A Few Quick Items from AASHTO June 2006 Jim McDonnell, PE Associate Program Director, Engineering

AASHTO Publication Titles Issue: Current system for naming publications is confusing and inconsistent Issue: Current system for naming publications is confusing and inconsistent Each committee names its own publications Each committee names its own publications There are currently over 40 combinations of “basic” titles, including specs, guide specs, standard specs, manuals, guide manuals, guides, guidelines, etc. There are currently over 40 combinations of “basic” titles, including specs, guide specs, standard specs, manuals, guide manuals, guides, guidelines, etc. Recent NCHRP project developed a system for categorizing and naming AASHTO publications more consistently Recent NCHRP project developed a system for categorizing and naming AASHTO publications more consistently These ideas will be taken to the subcommittee meetings this summer These ideas will be taken to the subcommittee meetings this summer A formal proposal will be presented at the AASHTO Annual Meeting A formal proposal will be presented at the AASHTO Annual Meeting

AASHTO Publication Titles DRAFT Proposed Classification System for AASHTO Publications HierarchyCategoryDefinitionIntent 1 Specifications Set of requirements or standards, very technical. To provide the required technical standards that must be met for a particular task. 2 Manual Comprehensive and definitive technical text; broad overview but also focuses on detailed aspects, provides a consistent, uniform basis for doing something. To provide all information that is likely to be necessary in the performance of a task. 3 Guidelines Comprehensive methods and tactics for performing a task. To provide detailed aid in the performance of a task. 4 Guide Presents recommendations to assist someone in doing something or using a specific strategy or tool or instrument. To provide high level aid in the performance of a task. 5 Handbook A concise overview of a topic; enough information is provided to carry out work properly. To provide an easy and quickly referenced condensed version of a guide or guidelines.

AASHTO Publication Titles HierarchyCategoryDefinitionIntent 6 Report An analysis, update, or summary of events. To provide information on and analysis of a particular issue. 7 Survey Collection of data, opinions, ideas.To provide insight into the data, opinions, or ideas of others. 8 Reference A pure source of information and data. To provide data for a specific need. 9 Archive A catalogue or collection of information that is usually historical in nature. To aid in historical background research on a particular issue. Other Periodical Recurring bulletin or publication.To provide regular updates on issues or events. Other Software Type of product, computer software. To perform a particular task on a computer. DRAFT Proposed Classification System for AASHTO Publications

Joint Task Force on the Highway Safety Manual Work is underway through several NCHRP research projects to develop a Highway Safety Manual Work is underway through several NCHRP research projects to develop a Highway Safety Manual Tool to help practitioners make planning, design, and operations decisions based upon safety considerations Tool to help practitioners make planning, design, and operations decisions based upon safety considerations Will be adopted as an official AASHTO guide document Will be adopted as an official AASHTO guide document SCOH established an ad-hoc task force to help guide and provide input to this effort with members from: SCOH established an ad-hoc task force to help guide and provide input to this effort with members from: Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety Subcommittee on Design Subcommittee on Design Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering The task force will review draft chapters as the NCHRP projects progress over the next few years The task force will review draft chapters as the NCHRP projects progress over the next few years The manual will hopefully be ready for publication in 2008/2009 The manual will hopefully be ready for publication in 2008/2009

Subcommittee on Design Members: Subcommittee on Design Members: Region 1: Kirk McClelland, MD Region 1: Kirk McClelland, MD Region 2: Bart Thrasher, VA Region 2: Bart Thrasher, VA Jim Mills, FL Region 3: Tim McDonald, OH Region 3: Tim McDonald, OH Region 4:Mark Gaydos, ND Region 4:Mark Gaydos, ND Joe Garcia, NM Joint Task Force on the Highway Safety Manual

NPRM on Temporary Traffic Control Devices SAFETEA-LU Section 1110, Temporary Traffic Control Devices SAFETEA-LU Section 1110, Temporary Traffic Control Devices Addresses three main issues: Addresses three main issues: When to use positive protection When to use positive protection The use of and payment for uniformed enforcement The use of and payment for uniformed enforcement Incorporation of maintenance of traffic control devices into actual pay items Incorporation of maintenance of traffic control devices into actual pay items FHWA has been working with a number of groups who have an interest in this issue as they develop a draft rule FHWA has been working with a number of groups who have an interest in this issue as they develop a draft rule NPRM is expected this fall NPRM is expected this fall

Questions? Jim McDonnell