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                Developing Methodologies for the Prioritization of Systemic Safety Improvements
**Publication Year:** 
            2015
    
        New Mexico and Indiana

Description

Both the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) implemented processes to prioritize system-wide improvements based on high-risk roadway features correlated with severe crash types. These processes support the wide implementation of cost-effective safety improvements, particularly on local roads.

**NMDOT's Proven Countermeasures** that **do not require a crash history for justification:**

Installation of longitudinal rumble strips on rural highways with posted speeds of 45 MPH or greater
	Replacement of the previous-generation of pedestrian signal heads
	Installation of median barriers on narrow medians of rural, multi-lane highways
	Installation of enhanced signs and markings on freeway exit ramps to reduce wrong-way travel crashes
	Installation of ITS improvements on one of the select regional work trip commuter highway corridors to reduce secondary crashes

NMDOT includes a description of the abbreviated process for funding systemic improvements using proven safety countermeasures in its HSIP Application Form and Instructions. Like most states, New Mexico typically requires justification for selected improvements through estimated crash reductions and anticipated improvements to safety performance. However, NMDOT accepts applications featuring one of the engineering countermeasures identified as a means to systemically reduce fatal and injury crashes without specific relevant crash data for the subject sites. If the application includes a reasonable cost estimate, NMDOT selection committee will recommend the systemic improvement project receive the highest priority within funding program restraints and seek concurrence from FHWA.

This allowed New Mexico to spend over $6 million (30%) of its HSIP funds on cost-effective, systemic safety countermeasures in locations that might otherwise not have received funding due to sparse crash histories.

INDOT developed a similar procedure, providing specific guidance on how to analyze and justify specific systemic safety improvements. The Indiana HSIP Local Project Selection Guide details several high-priority, low-cost systemic countermeasures that demonstrate a strong benefit to roadway safety performance in Indiana. Projects utilizing these countermeasures only need to submit a cover letter from the Local Public Agency (LPA) and a form with project information.

The excerpt from INDOT's Local Project Selection Guide below provides an example of the established criteria. It informs local agencies applying for HSIP funds about how to best receive funding for pedestrian improvements, one of INDOT's high priority systemic safety improvements.

**INDOT's Project Selection Criteria for Systemic Pedestrian Safety Improvements**

(Install new pedestrian crosswalk warning signs, flashing beacons, special pavement markings and refuge areas on a public road approach)

Justification of locations are recommended to be according to a documented pedestrian plan that identifies corridors serving pedestrian traffic generators such as multimodal trails, schools, libraries, retail and central business districts. Proposed locations are recommended to be prioritized based on two or more of the following criteria:

Traffic volume
	Estimated pedestrian conflicts
	B/C ratio

By including not only the systemic safety countermeasures available for funding, but also the means by which they can be justified, INDOT achieved an increased sense of transparency in the project selection process. It also created an atmosphere of openness with local agencies, which allowed over 30% of annual HSIP funds to be spent on systemic roadway improvements.

Key Accomplishments

Increased awareness of proven, state-specific systemic safety improvements and developed documented methodology for these improvements.
	Increased the percentage of HSIP funds directed towards cost-effective systemic safety improvements, particularly on locally-owned roads.Results

Both NMDOT and INDOT developed transparent methodologies for the inclusion and prioritization of systemic safety improvements in their project selection process. As a result, the number of systemic projects supported with HSIP funds has increased steadily over the past several years.

Contacts

Alan Holderread
Safety Engineer - Traffic Safety
Indiana Department of Transportation
100 N. Senate Ave., IGCN 958
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-5231AHolderead@indot.in.gov

Jessica Griffin, AICP
Government to Government Unit Supervisor/HSIP Coordinator
NM Department of Transportation
PO Box 1149
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 476-2155Jessica.Griffin@state.nm.us U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

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