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                        Low-Cost Treatments for Horizontal Curve Safety 2016


            
            In This Section
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                Appendix H: Utility Pole Management in New Jersey
Appendix H: Utility Pole Management in New Jersey

BACKGROUND

Objects permanently fixed in the clear zone of a roadway, such as trees and utility poles, may present obstacles for vehicles that depart the travel lane. Researchers from Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey, identified approximately 260 sites on New Jersey State Highways with multiple utility pole crashes from the years 2003 to 2005. Researchers identified these sites by ranking poles with three or more recurring pole hits in one location, in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Roadway Design Manual Section 8.2.4 under "Utility Poles. "The poles were also ranked by the crash hit/severity ratio of five or greater.

The Utility Management Unit of NJDOT is responsible for implementing the Pole Mitigation Program based on the list created by the Rowan University researchers. The Pole Mitigation Program is a formal program to proactively identify and remediate high risk utility pole crash sites in an effort to reduce crashes and injuries. Locations of poles that were within limits of active projects in design and planning stages were (and are currently) forwarded to the Division of Project Management for approval to be included in the mitigation program. NJDOT subsequently focused on the top 20 locations that were not a part of any active design projects from the original list of 260 sites.

PROGRAM DETAILS

One aspect of the Pole Mitigation Project is to pilot energy absorbing poles at some locations. The applicability of the poles is limited due to height and electrical appurtenance restrictions. NJDOT is using special poles made of fiberglass that collapse on impact and do not break away into the traffic. Initially NJDOT found it difficult to secure participation from the major utility companies on this project. However, upon holding informative discussions with the utility companies, NJDOT and the companies successfully reached an agreement to replacing and installing fiberglass poles when possible in accordance with all standards and guidelines and as specified in the NJDOT Utility Accommodation Policy. As a result of this coordination, six fiberglass poles have been installed.

A close-up photograph of the energy absorbing utility pole. On the pole, there are tags showing the 4-digit pole number and a label read as "Energy Absorb Pole".

***Figure H-1. Photo. A close-up of the energy absorbing utility poles used as a part of NJDOT's pilot project.***

RESULTS

After installation of the poles, the utility companies periodically conduct an inspection and submit a report to NJDOT as a part of the agreement. NJDOT can analyze the performance data of the poles and can establish policy regarding the usage of non-wooden poles. The utility companies have also agreed to replace the fiberglass poles if one is hit and damaged. NJDOT has made plans for data collection to establish a database containing the crash types based on geometry of the roadway in addition to other information that will be helpful to target sites where crashes with poles could be a problem.

Photograph of the energy absorbing utility pole from a distance. The pole is used for street lights.

***Figure H-2. Photo. NJDOT used utility poles made from fiberglass that would collapse upon impact and not break away into the road.***

CONSIDERATIONS

NJDOT recognizes the value in safeguarding the motoring public and minimizing the risk on the roadway and roadside. NJDOT highly recommends other agencies to initiate a clear zone management program, such as utility pole mitigation, if the resources are available.

CONTACT INFORMATION

NJDOT provided the information for this case study. Visit http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/ for more information. All images are courtesy of NJDOT.

For More Information:

Visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/safety/RwD

FHWA, Offi ce of Safety

Joseph Cheungjoseph.cheung@dot.gov
202-366-6994

FHWA-SA-15-084
      
  Book traversal links for Appendix H: Utility Pole Management in New Jersey
      ‹ Appendix G: Every Day Counts – High Friction Surface Treatments
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                    ACRONYMS ›
                
                Book:Low-Cost Treatments for Horizontal Curve Safety 2016
              CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
                CHAPTER 2. THE TWO COMPONENTS OF SAFETY IMPROVEMENT: SITE ANALYIS AND THE SYSTEMIC APPROACH
                CHAPTER 3. MARKINGS
                CHAPTER 4. SIGNS
                CHAPTER 5. PAVEMENT COUNTERMEASURES
                CHAPTER 6. ROADSIDE IMPROVEMENTS
                CHAPTER 7. ADDRESSING INTERSECTIONS IN CURVES
                REFERENCES
                Glossary
                Appendix A: Low-Cost Safety Improvements in Pennsylvania
                Appendix B: Systemic Improvements in Minnesota
                Appendix C: Application of Edge Lines in Missouri
                Appendix D: Upgrading Curve Signing in Ohio
                APPENDIX E: Application Of Sequential Dynamic Curve Warning Systems (SDCWS)
                Appendix F: Application of High Friction Surface Treatment in Kentucky
                Appendix G: Every Day Counts – High Friction Surface Treatments
                Appendix H: Utility Pole Management in New Jersey
                ACRONYMS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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