Miami, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and many other metro areas in 2012. Still, GDOT is striving to reduce congestion and annual congestion cost per peak automobile commuter.
Congestion in Atlanta was better than in Chicago, Houston, Miami, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and many
other metro areas in 2013.10
Although average peak period travel speeds on metro Atlanta's most congested interstates fell just short of GDOT's target in 2013, many metro Atlanta interstate segments performed very well during the peak hours.
Keeping congestion costs in check in a large, rapidly growing metropolitan area like Atlanta is very challenging. The state has undertaken a number of initiatives in support of this goal:
GDOT's award-winning 2010 Managed Lane System Plan (MLSP) was the first system-wide evaluation of managed lanes in the US. The MLSP's successor, the Atlanta Regional Managed Lanes Implementation Plan (MLIP), will identify feasible locations for capacity-adding projects, redefine and reprioritize projects, and develop a funding plan to deliver reliability and congestion relief.11
In 2014, GDOT will begin constructing new reversible managed lanes along I-75 from the SR

10 http://scorecard.inrix.com/scorecard/default.asp 11 http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/studies/managedlanes/-
Pages/default.aspx
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155 (Zack Hinton Parkway, South) interchange in Henry County north to the SR 138 (Stockbridge Highway) interchange in Henry and Clayton counties,12 and from I-285 in Cobb County to Hickory Grove Road in Cobb and along I-575 from I75 to Sixes Road in Cherokee County.13 In 2015, GDOT will begin constructing the extension of the existing I-85 express lanes from just north of Old Peachtree Road to Hamilton Mill Road in Gwinnett County. South of I-985, the project proposes to widen I-85 outside of the existing eight-lane mainline, while north of I-985, widening on the inside shoulder along the four-lane I-85 section.14

implement, low-cost improvements for metro Atlanta's interstate highways, like the "Diverging Diamond Interchange" at Ashford-Dunwoody Road and I-285 in DeKalb County completed by GDOT in 2012 and pictured below.18

Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) assist at the scene of incidents and safely remove hazards from the roadway. GDOT is exploring options to add resources to corridors with the highest incident rates.15
CommuteSmart is Governor Deal's award-winning16 initiative to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging state employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work during the rush hours.17
GDOT's Operational Planning Study (OPS) is currently underway and will identify quick-to-
12 http://www.dot.ga.gov/travelingingeorgia/expresslanes/I75expresslanes/Pages/default.aspx
13 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/p3/projects/NWC/Pages/default.aspx
14 http://www.dot.ga.gov/travelingingeorgia/expresslanes/I85expresslanes/Pages/default.aspx
15 http://www.511ga.org/static/hero.html 16 http://www.gacommuteoptions.com/EmployerServices/-
PACE-Awards/PACE-Award-Telework-Catalyst-State-ofGeorgia 17 http://doas.ga.gov/StateLocal/HRA/Benefits/Pages/CommuteSmart.aspx

GDOT's Regional Traffic Operations Program (RTOP) is designed to improve signal timing and traffic flow on metro Atlanta's busiest arterial roadways. GDOT engineers actively manage and synchronize more than 4,000 traffic signals on some 18,000 miles of roads and streets. They have improved traffic flow and reduced stops by nearly 10 percent.19
GDOT's Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) provides financial incentives for the quick clearance of large commercial vehicle incidents. In the very first year it was implemented, TRIP cut the clearance time for these incidents by more than half.20
GDOT has installed more than 160 ramp meters (signals that regulate the frequency of vehicles entering the freeways) helping to smooth traffic flow on the interstates and improve travel times in metro Atlanta by 14 percent. In 2013, GDOT awarded contracts to install six new ramp meters at
18 http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/studies/MetroAtlantaOperationalPlanningStudy/Pages/default.aspx
19 http://www.dot.ga.gov/travelingingeorgia/trafficcontrol/Pages/Operations.aspx
20 http://www.timetaskforce.com/time-initiatives/trip

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heavy-traffic interchanges in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.21

time and fuel--a return on investment of greater than 4-to-1.25

By the fall of 2014, GDOT will install variable speed limit signs on the northern section of I-285 to prepare drivers for upcoming traffic conditions and help smooth traffic flow.22

GDOT has developed an award-winning, comprehensive Statewide Freight and Logistics Plan which provides vital strategic direction for future investment in transportation infrastructure that serves Georgia's freight and logistics industries.23

Examples of mobility-focused projects completed by GDOT in fiscal year 2013 include:

Construction of the North Gordon Bypass from SR 57 at the Twiggs/Wilkinson County Line to SR 243 at Lake Tchucoloako. The project also included a bridge over Little Commissioner Creek and Central of Georgia Railroad. This project completes a portion of the Fall Line Freeway, an Economic Development Highway from Augusta to Columbus, Georgia;

Georgia Commute Options is a joint effort between GDOT, the Clean Air Campaign and the region's transportation management associations that helps commuters, employers and property managers take advantage of commute alternatives to driving alone, reducing the number of vehicles and congestion on the roads during the rush hours.24
The Xpress commuter coach service has become an important part of the state's transportation strategy to improve mobility and lessen the burden that congestion has on people and commerce in metro Atlanta. The 33 Xpress routes carry more than 2 million passengers annually, saving metro Atlanta commuters more than $140 million a year worth of
21 http://www.dot.ga.gov/travelingingeorgia/trafficcontrol/Pages/Operations.aspx
22 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/DesignBuild/FY13DesignBuild-Summary.pdf
23 http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/programs/georgiafreight/logisticsplan/Pages/default.aspx
24 http://www.gacommuteoptions.com

Widening and reconstruction of US 441 (SR 24) in Putnam County beginning just north of CR 245/Cay Road and ending at US 129/SR 44 at the Eatonton Bypass, including a new bridge crossing over existing Norfolk Southern Railway tracks and Denise Station Road;
Widening Johnson Ferry Road from Columns Drive in Cobb County to Abernathy Road in the City of Sandy Springs;
Construction of a bridge and approaches to carry SR 307 traffic over both the existing (Norfolk Southern) and proposed (Intermodal Facility) railroad tracks in Garden City. This project provides a grade separation between rail and vehicular traffic. In addition, six tracks are to be installed by the Georgia Ports Authority as part of the James D. Mason Intermodal Facility. The Intermodal Facility proposed build-out will have twenty tracks that will lie across the present location of SR 307. The grade separation will provide a much safer and more efficient movement of vehicles. The grade
25 http://www.xpressga.com

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separation of SR 307 from the rail traffic was identified in the Chatham County Intermodal Freight study; Replacement of the Mitchell Street Bridge located over the CSX Railroad between Techwood Drive and Spring Street in the City of Atlanta. The bridge functions not only as a major connecting route into the city from the west for regular vehicles, but also supports transit buses; Construction of a new interchange on I-575 at Ridgewalk Parkway in Cherokee County. In addition, new auxiliary lanes along I-575 were constructed between the new interchange and Towne Lake Parkway. The project also realigned Old Rope Mill Road to form a four way intersection with Woodstock Parkway and Ridgewalk Parkway; and Widening of SR 1/US 27 from CR 156, north of Blakely, at the Blakely Bypass to the Clay County line and the southern end of Bluffton Bypass, including new bike lanes on the shoulders.
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Transportation Performance Fact Sheets
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TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET Annual Highway Fatalities

WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
Our goal is to reduce injury and loss of life on Georgia's roads. To help ensure we achieve this goal, we have set a target of reducing roadway fatalities by 41 or more each year.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?

Incident Management

Intersection Improvements

Road Safety Audits

Highway Emergency Response Operators

About one out of every four roadway

GDOT's Traffic Operations office has begun to

(HERO) assist at the scene of incidents and

fatalities occurs at intersections. We are

coordinate the development of an

safely remove hazards from the roadway.

working to improve intersection safety by

independent, multidisciplinary Road Safety

Average HERO response time is currently 13

implementing major improvements as well as

Audit team. Road Safety Audit teams identify

minutes. We are exploring options to add

deploying low-cost countermeasures. We

and document roadway safety issues and

resources to corridors with highest incident

have set a target of reducing intersection

offer recommendations for improving them.

rates.

fatalities by 10 each year.

Several other states have successfully used

The Towing Recovery Incentive Program

Road Safety Audits as a proactive, low-cost

(TRIP) provides financial incentives for the

approach to improving safety, developing

quick clearance of large commercial vehicle

innovative solutions, and saving lives.

incidents. In the very first year it was

implemented, TRIP cut the clearance time for

these incidents by more than half.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Georgia had the lowest rate of highway fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the Southeast in 2011* and the third largest drop in annual highway fatalities in the nation between 2011 and 2012.

Measure

2012 Status

Annual Results (2003-2012)

Annual Fatalities on Georgia's Roadways

1,199

1,607

1,639

1,748

1,706

1,647

1,508

1,299

1,250

1,236

1,199

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

209

Reduction in Annual Highway Fatalities on Georgia's Roadways

139

42

59

49

-32

-109

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
* Based on FHWA Highway Statistics Series Tables FI-10 and VM-2 from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/-statistics/2011/ http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811856.pdf 2012 is the most recent year for which highway fatality data are available.

14 2011

37 2012

TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET Bridges and Roadways Meeting Maintenance Standards

WHAT IS OUR GOAL?

GDOT's goal is to keep Georgia's roadways 1. Perform maintenance such that 85% of state- 2. Perform maintenance such that 90% of

and bridges in safe working condition. To

owned bridges meet or exceed GDOT

interstates and 90% of state-owned non-

ensure that we meet this goal, we have set

standards.

interstate roadways are in fair or better

the following minimum performance targets:

condition.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?

GDOT recently implemented transportation The 2013-2016 Statewide Transportation

About 30% ($2.64 billion) of the funds in the

asset management, a process that considers

Improvement Program (STIP) includes just

STIP are devoted to maintaining roadways,

usage and risk when prioritizing projects for

over $600 million for bridge maintenance,

including reconstruction, restoration,

limited maintenance funds, moving away

including rehabilitating bridges with degraded

rehabilitation, and resurfacing.

from a "worst first" approach.

strength and/or condition and replacing

bridges that have outlived their useful lives.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

We have consistently exceeded our target for bridge maintenance since 2005.

Measure

2013 Status

Annual Results (2005-2013)

Percent of StateOwned Bridges Meeting GDOT
Standards

86%

87%

87%

87%

87%

87%

87%

87%

89%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

We have more work to do to achieve our maintenance targets for state-owned roadways. Still, Georgia had the lowest percentage of urban roadways in poor condition and the second lowest
percentage of non-interstate rural roadways in poor condition in the nation in 2011.

Measure

2013 Status

Annual Results (2005-2013)

Percent of Interstates in Fair or Better Condition

95%

90%

80%

78%

78%

72%

76%

76%

83%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Percent of StateOwned Non-Interstate
Roadways in Fair or Better Condition

81%

78%

80%

78%

76%

73%

73%

71%

71%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET Project Delivery

WHAT IS OUR GOAL?

Our goal is to deliver projects on time and on 1. We will authorize right-of-way on schedule

budget. To help ensure we achieve this goal,

for at least 75% of projects.

we have set the following four performance 2. We will authorize construction on schedule

targets:

for at least 80% of projects.

3. We will complete construction on schedule for at least 80% of projects.
4. We will complete construction on budget for at least 90% of projects.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?

Streamlining project development and

Ensuring accurate project definitions,

increasing accountability by assigning

schedules, and costs are reflected in the

projects to project managers from start to

state's transportation plan.

finish instead of the previous practice of

Increasing coordination with partnering

passing the project from one project manager

agencies in order to better anticipate issues

to another at different stages.

and avoid potential problems that could

cause delays.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Enhancing coordination with utilities and communication with contractors to improve on-time project completion.
Monitoring construction overruns to improve on-budget project completion.

We delivered 90% of projects on time and nearly 100% of projects on budget in 2013.

Measure

2013 Status

Annual Results (2005-2013)

Percent of Projects Completed On Time

62%

67%

69%

73%

77%

77%

78%

78%

90%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Percent of Projects Completed On Budget

95%

95%

94%

93%

96%

97%

97%

99%

81%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

We have more work to do to achieve our right-of-way and construction authorization targets.

Measure

2013 Status

Annual Results (2005-2013)

Percent of Right-of-Way Authorized
On Time

49% 2005

32% 2006

37% 2007

6% 2008

0% 2009

56% 2010

67% 2011

67% 2012

55% 2013

Percent of Construction Authorized
On Time

62% 2005

68% 2006

48% 2007

51% 2008

24% 2009

89% 2010

64% 2011

71% 2012

75% 2013

TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET Speeds and Congestion Costs

WHAT IS OUR GOAL?

Our goal is to reduce the costs of traffic congestion. To help achieve this goal in

1. PEAK HOUR SPEEDS: We track average travel 2. CONGESTION COSTS: We track the average

speeds on metro Atlanta's most congested

congestion costs in metro Atlanta during

metro Atlanta, we track two important performance measures:

interstate segments during the morning and evening peak hours. Our target is to maintain

peak periods, which is based on the combined cost of extra travel time and fuel

an average speed of 40 mph or higher.

spent in traffic. Our target is to reduce congestion costs each year.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?

The Atlanta Regional Managed Lanes Implementation Plan will identify feasible

56 centerline miles of new managed lanes are The Regional Traffic Operations Program

scheduled to be added to metro Atlanta

(RTOP) was formed in 2013 to improve signal

locations for capacity-adding projects, redefine and reprioritize projects, and develop a funding plan to deliver reliability and congestion relief.

interstates over the next five years. Highway Emergency Response Operators
(HERO) assist at the scene of incidents and safely remove hazards from the roadway. . More than 160 ramp meters have significantly

timing and traffic flow on metro Atlanta's busiest arterial roadways. The RTOP team is actively monitoring thousands of devices to identify and resolve malfunctioning equipment and signal timing.

reduced travel times in metro Atlanta.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Average peak hour speeds on metro Atlanta's most congested interstates fell just short of our target in 2013.

Measure

2013 Status

Annual Results (2008-2013)

Metro Atlanta Highway Peak Hour
Speeds (AM)

45 2008

42 2009

38 2010

43 2011

42 2012

39 2013

Metro Atlanta Highway Peak Hour
Speeds (PM)

40

43

40

44

38

37

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Average annual congestion cost per peak hour commuter in metro Atlanta in 2011 was below the 2007 level.* Congestion in Atlanta was better than in Chicago, Houston, Miami, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and many other metro areas in 2012.

Measure

2011 Status

Annual Results (2007-2011)

Metro Atlanta Annual Congestion Cost per Peak Hour
Commuter

$1,276

$1,122

$1,092

2007

2008

2009

*http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/report/ http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/trafficindex/ and http://scorecard.inrix.com/scorecard/default.asp 2011 is the most recent year for which congestion cost data are available.

$1,106 2010

$1,120 2011

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Appendix

Reduction in Annual Highway Fatalities
GDOT considers safety in every stage of a project and in every investment decision. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has adopted a national goal of reducing fatalities by 1000 each year. To assist in achieving this national goal, Georgia has set a target of reducing fatalities by 41 or more each year. This is based on Georgia's roadway types as well as the number of cars and trucks using the roadway system. This measure evaluates GDOT's efforts to reduce fatalities on Georgia's roads. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-1.

Table A-1 Target ranges for reduction in annual highway fatalities

Dashboard Status Green Yellow
Red

Range Reduction of 41 Annual Fatalities
Reduction of 0 and < 41 Annual Fatalities
Any Increase in Annual Fatalities

Percent of State-Owned Bridges Meeting GDOT Standards
One of GDOT's core businesses is to maintain and improve state-owned bridges, which like any structure, deteriorate with age and use. GDOT's target is for 85% of state-owned bridges meet or exceed standards based on bridge strength and deck condition. Different asset classes are held to different standards; interstate bridges are held to a higher strength and condition standards than state route bridges because interstates are more heavily used by vehicles of all sizes and weight classes. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-2.

Table A-2 Target ranges for percent of state-owned bridges that meet or exceed GDOT standards

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 85% 70% and < 85% < 70%

[A-1]

Percent of Interstates Meeting Maintenance Standards
GDOT prioritizes maintenance of heavily-used assets more than lesser-used ones. For roadways, this entails distinguishing between interstates and state-owned non-interstate roadways and holding them to different standards. The Computerized Pavement Condition Evaluation System (COPACES), on a scale of 1 to 100, serves as the basis of the standards. Cracks, rutting, and other surface deficiencies indicate poorer pavement condition. The goal is to maintain at least 90% of interstate road segments at a COPACES rating of 75 to 80 (or more). Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-3.

Table A-3 Target ranges percentage of interstates meeting maintenance standards

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 90% 80% and < 90% < 80%

Percent of State-Owned NonInterstate Roads Meeting Maintenance Standards
For state-owned non-interstate roadways, the target is to maintain at least 90% at a COPACES rating of 70 to 75. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-4.

Table A-4 Target ranges for percentage of state-owned noninterstate roads meeting maintenance standards

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 90% 80% and < 90% < 80%

Percent of Right-of-Way Authorized On Time
The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) documents the year GDOT anticipates making

funds available to acquire land, known as right-of-way, for a project. Purchasing right-of-way on schedule allows construction of a project to begin on schedule. This measure tracks how well GDOT meets the right-ofway schedule in the approved STIP.

GDOT's target is to complete the plan development process for all projects such that at least 75% of right-ofway is authorized during the programmed year in the currently approved STIP. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-5.

Table A-5 Target ranges for percentage of right-of-way authorized on time

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 75% 70% and < 75% < 70%

Percent of Construction Authorized On Time
The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) documents the year GDOT anticipates making funds available for construction of a project. This measure tracks how well GDOT meets the construction schedule in the approved STIP.

GDOT's target is to complete the plan development process for all projects such that at least 80% of construction is authorized during the programmed year in the currently approved STIP. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-6.

Table A-6 Target ranges for percentage of construction authorized on time

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 80% 72% and < 80% < 72%

Percent of Projects Constructed On Time
Each contract executed to build a project includes a time frame to complete construction, agreed upon by GDOT and the contractor. However, sometimes necessary extensions occur. This measure tracks how well GDOT is

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doing at constructing projects within the agreed-upon contract time.

GDOT's target is to complete the construction of 80% or more of all projects within the agreed upon contract time. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-7.

Table A-7 Target ranges for percentage of projects constructed on time

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 80% 70% and < 80% < 70%

Percent of Projects Constructed On Budget
Each contract executed to build a project includes a dollar amount to complete construction, agreed upon by GDOT and the contractor. However, sometimes projects are completed over or under the award amount. This measure tracks how well GDOT is doing at constructing projects at or below the agreed upon dollar amount.

GDOT's target is to complete the construction of 90% all projects within 110% of their budgeted award amount. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-8.

Table A-8 Target ranges for percentage of projects constructed on budget

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 90% 80% and < 90% < 80%

Annual Congestion Cost per Peak Auto Commuter
Annual congestion cost is supplied by the Texas Transportation Institute's (TTI) Urban Mobility Report. It is the estimated value of travel delay and excess fuel consumption. It is based on 24/7 real-world travel time data supplied to TTI by INRIX, covering the freeways and arterials in the Atlanta Urbanized Area.

Future travel demand is expected to grow along with the population and economy of metro Atlanta, meaning that congestion will likely increase compared to current levels. Therefore, a very ambitious target is to hold this measure at its 2010 level (i.e., $1,106). The corresponding staff-proposed dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-9. The target and ranges are subject to change.

Table A-9 Target ranges for annual congestion cost per peak auto commuter

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range $1,106 > $1,106 and $1,217 > $1,217

Metro Atlanta Morning/Evening Peak Hour Speeds
Due to the level of congestion in metro Atlanta, travelers anticipate delays when traveling during peak morning and evening hours (6am-10am and 3pm-7pm). GDOT has set a peak hour target of 40 mph or better for its interstate system. Dashboard ranges for this measure are contained in Table A-10.

Table A-10 Target ranges for AM/PM peak hour operating speeds in key corridors

Dashboard Status Green Yellow Red

Range 40 MPH 35 MPH and < 40 MPH < 35 MPH

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Georgia Department of Transportation One Georgia Center 600 West Peachtree NW Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 631-1990 www.dot.ga.gov