FRT 230, CARS Data Technical Assistance

Abstract FRT 230, CARS Data Technical Assistance PI: Erin Lammers CO-I: Eric Green The goal of this research is to enhance the CARS data provided by Quality Counts. From 2019 to 2020, Quality Counts drove the Kentucky state-maintained highway system using Rieker Inc’s CARS solution. While collecting CARS data, they also recorded video with a dash-mounted GoPro camera. The video was later used to extract a sign inventory. Quality Counts also processed the CARS data resulting in a signing plan for all detected curves. The resulting sign inventory and signing plans would benefit from some enhancements so that each KYTC highway district can get the most out of the data. 1. Preliminarily enhance the CARS data using KYTC spreadsheets a. This would be a basic overhaul of the data to make it more presentable to the districts. 2. Set up a meeting to demonstrate the spreadsheets and discuss them with district traffic engineers. a. Data will be sent ahead of time. b. District traffic engineers will be surveyed or interviewed. c. Obtain information on what would be helpful (e.g., GIS maps). 3. Summarize information from steps 2 and 3 and categorize improvements into phases. a. Phase 1 improvements should be implemented immediately, and enhanced spreadsheets will be sent to the districts. b. Phase 2 improvements will be prioritized for later implementation. 4. Survey other CARS states to determine what other ways we can use the CARS data. 5. Integrate the CARS Curve Data with Crash Data, AADT, Roadway Type/Functional Classification, Speed Data (Posted Speed Limit, HERE speed data, etc.), sign inventory, and any other data sources that may be relevant. a. Analyze this data to help us prioritize the types of curves and/or routes across the state- owned network in regard to signing efforts or any other countermeasure implementation efforts (e.g., we might learn that certain 2-lane roadways in certain situations would be good for enhanced pavement delineation). b. Incorporate phase 2 improvements. 6. Compare MUTCD signing requirements to Kentucky’s crash risk trends. 7. Use the results from the previous steps to develop improved spreadsheets that include prioritizations. a. Include approximate cost in the prioritizations (e.g., to implement the top 10% of the prioritized list, KYTC would need to invest $X million). 8. Provide districts with improved spreadsheets. 9. Follow up with District Traffic staff to show them the various ways curves can be ranked and seek their feedback (this step may also be a good segue for the District to begin preparing their own Sign Protocols).