North Dakota

Highway Safety Improvement Program

2016 Annual Report

Prepared by: ND
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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.”
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Table of Contents

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

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

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1

Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Program Administration ........................................................................................................................... 1

Program Methodology.............................................................................................................................. 3

Progress in Implementing Projects............................................................................................................... 6

Funds Programmed............................................................................................................................... 6

General Listing of Projects.................................................................................................................... 9

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets .................................................................................... 12

Overview of General Safety Trends........................................................................................................ 12

Application of Special Rules.................................................................................................................... 27

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program Evaluation) ..........................................29

SHSP Emphasis Areas.............................................................................................................................. 30

Groups of similar project types............................................................................................................... 34

Systemic Treatments............................................................................................................................... 35

Project Evaluation....................................................................................................................................... 38

Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... 40
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Executive Summary

During the past year the NDDOT has progressed with a systemic process to identify high risk 

intersections and horizontal curves on the state highway system. This data-driven process is called the 

“State Road Safety Program” (SRSP). Through the SRSP, low-cost countermeasures are recommended at 

each location and projects are being developed and programmed into the safety program. The systemic 

process for non-state locations is based on the “Local Road Safety Program” (LRSP). In the past year local 

agencies continue to apply for safety projects using the LRSP.

In addition to the systemic processes of the SRSP and the LRSP, the NDDOT continues to use the 

traditional “reactive” process of identifying high crash locations for development of HSIP projects. The 

combination of risk assessment (systemic) and high-crash locations (reactive) will provide a balanced 

approach to identify and program effective HSIP projects over the next few years.

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? 

Other-Solicitation process
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The NDDOT sends out an annual solicitation letter to state and local agencies each year. These agencies 

fill out an application form for potential projects based on the high crash listings and their own 

knowledge of safety issues. These applications are evaluated by the NDDOT Programming Division. The 

NDDOT also has a more systemic approach with “Local Road Safety Plan” (LRSP) and the “State Road 

Safety Plan (SRSP). These plans identify potential projects on both local roadways and state roadways 

based on a risk assessment. Safety projects may be developed directly from the risk assessment instead 

of chasing “hot spot” locations.

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

The NDDOT addresses safety on local roads through the Local Road Safety Program (LRSP). 

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

Design

Planning

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other-Safety Division, Local Government

Briefly describe coordination with internal partners. 

Design

The Design Division is included in the distribution of the high crash listings. All road safety reviews 

require at least one member of the Design Division. Their participation and review of at-risk locations 

helps in the development of potential project countermeasures.

Planning

The Planning Division provides data for the development of the HSIP. Roadway features are collected 

and maintained in the Planning Division include: traffic volume, truck volumes, traffic projections, 

roadway features, roadway viewer (for state highways) and mapping. The Planning Division is also 

included in the distribution of the high crash listings.

Safety Division

Crash data and statistics are provided by the Safety Division. This information is used to identify areas of 

focus through the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The Safety Division also participates in road 

safety reviews.

Local Government

Members of the Local Government Division provide project development through city, county and tribal 

agencies. The local government assists in the solicitation of safety projects. They also participate in road 

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

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Other-Cities, Counties, and Tribal Governments

Other-Law enforcement

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

the last reporting period.

Other-No change

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

would like to elaborate.

Schedule for HSIP requests:

• Fall – send out HSIP solicitation letter and high crash location lists/maps, HSIP application forms 

(SFN 59959) are due by the end of the year

• Winter – NDDOT analysis of HSIP requests and Draft HSIP project listing

• Spring – verify the construction year for previously approved projects

• Summer – finalize HSIP project listing, send responses out on approvals (or non-approvals) for 

the HSIP applications

• August 31st – Final HSIP project list due to FHWA, HSIP online reporting due

Program Methodology

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP. 

Intersection Roadway Departure
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Program: Intersection

Date of Program Methodology: 6/17/2014

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Horizontal curvature

Other-Intersection skew, 

intersections of curves, 

intersection traffic control 

device, presence of adjacent 

development

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

Other-Systemic project identification, local agency or NDDOT district requests

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

Yes

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

Yes

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

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).

Rank of Priority Consideration

Available funding 1

Ranking based on net benefit 2

Cost Effectiveness 3

Program: Roadway Departure

Date of Program Methodology: 6/17/2014

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Horizontal curvature

Roadside features
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Other-shoulder width, access 

density

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

Other-Systemic (risk assessment)

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

Yes

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

Yes

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

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).

Rank of Priority Consideration

Available funding 1

Ranking based on net benefit 2

Cost Effectiveness 3

What proportion of highway safety improvement program funds address systemic improvements? 

34%

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

improvements?

Rumble Strips

Traffic Control Device Rehabilitation

Pavement/Shoulder Widening

Install/Improve Signing

Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or 

Delineation

Install/Improve Lighting
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What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

Engineering Study

Road Safety Assessment

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

last reporting period.

Other-No change

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

would like to elaborate. 

None

Progress in Implementing Projects

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.

Federal Fiscal Year

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

All amounts shown are Federal.

Funding Category Programmed* Obligated

HSIP (Section 148) $3,782,393.00 42 % $4,371,745.00 46 %

Penalty Transfer –

Section 164

$5,140,255.00 58 % $5,140,255.00 54 %

Totals $8,922,648.00 100% $9,512,000.00 100%
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Programmed from STIP Export of 2016 on 6/22/16 including one amendment (Burlington)

Section 164 amount is off of W10A

Obligated amount is from 2016 construction year spreadsheet as of 6/22/16

Did not assume State and Local funds were "match" dollars for the federal funds

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

$468,000.00

How much funding is obligated to local safety projects?

$468,000.00

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

$0.00

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

$0.00

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

period?

$0.00

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.
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None

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

progress on which you would like to elaborate.

None
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General Listing of Projects

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

Project Improvement Category Outp

ut 

HSIP 

Cost

Total 

Cost

Fundin

g 

Catego

ry

Functional 

Classificati

on

AAD

T

Spee

d

Roadwa

y 

Ownersh

ip

Relationship to 

SHSP

Emphasis 

Area

Strate

gy

Turn lanes on 

US 2 at 19th 

Ave NW, 

65th St NW

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add leftturn lane

86700

0

96300

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

60 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

US 2 Turn 

Lanes (Minot 

District)

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add leftturn lane

20910

00

23230

00

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

US 83 

Various 

Intersections

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add rightturn lane

60300

0

66900

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

US 83 RadialT 

intersections

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometrics -

modify skew angle

16450

00

18280

00

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

Districtwide 

retroreflectiv

ity

Roadway signs and traffic 

control Sign sheeting -

upgrade or replacement

19120

00

21250

00

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

State 

Highway 

Agency

Older 

Drivers

US 281 at S 

Jct ND 15

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add right85000 95000 HSIP (Sectio

Rural 

Principal 

65 State 

Highway 

Intersectio

ns
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turn lane n 148) Arterial -

Other

Agency

US 2 & ND 18 Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometrics -

miscellaneous/other/unspe

cified

73800

0

82000

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

70 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

E Jct of ND 

13 & ND 32 

(E of 

Gwinner)

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add leftturn lane

90500

0

10050

00

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

65 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

US 2 & 

Johnson St / 

29th Ave NW

Lighting Site lighting -

intersection

89000 98000 HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

60 State 

Highway 

Agency

Intersectio

ns

Burke County 

Road 

Projects

Roadway signs and traffic 

control Roadway signs 

(including post) - new or 

updated

46700

0

51800

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

County 

Highway 

Agency

Lane 

Departure

Various 

Locations -

Individual

Miscellaneous 10000

0

11111

1

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Highway 

Safety 

Improvemen

ts

Miscellaneous 11250

0

12500

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

Small Scale 

Improvemen

ts

Miscellaneous 10000

0

11100

0

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)

SHSP 

Planning and 

Implementat

ion

Non-infrastructure 45000 50000 HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)
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Yield 

installation 

at passive RR 

Xings

Railroad grade crossings 25000

0

27777

8

HSIP 

(Sectio

n 148)
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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* 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Number of fatalities 121.6 133.4 142.2 141.2 146.4

Number of serious injuries 376.4 409.2 453.2 490.4 522.4

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 1.472 1.524 1.552 1.466 1.472

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 4.612 4.68 4.924 5.026 5.182

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.
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To the maximum extent possible, present performance measure* data by functional classification and ownership. 

Year - 2015

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

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

8.2 27.4 0.5 1.66

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

47.4 129.8 1.86 5.09

RURAL MINOR 

ARTERIAL

22.6 44.6 2.62 5.12

RURAL MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

24.4 68 9.06 25.15

RURAL LOCAL ROAD OR 

STREET

25.8 55.2 1.32 2.62

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

3.4 6.4 0.77 1.43

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

6.6 61.4 0.83 7.71

URBAN MINOR 

ARTERIAL

3.4 40.6 0.58 6.96

URBAN MAJOR 0.8 19.6 0.31 7.71
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COLLECTOR

URBAN LOCAL ROAD 

OR STREET

3.4 27.6 0.79 6.33
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Year - 2015

Roadway Ownership Number of 

fatalities

Number of serious 

injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY 91.8 284.8 1.28 3.96

COUNTY HIGHWAY AGENCY 32 102.8 1.52 4.86

CITY OF MUNICIPAL HIGHWAY 

AGENCY

10.8 91 1.46 13.24
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Describe any other aspects of the general highway safety trends on which you would like to elaborate.

None

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

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Fatality rate (per capita) 0.046 0.072 0.084 0.08 0.078

Serious injury rate (per 

capita)

0.074 0.112 0.13 0.152 0.188

Fatality and serious injury 

rate (per capita)

0.12 0.184 0.216 0.234 0.268

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

Fatalities Age 65+ Serious Inj Age 65+ Population 65+ Fatal+Injury Rate

2007 6 9 144,000 0.10

2008 11 8 146,000 0.13

2009 12 10 147,000 0.15

2010 5 27 145,000 0.22

2011 19 27 144,000 0.32

2012 15 22 144,000 0.26

2013 8 23 142,000 0.22

2014 10 36 142,000 0.32

2015 17 45 142,000 0.44

Example calculations:

Fatality plus injury rate for 2007 = (6+9)/144 = 0.10

2007 - 2011 Average of fatalities and serious injuries = (0.10+0.13+0.15+0.22+0.32) / 5 = 0.18
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Does the older driver special rule apply to your state? 

Yes

If yes, describe the approach to include respective strategies to address the increase in those rates in 

the State SHSP.

North Dakota intends to have further consideration for older drivers in the next update to the SHSP.
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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?

Other-The Local Road Safety Program (LRSP) is being considered an ongoing success for NDDOT's HSIP. 

This is because the NDDOT has recieved an increased number of project requests from local public 

agencies (LPAs) where in previous years their input has been minimal. Developing HSIP projects on the 

local roadway systems has been a goal of the NDDOT and it is expected that these projects will help 

reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries for all users.

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

Other-Implementation of the State Road Safety Program (SRSP) has been the most significant change in 

this reporting period.

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

None
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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 - 2015

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

Lane Departure 67.6 244 0.68 2.44

Intersections 29.6 114.8 0.3 1.14
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Groups of similar project types
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Present the overall effectiveness of groups of similar types of projects.

Systemic Treatments

Present the overall effectiveness of systemic treatments.

Year - 2015

HSIP Sub-program 

Types

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Intersection 29.6 114.8 0.3 1.14

Year - 2015

Systemic 

improvement

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Rumble Strips 67.6 244 0.68 2.44
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Describe any other aspects of the overall Highway Safety Improvement Program effectiveness on 

which you would like to elaborate. 

None
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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)

n/a
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Optional Attachments

Sections Files Attached
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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. 

Systematic refers to an approach where an agency deploys countermeasures at all locations across a 

system.

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.