Benefit-cost analysis of CDOT fixed automated spray technology (FAST) systems.
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2014-10-01
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Abstract:The Western Transportation Institute (WTI) conducted research on behalf of the Colorado Department of Transportation
(CDOT) to study the cost effectiveness of existing CDOT FAST systems. Both the national survey and the CDOT survey
confirm the need for significant maintenance activities to ensure successful operation of FAST systems. Safety analysis of
CDOT FAST system reveals a reduction in the number of annual crashes on multilane rural highways by 2 percent, urban
interstates by 16 to 70 percent, rural interstates by 31 to 57 percent and interchange ramps between interstates by 19 to 40
percent. Overall, CDOT FAST systems included in the analysis have reduced crash severities at many sites resulting in
potential safety benefits of $196,428 per winter season during the “after deployment” study period. Further, a benefit-cost
excel sheet was developed based on the estimated crash reductions observed for each of the different roadway types.
Implementation
The study found that FAST systems have demonstrated the potential to reduce the number of crashes and reduce the cost of
winter maintenance activities, if sited at appropriate locations (e.g., high-traffic-volume ice-prone ramps). However,
improved installation techniques and involvement of maintenance crews during FAST installation are necessary to further
increase the cost-effectiveness of a FAST system deployment. Extra effort will be made in sharing the information gained
from this research study by focusing on CDOT personnel involved in planning, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of FAST systems.
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