APBP on AASHTO
... In contrast, the AASHTO Guide revision process involves multiple levels of development and review. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) process has created the draft fourth edition of the Guide directed by research and a diverse panel of experts. Soon AASHTO subcommittees will begin their reviews, followed by state DOT reviews and votes for or against adoption. Jennifer Toole reviewed the draft of the new guide chapter-by-chapter noting issues not addressed in previous editions as well as key changes.
A decision on the two-year-old draft revision of the MUTCD is scheduled for later this year. It will either be adopted or released as a supplemental NPA (notice of proposed amendments). Michael Moule noted that the experimentation process for new devices or new uses of existing devices is important because it helps generate the data needed to support wider use.
Session participants, and now you, are encouraged to engage with the process of developing design guidelines:
• As the draft AASHTO Guide is sent for state DOT review, discuss it with your state traffic engineer and Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator. Encourage them to vote for it as it has been proposed through the NCHRP process.
• Monitor NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) leadership and response to the draft AASHTO Guide.
• Get informed about STEP research projects for funding innovations.
• Watch for the Notice of Proposed Rule Making regarding the MUTCD by the end of this year. If the manual is not adopted, and the draft is released as a supplemental NPA, advocate for interim approvals for individual devices.
• Register for the APBP October 21 webinar, "MUTCD: Bicycle and Pedestrian Signs, Markings and Experiments".
<a href="http://www.apbp.org/events/event_details.asp?id=72783">http://www.apbp.org/events/event_details.asp?id=72783</a>;
• Advocate for the federal government to fund research on new traffic control devices and innovations.
Best regards,
APBP Staff in NYC
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