Rhode Island

Highway Safety Improvement Program

2015 Annual Report

Prepared by: RI
ii

Disclaimer

Protection of Data from Discovery & Admission into Evidence

23 U.S.C. 148(h)(4) states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, 

lists, or data compiled or collected for any purpose relating to this section [HSIP], shall not be 

subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered 

for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or 

addressed in the reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or other data.” 

23 U.S.C. 409 states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, lists, 

or data compiled or collected for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or planning the safety 

enhancement of potential accident sites, hazardous roadway conditions, or railway-highway 

crossings, pursuant to sections 130, 144, and 148 of this title or for the purpose of developing any 

highway safety construction improvement project which may be implemented utilizing Federal-aid 

highway funds shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State 

court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any 

occurrence at a location mentioned or addressed in such reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data.”
iii

Table of Contents

Disclaimer...................................................................................................................................................... ii

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................1

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................3

Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................3

Program Administration ...........................................................................................................................3

Program Methodology..............................................................................................................................6

Progress in Implementing Projects.............................................................................................................27

Funds Programmed............................................................................................................................. 27

General Listing of Projects.................................................................................................................. 30

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets....................................................................................35

Overview of General Safety Trends........................................................................................................35

Application of Special Rules....................................................................................................................49

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program Evaluation) ..........................................51

SHSP Emphasis Areas..............................................................................................................................53

Groups of similar project types...............................................................................................................58

Systemic Treatments...............................................................................................................................63

Project Evaluation...................................................................................................................................69

Glossary.......................................................................................................................................................71
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Executive Summary

Since 2010, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has followed the Highway Safety 

Manual process to guide their HSIP. For network screening, RIDOT currently uses societal crash cost 

ranking using the KABCO scale to identify top crash site-specific locations as well as systemic type issues 

statewide. The systemic approach is a risk based approach that examines roadway types that are 

susceptible to a specific crash type (roadway departure, intersection) and identified through high-level 

queries. RIDOT reviews the top crash lists/types to develop and fine tune a plan of incorporating safety 

improvements through new and existing spot location/systemic projects.

The HSIP Committee is made up of safety stakeholders, including RIDOT, FHWA, and RIDOT HSIP 

Engineering Support Services consultant that meets monthly to develop the HSIP program, approve HSIP 

projects and requests for projects, and discuss other safety related issues. The HSIP committee uses a 

data-driven approach to making any safety related decision and has developed a ranking form based on 

safety benefits, feasibility and policy conformance to be used whenever HSIP funds are considered for a 

project. Not only does the HSIP committee review internal requests for funds, but also requests that 

come in from the local municipalities.

As part of the HSIP project ranking form, points are given for conducting a Road Safety Assessment (RSA) 

at the location under consideration for safety improvements. The RSA’s follow federal RSA guidelines

and RI has embraced the usefulness of the RSA process. The RSA process also promotes involvement 

from stakeholders outside of RIDOT and strengthens relationships between RIDOT and participating 

municipalities. These strengthening relationships will prove to be imperative for sharing/updating 

roadway data to allow for predictive network screening and state-specific SPF development in the 

future. RIDOT is expected to complete the collection of the majority of the MIRE elements in the fall of 

2015.

The collection of the MIRE elements will also assist with the selection of systemic project locations and 

countermeasures with the risk for specific crash types (i.e. Curves). RIDOT also uses FHWA low-cost 

proven safety countermeasures, NCHRP, FHWA reports, and other safety documents to assist with 

countermeasure identification. Again, the MIRE data collection and sharing with municipalities will 

improve the overall HSIP program as it will provide the municipalities additional tools to conduct RSA’s 

and submit strong safety project candidates for HSIP committee review and approval.

RIDOT prioritizes projects based on the ranking scores and how the improvements fit into the roadway 

departure, local safety, safety corridor, intersections, interchanges, and vulnerable users programs.

Once completed, the projects are evaluated to determine the safety effectiveness of the safety 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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improvements. The resulting data will assist RIDOT with developing their own crash modification 

factors.

RIDOT’s HSIP program has been ever-evolving since 2010, as other RIDOT programs, sections, and 

administrations have changed. Most recently, RIDOT’s administration has placed a renewed focus on 

upgrading and maintaining our bridges and roads. As with any new administration, it takes time and 

adjustments to conduct business in a new and exciting way. RIDOT now has a 10-year plan for all of its 

core programs (traffic/safety), road, and bridge) that budgets projects based on focus areas. The 

emphasis on bridges and roads does not mean safety projects are ignored. Safety will always be a 

critical and necessary program, and while available funding may fluctuate in any given year, RIDOT is 

collecting the data and possessing the tools to make more informed data-driven decisions to spend 

safety dollars in the most beneficial way to the State. 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Introduction

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program 

with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious 

injuries on all public roads. As per 23 U.S.C. 148(h) and 23 CFR 924.15, States are 

required to report annually on the progress being made to advance HSIP 

implementation and evaluation efforts. The format of this report is consistent 

with the HSIP MAP-21 Reporting Guidance dated February 13, 2013 and consists 

of four sections: program structure, progress in implementing HSIP projects, 

progress in achieving safety performance targets, and assessment of the 

effectiveness of the improvements. 

Program Structure

Program Administration

How are Highway Safety Improvement Program funds allocated in a State? 

Central

District

Other

Describe how local roads are addressed as part of Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Network Screening - Current: On an annual basis, the RIDOT identifies the roadway facilities exhibiting 

the most severe safety needs based on crash severity and frequency/exposure. Through the RIDOT’s 

HSIP, ALL public roads are addressed, focusing on fatal and serious injury crashes in line with their SHSP 

and the performance measures set forth in MAP-21. Most of the State-owned roadway network and 

some of the local roadways are mapped to a Linear Referencing System; however, the majority of the 

local roadways is not referenced and is manually reviewed to ensure their inclusion into the HSIP 

process. 
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Network Screening - Proposed: RIDOT is currently undergoing a large data collection effort to obtain all 

of the Model Inventory of Roadway Data Elements (MIRE), which included roadway, traffic,and other 

data needed to assist the RIDOT make the most efficient decisions where to allocate safety funds and 

resources. This data is being collected on ALL state and locally owned roadways. The RIDOT also is 

working on developing a data maintenance effort to ensure all data collected is updated on a timely 

basis. Also, RIDOT is working on a data-sharing effort to allow municipalities to use and update data on 

locally-owned facilities.

Diagnosis and Implementation: The RIDOT has developed a Local Safety Program to work with 

municipalities to identify and mitigate crash issues on locally-maintained roadways. RIDOT has 

developed a process for locals to request a safety improvement with the intent for locals to perform the 

"planning" step from the HSIP process. RIDOT will then determine if the improvement is eligible for HSIP 

funds and distribute the funds needed to the locals so they can administer the construction of the 

improvements. As part of this program, the RIDOT will provide the needed training and resources to 

assist the locals in the planning process with the intent for locals to perform the "planning" step 

independently. Initially, $1,000,000 of funding will be allotted annually for local projects that will be 

ranked and awarded separately from state initiated projects. Currently, there is a pilot project that 

includes three (3) participating municipalities with projects scheduled for reimbursement in FY16. 

Identify which internal partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 

Design

Planning

Maintenance

Operations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other: Other-GIS Analysts

Briefly describe coordination with internal partners. 
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The RIDOT works internally with transportation planners, design engineers, GIS analysts, safety 

engineers, highway safety program coordinators and maintenance/operations staff as part of 

the entire HSIP process, including the identification of critical locations and the selection of 

appropriate countermeasures/ improvements. These partners are involved in Road Safety 

Assessments (RSAs) that were performed at many of these locations to facilitate this 

multidiscipline approach.

RIDOT also houses the Office of Highway Safety where the HSIP, HSP, and SHSP are all 

developed in a coordinated effort focused on developing consistent safety goals. Safety 

initiatives are now implemented in a more integrated and multi-disciplinary manner, providing 

RIDOT with more flexibility to direct resources to address particular safety needs.

Identify which external partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Local Government Association

Other: 

Identify any program administration practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since 

the last reporting period.

Multi-disciplinary HSIP steering committee

Other: 

Describe any other aspects of Highway Safety Improvement Program Administration on which you 

would like to elaborate.
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Beginning in 2015, the RIDOT has begun the process of implementing a semi-annual review of 

safety improvement proposals for selection. Local governments and RIDOT staff submit 

engineering studies of potential safety projects. These safety proposals are evaluated to focus 

limited resources on areas of greatest need. HSIP funds are available for locations or corridors 

where a known 'substantive safety' problem exists as indicated by location specific data on 

severe crashes or where a risk based analysis has demonstrated the need for systemic 

countermeasures. All HSIP expenditures require that a specific project action can produce a 

measureable and significant reduction in the number or risk of severe crashes. To achieve the 

maximum benefit, the focus of the program is on cost effective use of the funds allocated for 

safety improvements. RIDOT's HSIP project selection methods prioritize safety proposals that 

align with the SHSP, address roadways with actual or potential for higher deaths and serious 

injuries, and target the underlying safety issue.

The HSIP Proposal Selection Committee (HSIP PSC) is made up of the HSIP Program Manager, 

FHWA Safety and Operations Engineer, and other RIDOT staff. The purpose of the HSIP PSC is to 

review and select HSIP proposals for advancement. The HSIP PSC meets on a monthly basis.

RIDOT has 5 different “on-call” consultant contracts. The first on-call contract involves one 

consultant to perform the network screening, diagnosis, and countermeasure selection. This 

consultant will then develop conceptual improvement plans for RIDOT’s review. RIDOT then 

distributes all improvement projects to the other 4 on-call consultants, which are charged with 

advancing the conceptual plans to final design and construction. Once the improvements have 

been implemented, the first on-call consultant tracks these projects and develops safety 

effectiveness evaluations.

Also new in 2015, RIDOT has developed programs and sub-programs to better help organize and 

track proposed improvements. The programs are anticipated to align with the SHSP and will 

include Roadway Departure, Intersection Safety, Safety Corridor, Interchange 

Improvements, Low-Cost Improvements (RI*STARS), Vulnerable Road Users, and Local Safety. 

Sub-programs may include Median Barrier, Horizontal Curve, Road Diet, Wrong-Way Driving 

Mitigation, and Localized Bottleneck Reduction.

Program Methodology

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP. 

Median Barrier Intersection Safe Corridor

Horizontal Curve Bicycle Safety Rural State Highways

Skid Hazard Crash Data Red Light Running Prevention

Roadway Departure Low-Cost Spot Improvements Sign Replacement And 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Improvement

Local Safety Pedestrian Safety Right Angle Crash

Left Turn Crash Shoulder Improvement Segments

Other: Other-Interchange 

Improvements

Other: Other-Vulnerable Road 

Users

Program: Intersection

Date of Program Methodology: 4/19/2015

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other-Type of Traffic Control

Other-Sight Distance

Other-Speeds

Other-# of Lanes

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Crash Frequency - fatal and serious crashes only

Other-Facility risk factors and similar geometric types

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in Fatalities and 

Injuries

15

Facility Risk Level (Based on 

Historical Fatalities and Injuries)

20

SHSP Emphasis Area 15

Project Feasibility 25

Policy Conformance 10

Program: Safe Corridor

Date of Program Methodology: 4/19/2015
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other-Transit Other-# Of Lanes

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Crash frequency - fatal and serious injury crashes only
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Other-Facility risk factors/similar geometric types

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Reduction in fatalities and 

serious injuries

15

Facility risk level 20

SHSP emphasis area 15

Project feasibility 25

Policy conformance 10

Program: Roadway Departure

Date of Program Methodology: 4/19/2015

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other-Roadway width

Other-Clear Zone

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment
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Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Crash frequency - Fatal and serious crashes only

Other-Facility risk factors/similar geometric types

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in fatalities and 

injuries

15

Facility risk level 20

SHSP emphasis area 15

Project feasibility 25

Policy conformance 10

Program: Low-Cost Spot Improvements

Date of Program Methodology: 10/1/2012

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other-Congestion Other-Overlaps with all other 

HSIP programs

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Delay/Congestion

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 50

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in 

Delay/Congestion

50
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Program: Local Safety

Date of Program Methodology: 4/19/2015

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other-Overlaps with all other 

HSIP programs

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments
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Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Coordination with local municipalities

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C
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Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in fatalities and 

serious injuries

15

Facility risk level 20

SHSP emphasis area 15

Project feasibility 25

Policy conformance 10

Program: Other-Interchange Improvements

Date of Program Methodology: 4/19/2015

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other-Impaired and older 

drivers

Other-Interchange geometry

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency
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Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Frequency of wrong-way driving incidents

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in fatal and serious 

injury crashes

15

Facility risk level 20

SHSP emphasis area 15

Project feasibility 25

Policy conformance 10

Program: Other-Vulnerable Road Users

Date of Program Methodology: 8/1/2013

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury Population Functional classification
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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crashes only

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other-Roadway width

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other-Facility risk/similar type geometrics

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 15

Available funding

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

Reduction in fatal and serious 

injury crashes

15

facility risk level 20

Project feasibility 25

Policy conformance 15

SHSP emphasis area 10
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What proportion of highway safety improvement program funds address systemic improvements? 

32

Highway safety improvement program funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements?

Cable Median Barriers Rumble Strips

Traffic Control Device Rehabilitation Pavement/Shoulder Widening

Install/Improve Signing Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or 

Delineation

Upgrade Guard Rails Clear Zone Improvements

Safety Edge Install/Improve Lighting

Add/Upgrade/Modify/Remove Traffic Signal Other Other-Wrong-Way Driving

Other Other-Blunt End Terminal Other Other-High Friction Surface Treatments

Other Other-Road Diets

What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

Engineering Study

Road Safety Assessment

Other: 
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Identify any program methodology practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since the 

last reporting period.

Highway Safety Manual

Road Safety audits

Systemic Approach

Other: Other-While there have been no changes implmented, RIDOT is working on identifying high 

risk facilties and risk factors

Other: Other-RIDOT already uses HSM, RSAs, and Systemic Approach in theri HSIP.

Describe any other aspects of the Highway Safety Improvement Program methodology on which you 

would like to elaborate. 

While fatal crashes in Rhode Island seldom occur at the same location, they typically follow specific 

trends. RIDOT uses systemic improvements to more effectively deploy safety countermeasures on a 

wide scale basis across the State, focusing on areas with the highest fatal crash trends. Locations for 

implementing improvements are not based on the number or rate of crashes at particular locations, but 

on an analysis of what roadways share safety issues that may be mitigated by the improvement. Fatal 

and serious injury crashes on rural and urban segments are random in nature and typically spread over 

hundreds of miles rather than being densely clustered at intersections in urban environments.

Identifying problems on a systemic approach can address these crashes because the focus is on high-risk 

roadway features, not specific locations.

RIDOT wishes to use the predictive method to use a more sound, data-driven approach to allocating 

resources that results in fewer fatalities and serious injuries on the nation's roadways. The predictive 

method (Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs, EB adjustment,) combines crash, roadway 

inventory and traffic volume data to provide more reliable estimates of an existing or proposed 

roadway's expected safety performance, such as crash frequency and severity. To achieve this goal, 

RIDOT is currently undergoing a large data collection effort to obtain all of the Model Inventory of 

Roadway Data Elements (MIRE), which included roadway, traffic,and other data needed to assist the 

RIDOT make the most efficient decisions where to allocate safety funds and resources. The RIDOT also is 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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working on developing a data maintenance effort to ensure all data collected is updated on a timely 

basis. RIDOT hopes to begin using the predictive method in their HSIP methodology by 2017.
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Progress in Implementing Projects

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.

Calendar Year

State Fiscal Year

Federal Fiscal Year

Enter the programmed and obligated funding for each applicable funding category.

Funding Category Programmed* Obligated

HSIP (Section 148) 11000000 67 % 6103415.56 39 %

HRRRP (SAFETEA-LU) 180548.65 1 % 180548.65 1 %

HRRR Special Rule 900000 5 % 900000 6 %

Penalty Transfer -

Section 154

Penalty Transfer –

Section 164

4392354 27 % 8306460 54 %

Incentive Grants - 

Section 163

Incentive Grants 

(Section 406)

Other Federal-aid 

Funds (i.e. STP, NHPP)

State and Local Funds
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Totals 16472902.65 100% 15490424.21 100%

How much funding is programmed to local (non-state owned and maintained) safety projects? 

$756,978.00

How much funding is obligated to local safety projects?

$756,978.00

How much funding is programmed to non-infrastructure safety projects? 

19 %

How much funding is obligated to non-infrastructure safety projects?

19 %

How much funding was transferred in to the HSIP from other core program areas during the reporting 

period?

$0.00
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How much funding was transferred out of the HSIP to other core program areas during the reporting 

period? 

$0.00

Discuss impediments to obligating Highway Safety Improvement Program funds and plans to 

overcome this in the future.

RIDOT’s HSIP program has been ever-evolving since 2010, as other RIDOT programs, sections, and 

administrations have changed. Most recently, RIDOT’s administration has placed a renewed focus on 

upgrading and maintaining our bridges and roads. As with any new administration, it takes time and 

adjustments to conduct business in a new and exciting way. RIDOT now has a 10-year plan for all of its 

core programs (traffic/safety, road, and bridge) that budgets projects based on focus areas. The 

emphasis on bridges and roads does not mean safety projects are ignored. Safety will always be a 

critical and necessary program, and while available funding may fluctuate in any given year, RIDOT is 

collecting the data and possessing the tools to make more informed data-driven decisions to spend 

safety dollars in the most beneficial way to the State. 

Describe any other aspects of the general Highway Safety Improvement Program implementation 

progress on which you would like to elaborate.

None
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

30

General Listing of Projects

List each highway safety improvement project obligated during the reporting period. 

Project Improveme

nt Category 

Output HSIP Cost Total 

Cost

Fundin

g 

Catego

ry

Functional 

Classificati

on

AAD

T

Spee

d

Roadwa

y 

Owners

hip

Relationship to SHSP

Emphasis 

Area

Strategy

Enhanced 

freeway 

Delineation 

(Older Drivers 

Special 

Rule)(164HE)

Roadway 

delineation 

Delineators 

postmounted or 

on barrier 

171 

Miles

2789273.

28

2789273.

28

Penalty 

Transfe

r –

Section 

164

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expresswa

ys

0 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

SafetyAnalyst 

Software

Noninfrastructu

re 

Data/traffic 

records

1 

Numbe

rs

200000 200000 Penalty 

Transfe

r –

Section 

164

0 0 Data Improve data 

to assist is 

making more 

robust data 

driven 

decisions

MIRE Data 

Collection 

(Additional 

Services)

Noninfrastructu

re 

Data/traffic 

1 

Numbe

rs

1191270 1191270 HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

0 0 Data Improve data 

to assist is 

making more 

robust data 

driven 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

31

records decisions

HSIP Contract 

4 -

Central/Crans

ton

Interchange 

design 

Ramp 

closure

2 

Numbe

rs

1100214.

09

1100214.

09

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expresswa

ys

6000

0

50 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

State Traffic 

Commision 

Contract 5

Pedestrians 

and 

bicyclists 

Pedestrian 

signal -

install new 

at 

intersection

5 

Numbe

rs

567859.1

9

567859.1

9

Penalty 

Transfe

r –

Section 

164

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

0 35 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Intersection 

Improvement

s to Route 

102/117

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

Modify 

control -

two-way 

stop to 

roundabout

1 

Numbe

rs

1521591.

15

2421591.

15

HRRR 

Special 

Rule

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

5000 50 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Intersection 

Improvement

Pedestrians 

and 

1 

Numbe

1727366. 1727366. Penalty 

Transfe

Urban 

Principal 

2600 25 State 

Highway 

Intersecti Implement 

countermeas
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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s to Memorial 

Blvd/Francis 

Street

bicyclists 

Medians 

and 

pedestrian 

refuge 

areas

rs 26 26 r –

Section 

164

Arterial -

Other

0 Agency ons ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Systemic 

Safety 

Improvement

s - Crash 

Attenuator 

Enhancemets

Roadside 

Barrier end 

treatments 

(crash 

cushions, 

terminals)

25 

Numbe

rs

1791708.

96

1791708.

96

Penalty 

Transfe

r –

Section 

164

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

0 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Roadway 

Departure

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

HSIP 

Interstate 

Contract 1 -

Plainfield 

Pike at I-295

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

Systemic 

improveme

nts - signalcontrolled

3 

Numbe

rs

250459.2

1

250459.2

1

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

1200

0

35 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Preliminary 

Engineering 

for HSIP 

Design

Noninfrastructu

re 

Transportat

ion safety 

planning

8 

Numbe

rs

1286397.

81

1286397.

81

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

0 0 State 

Highway 

Agency

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Statewide 

Wrong-Way 

Driving 

Mitigation C-1

Advanced 

technology 

and ITS 

Advanced 

technology 

and ITS -

other

24 

Numbe

rs

347543.5

1

2000000 HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

0 55 State 

Highway 

Agency

Older 

Drivers

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Strategic 

Highway 

Safety 

Program - 5 

Year Plan

Noninfrastructu

re 

Transportat

ion safety 

planning

5 

Numbe

rs

340521.2

1

340521.2

1

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

0 0 Data Maintain and 

update SHSP

Pedestrian 

Enhancement

s to Coronado 

Road

Pedestrians 

and 

bicyclists 

Miscellaneo

us 

pedestrians 

and 

bicyclists

0.5 

Miles

756977.9

5

2271003.

69

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Urban 

Major 

Collector

1000

0

25 City of 

Municip

al 

Highway 

Agency

Pedestria

ns

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 

improvement

Signal 

Improvement

s to Mineral 

Spring 

Avenue

Intersection 

traffic 

control 

Systemic 

improveme

nts - signal3 

Numbe

rs

1619241.

59

1619241.

59

Penalty 

Transfe

r –

Section 

164

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2500

0

25 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

Implement 

countermeas

ures with 

greatest 

potential for 

safety 
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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controlled improvement
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets

Overview of General Safety Trends

Present data showing the general highway safety trends in the state for the past five years. 

Performance Measures* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of fatalities 73 70 69 69 63

Number of serious injuries 542 512 467 419 403

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 0.88 0.85 0.85 0.86 0.79

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

6.57 6.48 5.98 5.39 5.18

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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To the maximum extent possible, present performance measure* data by functional classification and ownership. 

Year - 2014

Function 

Classification

Number of fatalities Number of serious injuries Fatality rate (per HMVMT) Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

0.8 2.8 0.2 0.78

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

0.8 3.6 0.21 0.9

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

4 12.6 2.93 8.87

RURAL MINOR 

ARTERIAL

1.6 8 1.25 6.15

RURAL MINOR 

COLLECTOR

1.2 2.4 3.32 7.81

RURAL MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

1.6 12.8 1.01 8.1

RURAL LOCAL ROAD OR 

STREET

0.6 4.4 2.65 19.57

URBAN PRINCIPAL 9.6 45 0.55 2.59
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

5.8 27.2 0.49 2.25

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

18 130.8 0.88 6.35

URBAN MINOR 

ARTERIAL

9 66.6 0.88 6.55

URBAN MINOR 

COLLECTOR

0 1.8 0 0

URBAN MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

3.8 38.4 0.46 4.69

URBAN LOCAL ROAD 

OR STREET

2.2 23 0.73 7.55

OTHER 9.4 76.8 0 0
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Year - 2014

Roadway Ownership Number of 

fatalities

Number of serious 

injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY 32 191.2 0 0

COUNTY HIGHWAY AGENCY 0 0 0 0

TOWN OR TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY AGENCY 10.2 101.4 0 0

CITY OF MUNICIPAL HIGHWAY AGENCY 0 0 0 0

STATE PARK, FOREST, OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

LOCAL PARK, FOREST OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER STATE AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER LOCAL AGENCY 0 0 0 0

PRIVATE (OTHER THAN RAILROAD) 0 0 0 0

RAILROAD 0 0 0 0

STATE TOLL AUTHORITY 0 0 0 0

LOCAL TOLL AUTHORITY 0 0 0 0

OTHER PUBLIC INSTRUMENTALITY (E.G. AIRPORT, 

SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY)

0 0 0 0
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Describe any other aspects of the general highway safety trends on which you would like to elaborate.

RIDOT updated their Functional Classification in 2015. Therefore, the figures reported on in previous 

years HSIP Annual report will differ. Also, the new functional classifications do not align with NHTSA 

FARS as of this report.

RIDOT is currently exceeding its SHSP goal of reducing fatalities by 50% by 2030. We have attached 

graphics that illustrate the fatality and serious injury trends.

Application of Special Rules

Present the rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and pedestrians over the 

age of 65. 

Older Driver

Performance Measures

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Fatality rate (per 

capita)

0.088 0.086 0.092 0.092 0.096

Serious injury rate 

(per capita)

0.212 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.226

Fatality and serious 

injury rate (per capita)

0.3 0.336 0.332 0.322 0.322

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.

See Attached Document for Sub-Section Application of Special Rules.
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Does the older driver special rule apply to your state? 

No
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program 

Evaluation)

What indicators of success can you use to demonstrate effectiveness and success in the Highway 

Safety Improvement Program?

None

Benefit/cost

Policy change

Other: 

What significant programmatic changes have occurred since the last reporting period? 

Shift Focus to Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Include Local Roads in Highway Safety Improvement Program

Organizational Changes

None

Other: Other-Development of HSIP Proposal Form and Project Ranking

Other: Other-RIDOT already focused on Fatatlies and Serious Injuries and inlcuded Local Roads in the 

HSIP.

Other: Other-Development of HSIP Subprograms
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Briefly describe significant program changes that have occurred since the last reporting period. 

Diagnosis and Implementation: The RIDOT has developed a Local Safety Program to work with 

municipalities to identify and mitigate crash issues on locally-maintained roadways. RIDOT has 

developed a process for locals to request a safety improvement with the intent for locals to perform the 

"planning" step from the HSIP process. RIDOT will then determine if the improvement is eligible for HSIP 

funds and distribute the funds needed to the locals so they can administer the construction of the 

improvements. As part of this program, the RIDOT will provide the needed training and resources to 

assist the locals in the planning process with the intent for locals to perform the "planning" step 

independently. Initially, $1,000,000 of funding will be allotted annually for local projects that will be 

ranked and awarded separately from state initiated projects. Currently, there is a pilot project that 

includes three (3) participating municipalities with projects scheduled for reimbursement in FY16. 

HSIP Project Ranking/Selection Process: Beginning in 2015, the RIDOT has begun the process of 

implementing a semi-annual review of safety improvement proposals for selection. Local governments 

and RIDOT staff submit engineering studies of potential safety projects. These safety proposals are 

evaluated to focus limited resources on areas of greatest need. HSIP funds are available for locations or 

corridors where a known 'substantive safety' problem exists as indicated by location specific data on 

severe crashes or where a risk based analysis has demonstrated the need for systemic 

countermeasures. All HSIP expenditures require that a specific project action can produce a 

measureable and significant reduction in the number or risk of severe crashes. To achieve the maximum

benefit, the focus of the program is on cost effective use of the funds allocated for safety 

improvements. RIDOT's HSIP project selection methods prioritize safety proposals that align with the 

SHSP, address roadways with actual or potential for higher deaths and serious injuries, and target the 

underlying safety issue.
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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SHSP Emphasis Areas

For each SHSP emphasis area that relates to the HSIP, present trends in emphasis area performance measures. 

Year - 2013

HSIP-related SHSP 

Emphasis Areas

Target Crash Type Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate 

(per HMVMT)

Serious injury 

rate (per 

HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Older Drivers Vehicle/pedestrian 13.2 58.8 0.16 0.73 0 0 0
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Groups of similar project types

Present the overall effectiveness of groups of similar types of projects.

Year - 2013

HSIP Sub-program 

Types

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Low-Cost Spot 

Improvements

All 8 71.8 0.1 0.9 0 0 0
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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In the past 2 years, RIDOT has revamped the HSIP to develop subprograms (as listed in this report). RIDOT is currently tracking on the safety 

effectiveness of all improvements implemented under these subprograms. Some systemic and subprogram projects have been recently 

implemented and sufficient safety crash data is not yet available. It is anticipated that starting in FY2016 RIDOT will be able to present before 

and after crash data for each subprogram (including systemic).
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Systemic Treatments

Present the overall effectiveness of systemic treatments.

Year - 2013

Systemic 

improvement

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Cable Median 

Barriers

0.4 1.6 0 0 0 0 0
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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In the past 2 years, RIDOT has revamped the HSIP to develop subprograms (as listed in this report). RIDOT is currently tracking on the safety 

effectiveness of all improvements implemented under these subprograms. Systemic improvements have been recently implemented and 

sufficient safety crash data is not yet available. It is anticipated that starting in FY2016 RIDOT will be able to present before and after crash data 

for each subprogram (including systemic).
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Describe any other aspects of the overall Highway Safety Improvement Program effectiveness on 

which you would like to elaborate. 

In the past 2 years, RIDOT has revamped the HSIP to develop subprograms (as listed in this report). 

RIDOT is currently tracking on the safety effectiveness of all improvements implemented under these 

subprograms. Systemic and subprogram projects have been recently implemented and sufficient safety 

crash data is not yet available. It is anticipated that starting in FY2016 RIDOT will be able to present 

before and after crash data for each subprogram (including systemic).
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Project Evaluation

Provide project evaluation data for completed projects (optional). 

Location Functional 

Class

Improvement 

Category

Improvement 

Type

BefFatalBefSerious 

Injury

Bef-All 

Injuries

BefPDOBefTotalAftFatalAftSerious 

Injury

Aft-All 

Injuries

AftPDOAftTotalEvaluation 

Results 

(Benefit/ 

Cost Ratio)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

Roadway 

delineation

Delineators 

post-mounted 

or on barrier 

2 5 42 66 115 0 3 22 76 101 80:1

RIDOT is currently
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Optional Attachments

Sections Files Attached

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance 

Targets: Application of Special Rules

2015 Older Driver Special Rule Calculations.xlsx
2015 Rhode Island Highway Safety Improvement Program

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Glossary

5 year rolling average means the average of five individual, consecutive annual points of data (e.g. 

annual fatality rate).

Emphasis area means a highway safety priority in a State’s SHSP, identified through a data-driven, 

collaborative process. 

Highway safety improvement project means strategies, activities and projects on a public road that are 

consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and corrects or improves a hazardous road location 

or feature or addresses a highway safety problem. 

HMVMT means hundred million vehicle miles traveled.

Non-infrastructure projects are projects that do not result in construction. Examples of noninfrastructure projects include road safety audits, transportation safety planning activities, 

improvements in the collection and analysis of data, education and outreach, and enforcement 

activities.

Older driver special rule applies if traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and 

pedestrians over the age of 65 in a State increases during the most recent 2-year period for which data 

are available, as defined in the Older Driver and Pedestrian Special Rule Interim Guidance dated 

February 13, 2013. 

Performance measure means indicators that enable decision-makers and other stakeholders to monitor 

changes in system condition and performance against established visions, goals, and objectives.

Programmed funds mean those funds that have been programmed in the Statewide Transportation 

Improvement Program (STIP) to be expended on highway safety improvement projects.

Roadway Functional Classification means the process by which streets and highways are grouped into 

classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) means a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary plan, based on safety 

data developed by a State Department of Transportation in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 148. 

Systemic safety improvement means an improvement that is widely implemented based on high risk 

roadway features that are correlated with specific severe crash types. 

Transfer means, in accordance with provisions of 23 U.S.C. 126, a State may transfer from an 

apportionment under section 104(b) not to exceed 50 percent of the amount apportioned for the fiscal 

year to any other apportionment of the State under that section.