AASHTO Journal, 28 February 2014
Ninety-two applications from 32 states and 18 other agencies were received by the Federal Highway Administration last week for the third round of the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) Implementation Assistance Program. Nine states were first-time applicants, reflecting the growing interest in using the new products, processes, and technologies coming from the SHRP2 program.
Of the five products solicited during Round 3, 41 applications were for proof of concept testing for Freight Demand Modeling and Data Improvement (C20). Other applications included 15 for GeoTech Tools (R02), 16 for Precast Concrete Pavement (R05), 10 for Identifying and Managing Utility Conflicts (R15B), and 10 for Pavement Renewal Solutions (R23). FHWA and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials are expected to announce the recipients on March 28.
“We are encouraged by the number of applicants and congratulate the states for stepping up and ensuring these innovative products will be widely used. Now that we are able to show the value and benefits of using these SHRP2 Solutions, transportation agencies at all levels are eager to help advance these practices,” said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. “Our SHRP2 program goals to save lives, save time, and save money for state departments of transportation are beginning to bear fruit.”
At a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) asked for recommendations to further accelerate project delivery. Mike Hancock, AASHTO president and secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, who testified at the hearing, pointed to the SHRP2 program as a good resource. “There are a number of activities that are underway as we speak,” Hancock said. “There are many, many things on the horizon that we see value in doing.” As one example he said, “The Strategic Highway Research Programs involve projects that save time and get things done faster.”
Now that the applications have been submitted, FHWA’s program offices will collaborate with AASHTO to gather review teams to determine recipients. Depending on the product, the general selection criteria includes geographic diversity of participants, demonstration of a culture within the agency to implement new products or processes, past interest or participation in similar implementation efforts, a high commitment to making institutional or organizational changes, commitment to conduct demonstration workshops, and a willingness to share their experiences with their peers.
The next round of Implementation Assistance Program opportunities will be announced soon, with the application process opening in June. Factsheets with information on each product can be found at here. Products expected to be included in Round 4 are:
- Reliability Data and Analysis Tools (L02/05/07/37/08/38)
- Technologies to Store, Retrieve, and Use 3D Utility Location Data (R01A)
- Nondestructive Testing Technologies for Concrete Bridge Decks (R06A)
- Rapid Technologies to Enhance Quality Control on Asphalt Pavements (R06C)
- Real-time Smoothness Measurements on PCC (R06E)
- Mapping Defects in or Behind Tunnel Linings (R06G)
- Managing Risk in Rapid Renewal Projects (R09)
- Innovative Strategies for Managing Complex Projects (R10)
- Designing and Preserving Bridges to Achieve a 100-year Service Life (R19A)
- Composite Pavement Systems (R21)
- T-PICS/Economic Analysis Tools (C03/C11)
- Integrated Travel Demand Modeling (C10)
For more information on SHRP2, contact Pam Hutton, AASHTO’s SHRP2 implementation manager, at 303-263-1212 or phutton AT aashto.org. Additional information on the SHRP2 program is available at SHRP2.transportation.org.