AMMO Field Data Collection Manual June 2002 Montana Department of Transportation Maintenance Division
Introduction Table of Contents Page Maintenance Activities. 3 Procedures 4 List. 5 Field Data Collection Form. 6 Roadside Drainage Structures. 7 Fences 9 Litter 10 Mowing 11 Noxious Weeds. 12 Nuisance Vegetation. 13 Paths and Sidewalks. 14 Slopes and Ditches 15 Roadway Debris 17 Sweeping. 19 Traffic Safety Crash Barriers.. 21 Guide Signs.. 22 Highway Lighting.. 23 Highway Traffic Signals 24 Pavement Striping 25 Pavement Symbols.. 27 Protective Barriers 28 Regulatory/Warning Signs.. 30 Roadside Delineation 32 2
Introduction An integral component of MDT s Accountability for Montana s Maintenance Operations (AMMO) process is periodic field condition surveys. These surveys assess the current service levels for a variety of highway maintenance activities. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance and consistency for data collection throughout the state. Maintenance Activities Twenty-five distinct maintenance activities have been identified to be assessed through the AMMO process. These 25 activities have been grouped into five areas: Rest Areas, Roadside, Roadway, Traffic Safety, and Winter Maintenance. Most of these activities can only be assessed through periodic field surveys. However, a few of the activities do not require field assessment because of other data collection activities that occur within the agency. The following is a list of all 25 maintenance activities categorized in the five groups. The list identifies those activities requiring condition surveys in the field. Group Activity Field Assessment Rest Area Rest Area Operations No Roadside Drainage Structures Yes Roadside Fences Yes Roadside Litter Yes Roadside Mowing Yes Roadside Noxious Weeds Yes Roadside Nuisance Vegetation Yes Roadside Paths and Sidewalks Yes Roadside Slopes and Ditches Yes Roadway Debris Yes Roadway Minor Roadway Repair No Roadway Pavement Projects No Roadway Shoulders No Roadway Sweeping Yes Traffic Safety Crash Barriers Yes Traffic Safety Guide Signs Yes Traffic Safety Highway Lighting Yes Traffic Safety Highway Traffic Signals Yes Traffic Safety Intelligent Transportation Systems No Traffic Safety Pavement Striping Yes Traffic Safety Pavement Symbols Yes Traffic Safety Protective Barriers Yes Traffic Safety Regulatory/Warning Signs Yes Traffic Safety Roadside Delineation Yes Winter Maint Winter Maintenance Operations No 3
Procedures The following procedures should be followed when rating the roadway segments: 1) For each Divisional team, headquarters will provide a list of statistically valid, randomly selected roadway segments to be assessed. For each roadway segment, your team will be provided with three data forms; two working copies for each team member and a final master copy to be submitted to headquarters 2) In addition to a list of roadway segments and data collection forms, each team will be provided with maps depicting the location of the segments to be assessed. The team members can use these maps to help plan the best order in which to assess their segments. 3) Using reference posts and the vehicle s DMI, locate and mark the beginning and ending points for each segment with spray paint. For interstates, only assess the side of the roadway indicated on the segment list. For instance, if the segment to be assessed is the eastbound side of I-90 at milepost 300, only assess the eastbound portion of the interstate and the corresponding right-of-way flanking the eastbound section. DO NOT assess the westbound portion of the interstate. 4) Do not rate an assigned roadway segment if any of the following exist: a. Any portion of the roadway is under construction b. Any portion of the segment contains a structure 5) When rating a segment, each team member should do so independently. If a feature does not exist within the segment, the data collection form should be marked with a N/A in the appropriate field. Upon completion of the independent assessment, the team should review and compare their ratings. Once the team members have agreed on the final ratings for the segment, the master copy of the rating form for that segment should be completed. 6) Upon completion of the field assessment forms, please send them via deadhead mail to: Jeff Sillick, Helena Maintenance 4
List The following equipment is recommended for properly performing field data collection for the AMMO process: Clipboards, pencils, erasers AMMO Field Data Collection Manual Montana s Noxious Weed Identification Guide Rating forms Maps Measuring wheel Calculator Flashlight Tape measure Spray paint Pavement marking retroreflectometer Hardhat and vest Portable Survey Crew sign (optional) 5
AMMO Field Data Collection Form Site Number Corridor Route Reference Post Roadside Drainage Structures Total num. D.S. Number deficient Fences Total linear ft of fencing Linear feet deficient Litter Total linear ft of roadside Pcs. of litter observed Mowing Total Linear ft of mow zone Linear ft deficient Noxious Weeds Total sq ft of roadside Sq ft of infestation Nuisance Vegetation Total linear ft of roadside Linear ft deficient Paths & Sidewalks Total Linear ft of paths Linear ft deficient Slopes & Ditches Total linear ft of S & D Linear ft deficient Roadway Debris Total linear ft of roadway Number of pcs of debris Sweeping Total linear ft of roadway Linear ft deficient Data Collectors Date Total Time Traffic Safety Crash Barriers Total num. crash barriers Total deficient Guide Signs Total num. guide signs Total deficient Highway Lighting Total num. lights Total deficient Traffic Signals Total num. signals Total deficient Pavement Striping Total linear ft of right edgeline Length deficient Reflectivity Total linear ft of centerline Length deficient Reflectivity Total linear ft of left edgeline Length deficient Reflectivity Pavement Symbols Total num pave. symbols Total deficient Protective Barriers Total linear ft of barriers Length deficient Reg/Warning Signs Total num reg/warn signs Total deficient Roadside Delineation Total num delineators Total deficient Enter notes on back of form 6
Roadside Drainage Structures Any structure which provides a means of moving water from the roadway surface or under the roadway such as drop inlets, culverts, and flumes. Any portion of the drainage structure is obstructed by more than 25% with sediment and debris significantly reducing the volume of flow, or Any portion of the structure is significantly damaged or deteriorated. Reporting Measure Total number of drainage structures Number of drainage structures below deficiency threshold Count and record all drainage structures within the segment. Assess and record the number of drainage structures below the deficiency threshold. Evaluate only those drainage structures within MDT s right-of-way. Flashlight Tape measure Examples Damaged and obstructed culvert. 7
Drop inlet with obstruction. Culvert obstructed by sediment significantly reducing flow. Culvert with significant structural damage. 8
Roadside Fences A fence is a MDT-maintained barrier installed along the edge of the right-of-way and designed to prevent access to the highway. Missing, damaged, or structurally deficient fences Reporting Measure Total linear feet of fencing Linear feet of fence missing or damaged Measure and record the total linear feet of fencing. Assess and record the total linear feet of fencing that is missing or damaged. Measuring Wheel Comments Assessment for this activity should be limited to Interstates. Although MDT maintains fences on a few routes other than on the Interstate System, these locations are scattered and not well documented. Examples Damaged fence. 9
Roadside Litter Litter is any domestic or commercial refuse, debris, garbage, or rubbish deposited within the highway right-of-way making the area aesthetically displeasing. Litter visible at posted speed limit. Reporting Measure Total Linear feet of roadside Number of pieces of litter observed at posted speed limit While one member of the assessment team drives the roadway segment at the posted speed limit, the other team member should count and record the total pieces of litter observed from the passenger seat. This should be conducted for both sides of the roadbed. None Comments The assessment methodology requires driving the segment at the posted speed limit because this most accurately reflects the experience of the traveling public. Undoubtedly, additional litter will be observed when walking the segment, but do not record observations made on foot. Examples Litter along highway right-ofway visible at posted speed limit. 10
Roadside Mowing Mowing is the act of vegetation management of the right-of-way through mechanical means. Right-of-way vegetation adjacent to the paved surface greater than 18 in height within the established mowing zone. Reporting Measure Total linear feet of mowing zone Linear feet of mowing zone greater than 18 in height Measure and record the total linear of mowing zone. Assess and record the total linear feet of the mowing zone greater than 18 in height. Tape measure Comments Some segments of MDT s right-of-way are under haying contracts. For those segments under contract, make a note on the form and do not assess this activity. Examples Right-of-way vegetation greater than 18 inches in height. 11
Roadside Noxious Weeds A noxious weed is any plant on the Montana noxious weed list which when established is highly destructive, competitive, or difficult to control by cultural or chemical practices. Presence of Russian Knapweed, Spotted Knapweed, Diffuse Knapweed, Dalmatian Toadflax, and/or Leafy Spurge. Reporting Measure Total square feet of roadside area Total square feet of noxious weed infestation Survey the roadside and determine the presence of any of the five noxious weeds listed above. Measure the square feet of any infestations. The total square feet of infestation should not exceed the total square feet of roadside. Measuring Wheel Calculator Montana s noxious weeds identification guide Comments Noxious weed identification can be difficult. It is important to fully utilize Montana s noxious weeds identification guide when assessing roadsides for the presence of noxious weeds. 12
Examples Russian Knapweed Spotted Knapweed Diffuse Knapweed 13
Dalmatian Toadflax Leafy Spurge 14
Roadside Nuisance Vegetation Unwanted vegetation on or adjacent to paved surfaces creating a safety hazard by either impeding the clear zone or obstructing sight distances. Presence of nuisance vegetation Reporting Measure Total linear feet of roadside Linear feet of nuisance vegetation Measure and record the total linear feet of roadside. Assess and record the total linear feet of nuisance vegetation. Measuring Wheel Examples Nuisance vegetation adjacent to paved surface impeding the clear zone. 15
Roadside Paths and Sidewalks Paths and sidewalks are completely separate paved surfaces designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with cross flows by motorists minimized. Presence of significant pavement distress or other deficiencies causing safety hazards Reporting Measures Total linear feet of paths and sidewalks Linear feet of deficient paths and sidewalks Measure and record the total linear feet of paths and sidewalks present within the segment. Assess and record the linear feet of deficient paths and sidewalks. Measuring Wheel Comments It may be difficult in some locations to know definitively whether paths and sidewalks are within MDT right-of-way. When in doubt, assume the facilities belong to MDT and perform the appropriate assessment. Examples Path with significant pavement distress resulting in a safety hazard. 16
Roadside Slopes & Ditches Slopes are the area from the edge of the paved surface to the toe of the slope. Ditches are open drainage areas designed to channel water away from the roadway. Slopes exhibiting significant erosion or slides. Ditches with impediments obstructing flow. Reporting Measures Total linear feet of slopes and ditches Linear feet of deficient slopes and ditches Measure and record the linear feet of all slopes and ditches within the segment. Assess and record the linear feet of slopes with significant erosion or slides. Assess and record the linear feet of ditches where water flow is obstructed (or would be if water were present). For purposes of this assessment, to be considered a ditch, the following must exist: It must be designed and constructed to carry water (not a natural swale), or It must be maintained as a ditch by Maintenance. Measuring wheel Examples Slope exhibiting significant erosion. 17
Ditch with significant impediments obstructing flow. 18
Roadway Debris Debris is any foreign object creating a safety hazard on the paved surface or within the clear zone. Debris on paved surfaces or within the clear zone creating safety hazards Reporting Measure Total linear feet of segment Number of distinct pieces of debris on paved surfaces or within the clear zone creating safety hazards Measure and record the total linear feet of roadway in the segment. Assess and record the total number of distinct pieces of debris on the paved surface or within the clear zone creating a safety hazard. Measuring wheel Comments Objects to be considered debris should not also be classified as litter. Litter does not pose a safety hazard, while debris does. Animal carcasses should be included among debris. Examples Debris on the paved surface creating a safety hazard. 19
Animal carcass within the clear zone creating a safety hazard. 20
Roadway Sweeping Sweeping is the act of mechanically removing excess dust, dirt, rocks, and sanding material from paved surfaces. Excess dust, dirt, rocks, and sanding material on paved surface Reporting Measure Total linear feet of roadway Linear feet of roadway below deficiency threshold Measure and record the total linear feet of roadway segment. Assess and record the total linear feet of roadway below the deficiency threshold. Measuring wheel Examples Excess sanding material on paved surface. 21
Excess dirt on paved surface obstructing pavement markings. 22
Traffic Safety Crash Barriers Crash barriers are barriers designed to absorb impact energy of a vehicle striking an object such as a bridge support, barrier, or guardrail end. Crash barriers damaged, malfunctioning, or missing Reporting Measure Total number of crash barriers Number of crash barriers damaged, malfunctioning, or missing Count and record all crash barriers within the segment. Assess and record the number of crash barriers below the deficiency threshold. None Examples Damaged crash barrier. 23
Traffic Safety Guide Signs Guide signs are essential to direct road users along streets and highways, to inform them of intersecting routes, to direct them to cities, towns, villages, or other important destinations, to identify nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests, and historical sites, and generally to give such information as will help them along their way in the most simple, direct manner possible. Worn, damaged, or missing guide signs. Auxiliary illumination malfunctioning. Reporting Measure Total number of guide signs Number of signs below deficiency threshold Count and record the total number of guide signs. Assess and record the number of guide signs below deficiency threshold. None Examples Damaged guide sign. 24
Traffic Safety Highway Lighting Highway lights are those devices installed to provide supplemental illumination to the highway surface. Damaged or malfunctioning highway lighting Reporting Measure Total number of highway lights Number of highway lights below deficiency threshold Count and record the total number of highway lighting facilities within the segment. Assess and record the number of lights damaged or malfunctioning. Since it is not possible to determine whether the lights are malfunctioning during daylight hours, check with the local Maintenance staff regarding performance of lighting. None Examples 25
Traffic Safety Highway Traffic Signals Highway Traffic Signals are power-operated traffic control devices by which traffic is warned or directed to take some specific action. Highway traffic signals include traffic control signals, pedestrian signals, emergency-vehicle traffic control signals, flashing beacons, and a variety of other specialized devices. Highway traffic signals with lamp outage, improper signal operations, improper crosswalk push button operation, or damage Reporting Measure Total number of distinct highway traffic signals Number of highway traffic signals with lamp outage, improper signal operations, improper crosswalk push button operation, or damage Count and record all distinct highway traffic signals within the segment. Assess and record the number of signals below the deficiency threshold. None Comments For the purposes of this assessment, count each distinct signal, crosswalk push button controls, advanced warning signals, and the like, as separate signals. For instance, at a typical intersection with four crosswalks, there may be up to eight crosswalk push button controls present. Record these eight controls as eight separate devises. Examples Damaged traffic signal controller. 26
Traffic Safety Pavement Striping Pavement Striping are those pavement markings characterized by longitudinal lines that serve to delineate the traveled way. The three most common types of striping includes center lines, lane lines, and edge lines, although other types of specialized striping also exists. Pavement markings missing, greater than 25% worn away, or below a 120 mcd/m2/lx (millicandelas per square meter per lux) reflectivity reading. Reporting Measure Total length of pavement markings o Right edgeline o Centerline o Left edgeline Length of line missing or below durability threshold o Right edgeline o Centerline o Left edgeline Reflectivity readings o Right edgeline o Centerline o Left Edgeline Count and record the total length of the right edgline, the centerline, and the left edgeline. Assess and record the length of each line that is below the durability threshold. Measure and record the average reflectivity for each line at two locations: one at the very beginning of the test section and one at the very end. Measuring wheel Pavement marking retroreflectometer 27
Examples Pavement stripe with low reflectivity. Pavement stripe more than 25% worn away. 28
Traffic Safety Pavement Symbols Pavement symbols are those pavement markings characterized by various symbols and words such as stop bars, curb markings, crosswalks, and a variety of other specialized pavement markings. Pavement symbols missing, greater than 25% worn away, or below a 120 mcd/m2/lx (millicandelas per square meter per lux) reflectivity reading. Reporting Measure Total number of distinct pavement symbols Number of symbols below deficiency threshold Count and record the total number of distinct pavement symbols present in the segment. Assess and record the number of symbols below the deficiency threshold. Retroreflectometer Examples Pavement symbols with significant wear and low retroreflectivity. 29
Traffic Safety Protective Barriers Protective barriers serve to keep traffic away from dangerous areas such as water and steep drop-offs. Protective barriers include beam guardrail, cable guardrail, and concrete barrier walls (Jersey rail). Count as deficient any guardrail, including cable guardrail, damaged to the point that the structural integrity is compromised or the functionality is impaired. This would include broken or cracked posts, missing bolts, or where the face of the rail is deformed 6 inches or greater within any rail section or 12 foot length. Also, count as deficient any portion of rail that has been flattened even if it does not meet the 6 inches of deformation. Concrete barrier is counted as guardrail for the purposes of the AMMO survey. To be considered deficient, concrete barrier must be out of alignment by 6 inches or more, or the barrier surface facing traffic must exhibit spalling severe enough to snag a vehicle. Reporting Measure Total length of protective barriers Length of protective barriers below deficiency threshold Measure and record the total length of protective barriers within the segment. Assess and record the length of protective barrier below the deficiency threshold. Measuring wheel 30
Examples Damaged beam guardrail whose structural integrity is significantly impaired. Cracked guardrail post whose structurally integrity is significantly impaired. 31
Traffic Safety Regulatory/Warning Signs Regulatory signs are those signs used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of the legal requirements. Regulatory signs are installed at or near where the regulations apply. The signs clearly indicate the requirements imposed by the regulations and are designed and installed to provide adequate visibility and legibility in order to obtain compliance. Warning signs are those highway signs that call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway or street and to a situation that might not be readily apparent to road users. Warning signs alert road users to conditions that might call for a reduction of speed or an action in the interest of safety and efficient traffic operations. Worn, damaged, or missing regulatory/warning signs. Auxiliary illumination malfunctioning. Reporting Measure Total number of regulatory/warning signs Number of regulatory/warning signs below deficiency threshold Count and record the total number of regulatory/warning signs. Assess and record the number of regulatory/warning signs below deficiency threshold. None 32
Examples Sign exhibiting damage and insufficient retroreflectivity. Sign exhibiting damage. 33
Traffic Safety Roadside Delineation Roadside delineation consists of light-reflecting devices mounted at the side of the roadway, in series, to indicate the roadway alignment. Roadside delineation damaged, missing, or below standards Reporting Measure Total number of roadside delineators Number of roadside delineators damaged, missing, or below standards Count and record the total number of delineators within the segment. Assess and record the number of delineators below deficiency threshold None Examples Damaged roadside delineator. 34
Notes 35