Speaking

Hard Shoulder Running (HSR) is an innovative strategy for squeezing additional capacity out of existing infrastructure, targeting facilities with short-duration peak periods where congestion is noticeable. This presentation will focus on the recently completed HSR design in Ohio, referencing conversations with state DOTs who have implemented HSR and a tour of Michigan's HSR corridor. In addition to defining HSR, the presenter will detail the safety analysis requested by the Federal Highway Administration for the Ohio project and cover lessons learned during design and implementation.

With public agencies facing shrinking funding budgets, planners and engineers must have a practical mindset when planning projects. They must address capacity, safety and multi-modal concerns while still meeting the most basic needs and goals of urban corridors. This session will explore lessons learned on two recent preliminary engineering projects and highlight the benefits of practical design in the planning process to increase capacity, improve safety and create multi-modal corridors on a budget.

Roundabouts continue to be a popular intersection choice for many agencies in the U.S. Much experience has been gained in the past decade regarding the design and performance of roundabouts in the U.S.

This presentation will give transportation engineers and planners a solid overview of current analysis and design practices related to roundabouts based on the presenter’s experience and involvement as a member of the Transportation Research Board’s Roundabout Committee. Topics to be discussed: 

• Go-to U.S. planning and design guidance and resources
• Recent and ongoing research that will influence roundabout policy and practices
• Current and draft federal ADA rules for pedestrian crossings
• Common crash patterns at multi-lane roundabouts 
• Roundabout capacity analysis options and the strengths and weaknesses of each
• Important considerations when conducting studies that compare the potential benefits, impacts, and costs of roundabouts to other intersection options
• Roundabout myths and misunderstandings
• Some entertaining quotes from social media and public surveys related to roundabouts