This "document was prepared in 2008-2009. In addition to field reviews and available research, significant information was obtained from public opinion and concerns voiced during the public and Citizen Advisory Committee meetings held along the route. The primary objective of this report is to document desired efforts along the Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road that will sustain its resources for future generations. Additionally, this document fosters the necessary relationships required to promote and protect the intrinsic qualities that define this scenic road experience."--Foreword

Project Summary

Passing and climbing lanes provide additional lanes for vehicles to safely pass other vehicles while maintaining speeds. Implementing passing and climbing lane projects provides traffic operational and safety benefits at a cost that is far less than fully widening a highway. In an effort to enhance safety and mobility on Arizona's roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation is currently updating the 2003 Passing and Climbing Lanes Prioritization Study. This update intends to further refine the identification and prioritization methodology previously utilized and to develop a prioritized list of candidate locations that would provide the most benefit to the traveling public.
Study Objectives

    Review previous studies and research current best practices.
    Analyze the safety and performance benefits of passing/climbing lanes constructed since the previous study.
    Develop a revised methodology and ranking criteria.
    Obtain feedback from ADOT District Engineers and other stakeholders, such as rural COGs and MPOs.
    Develop a new prioritized list of candidate passing/climbing lane projects. 
 

This research study of pavement smoothness measurement was conducted in order to develop and implement an improved highway smoothness construction specification on asphalt concrete pavements. Achieving a higher level of smoothness on highways during construction results in savings to the taxpayer due to reduced wear and tear on vehicles, and longer highway life. Although the current ADOT specification used for highway smoothness addresses localized smoothness problems, it is difficult to administer due to the measurement system used, and provides little impetus to the contractor to improve his quality of work with respect to overall highway smoothness. This study provided data to assist ADOT in developing a new smoothness specification that would provide incentive to contractors to construct smoother pavements and which is easier for ADOT to administer. In order to provide incentive to contractors, a pavement smoothness construction quality control draft specification and associated measurement procedure was produced.