New methodology leads to increased accuracy of congestion data

AUSTIN – Using more accurate technology, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) unveiled an updated list of Texas‘ 100 most congested roadway segments Wednesday.

In developing the update, the state used actual traffic speed data to calculate delay, rather than estimations based on traffic volume used in the previous list. Parameters for roadway segment length were also adjusted to better capture congested points in the transportation system. The results of this heightened accuracy have state engineers a little excited and encouraged. 

So what’s so different?
As a result of the increased accuracy of the data and methodology behind the list, several roadway segments have shifted rankings on the list.

The top 100 list includes the state highway system, and many city, county or toll road segments. Additionally, it now considers both weekday and weekend congestion levels to provide a congestion ranking based on delay experienced all days of the week. Nationally recognized congestion experts with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) at Texas A&M University collaborated with TxDOT to develop the new list and improved methodology.

“Texans have known for some time that traffic is bad – but this new list accurately pinpoints the traffic hotspots in the state, and will help make sure transportation planners consider these roadways when prioritizing roadway and transit projects,” said Dr. Tim Lomax, Research Engineer with TTI, who coordinated with TxDOT staff to develop the list. “TTI has long distributed reports on congestion levels throughout the United States, including those levels in Texas, but the new methods used in
this analysis are on the cutting edge of traffic congestion measurement.”

How is data collected?
To gather actual travel speed data, TTI contracted with INRIX, a private firm that collects real time travel information nationwide and provides that information to a variety of companies for use by the public through GPS units and smart phone applications. Through the contract, TTI received actual speed data for roadways across the state for 2009 to use with traffic volume data to assess total delay.

Previously, the congestion levels were based on traffic volume and used information about operational characteristics to estimate travel speeds. This analysis showed where large volumes of traffic were likely to move at a slow pace, but did not identify where other problems, such as bottlenecks caused by intersecting roadways or poor roadway geometry, are found.

Further information.
TxDOT first launched a 100 most congested roadways list in 2009 at the direction of the Texas Legislature.

The updated 100 most congested roadways list, additional information about methodology and plans for congestion mitigation are available by visiting www.txdot.gov.

 AUSTIN, TX — From today through Sept. 6, the Texas Department of Transportation, police departments, and sheriff’s offices across the Lone Star state are working together to reduce impaired driving during the annual Drink, Drive, Go to Jail campaign.  Law enforcement statewide will be working overtime to find and arrest impaired drivers through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

 “Last year during the two-week crackdown, officers around the state worked nearly 18,000 combined hours of overtime specifically looking for intoxicated drivers,” said Colonel Steve McCraw of the Texas Department of Public Safety. “If we pull you over and you’ve been drinking, you’ll be arrested.”

 Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year, and serve 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases, and other expenses.

 Of course, the consequences of driving under the influence can be much worse. In 2009, there were 27,108 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 955 deaths and 17,542 injuries (preliminary data).  In 2008, 25 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25.  More alcohol-related crashes occur between 2am and 3am than any other hour of the day.

  “The only way to be sure you’ll avoid a DWI is by never getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT’s Traffic Operations Division Director. “This Labor Day weekend, we’re reminding Texans that there are many options they can choose for getting home that don’t include drinking and driving.”

 To get the word out, TxDOT is running new television spots, radio ads, billboards, web and mobile phone ads along with targeted messages in major market bar and restaurant districts. Traditional and alternative media efforts will raise awareness of the consequences of a DWI conviction and the alternatives available to Texans: calling a cab, designating a sober driver ahead of time, using public transportation, staying put, calling a friend or family member for a ride, and more.

 TxDOT is also illustrating the choice between getting a sober ride or risking a DWI by driving after drinking through the use of “Cop/Cabs”—unique vehicles that are a police patrol car on the front end and a taxi cab on the back end. The Cop/Cabs will serve as mobile billboards for the “Choose Your Ride” message, incorporating modified patrol cars from police departments and sheriff’s offices in communities with a high incidence of alcohol-related fatalities.  

 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are partnering with TxDOT and law enforcement in the Drink. Drive. Go to Jail campaign.

Courtesy Raul Leal,

( LAREDO ) Effective today, August 17, 2010, the IH 35 northbound outside main lane between milepost markers #37-40 in northern Webb County is closed for road maintenance repairs.

Traffic should slow down and prepare to merge to inside northbound main lane on IH 35 between milepost markers #37-40.

After today, IH 35 road maintenance work will continue north into La Salle County .

The traveling public is advised to observe all advanced warning traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

                 US 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Sts.) cross streets between Monterrey Ave. and Cedar Ave. in Laredo/Webb County: 

Please be advised that Monterrey Street, south of the Monterrey/Chihuahua intersection will be closed on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. and will reopen on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. Detour will be in effect.

●    Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets (US 83) will remain closed for the duration of the project. Detour in effect.

The traveling public is asked to exercise extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area. Please use caution around heavy machinery and tractor-trailer traffic.

The US 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Streets) railroad grade separation project (CSJ# 0086-01-052) is being constructed by Anderson Columbia Co., Inc. at a cost of $10.8 million.

Chacon Creek bridge at SH 359 due east of and in close proximity to US 83-SH 359 Three Points Interchange in Laredo/Webb County is closed.

Chacon Creek bridge at SH 359 CLOSED until further notice.

Detour: Use State Loop 20 to circumvent affected area.

Chacon Creek Bridge on Meadow is Closed.

The traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and avoid barricaded area. If you encounter a flooded road, Turn Around

SH 48 NEW
SH 48 from Shrimp Basin to SH 100 is open to traffic.

US 281 (Military Highway)
US 281 (Military Highway) approximately ½ mile East of FM 1015 – water on road. Use caution.

FM 800
Low water bridge on FM 800 between Business 83 and FM 3067 in Cameron County is closed to traffic.

FM 2061
At FM 3072 (Dicker Road) to 1/2 mile N. of FM 3072 south of Pharr.

FM 493
Mile 4 1/2 to US 281 (Military Highway) south of Donna- Road closed due to flooding. 

FM 2557
From Hall Acres Road to FM 3072 (Dicker Road) south of Pharr – Road closed due to flooding.

FM 1577
0.5 miles north of US 281 (Military Highway) to 1 mile north of US 281 in Cameron County – Water over roadway.  Use caution.

SH 186
At intersection of FM 2209 in Willacy County – Water over roadway.  Use caution.

FM 1420
0.6 miles south of SH 186 to 1.0 mile south of SH 186 in Willacy County- Water over roadway.  Use caution.

FM 681 @ FM 492 Curve
Water over the roadway in NW Hidalgo County.  Use caution.

US 281 Northbound frontage road
At Freddy Gonzalez northbound exit ramp in Edinburg, water is over the roadway.  Use caution.

SH 107
FM 88 to FM 1425 in eastern Hidalgo County – Water over roadway.  Use Caution.

FM 2480
FM 3069 to FM 510 in Cameron County- Water over roadway.  Use caution. 

FM 490
West of Brushline Road to Brushline Road in Hidalgo County- Water over roadway.  Use caution.   

FM 494
0.5 miles south of FM 676 (Mile 5 North) to 0.5 miles north of FM 676 in Alton – Water overtopping roadway.  Use caution.

FM 907
Floodway to Rancho Blanco Road south of Alamo – Roadway closed due to flooding. 

BU 77
BU 77 in Raymondville near FM 490 – water over roadway.  Use caution.

FM 2556
FM 2556, between BU 83 and US 281 at Floodway in Cameron County has water over the roadway and floodway bridge.  Use caution. 

SH 495
SH 495 closed between Tower Rd. and FM 1423 in Alamo area due to flooding.

Highway crews will be monitoring road conditions throughout the day.   

For road conditions, visit the TxDOT website at www.txdot.gov  or call TxDOT’s automated phone system at 1-800-452-9292.

Social Media to reinforce storm preparedness messages

(LAREDO) – Currently, the TxDOT Laredo District is preparing to lend assistance and support to neighboring TxDOT districts and the traveling public in the following manner:

●    Stocking up on fuel in case supplies are disrupted by the weather.

●    Traveling potential evacuation routes to address any immediate repair needs.

●    Getting response crews ready to provide assistance to impacted coastal regions after the storm makes landfall.

●    Advising TxDOT employees to prepare their families for the days they may be away from home.

●    Counting all our available traffic signal parts and components that can be moved to impacted areas to help with traffic signal repairs.

●    Advising contractors to minimize lane closures (especially) on potential evacuation routes to expedite the flow of traffic.

●    Getting TxDOT employees lined up to assist call centers which provide roadway condition reports.

●    Participating in conference calls with other TxDOT districts to coordinate resources and needs throughout the state.

●    Preparing roadside assistance crews to travel evacuation routed to assist stranded motorist.

●    Last, but certainly not least, TxDOT is coordinating through the Texas Department of Public Safety to address any local government assistance that may be requested.

TxDOT is integrated into State Operations Center activities, and the TxDOT Emergency Operations Center is coordinating storm preparation for the department.

Important Tips for Residents:

1.    Keep track of the weather

2.    Know your evacuation routes. Keep a hurricane evacuation map and a regular state map in your vehicles at all times.

3.    Evacuate with time do not wait until the last minute. 

4.    Keep your vehicles gas tanks full at all times during hurricane season. 

5.    Have emergency cash for fuel and other hurricane necessities.

6.    Have your emergency supply box ready with flash lights, candles, water, canned foods, medication, first aid kit, and important document.

For road conditions, you can visit the TxDOT website at www.txdot.gov ( http://www.txdot.gov/ )or call TxDOT’s automated phone system at 1-800-452-9292.

Social Media to play important role in hurricane response:

Social media will play an important role in our hurricane response to this storm. TxDOT districts will reinforce storm preparedness messages through Twitter feeds. 

Every TxDOT district has a Twitter feed and will be sending out a hurricane/weather-related tweet at least once a day. Coastal TxDOT districts will be sending out periodic updates throughout each day.

Each tweet will carry the hashtag #HurrAlex to provide an easy way to catalog all the tweets and allow all tweets to find hurricane information.

Flooding issues are likely to impact South Texas. Therefore, messages including “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” will be conveyed.

Locate all TxDOT feeds here: http://www.txdot.gov/news/twitter_feeds.htm

TxDOT also maintains a Facebook page: ww.txdot.gov/facebook.

AUSTIN – State transportation officials today approved 11 projects around the state that will be funded by TxDOT’s pass-through finance program.   The Texas Transportation Commission approved the list of projects, estimated at $280 million in state investment, at its monthly meeting.   Pass-through financing allows local municipalities or private entities to pay for costs to build a transportation project and get reimbursed from the state as the transportation project becomes operational.  It lets local officials reprioritize and accelerate projects important to the region.

“We were fortunate to receive so many worthwhile applications for projects from around the state,” said John Barton, Assistant Executive for engineering Operations.

“The projects we will advance through this program will greatly benefit our state transportation system.  These types of partnerships are very helpful in stretching our limited funding further to do more work for Texas.”

Earlier this month, the commission added a provision that limits the liability of both TxDOT and partnering public entities in the event of project cost overruns or underruns into all pass-through finance agreements.  If any funding is available at the end of these negotiations, other projects will be selected for funding from this program, up to a maximum of $300 million in total state investment.   

TxDOT issued a program call earlier this year, which led to this final selection of projects.

Contracts will be negotiated and executed with the local entities to determine reimbursement schedules, developed as part of each individual pass-through finance agreement.

Pass-through financing is a tool the state created to stretch limited transportation funds allowing local communities to fund up-front costs for constructing a state highway project. The state then reimburses a portion of the project costs to the community over time by paying a fee for each vehicle that utilizes the transportation facility.
 
Pass-through finance agreements allow local communities to get needed transportation projects financed and built earlier than traditional funding will allow.

TxDOT can consider pass-through finance agreements with a Regional Mobility Authority, regional transportation authority, county, city, public or private entity.

Projects selected for this program call include:

Project location                            State investment $
State Highway 195 and State Highway 201 – City of Killeen                $14.0 million
Loop 1604 – Bexar County                                                                                $31.3 million
Farm to Market 659 – Camino Real RMA (El Paso)                                 $38.2 million
State Loop 20/Spur 400 – Webb County/City of Laredo                     $15.8 million
State Highway 26 – City of Colleyville                                                          $19.1 million
Interstate 35 (Northbound frontage) – Williamson County                 $10.9 million
State Highway 36/State Highway 36 and FM 2004 – Brazoria County     $15.8 million
State Highway 32 – Cameron County RMA                                                 $34.5 million
RM 1431 – City of Cedar Park                                                                            $10.6 million
State Highway 365 – Hidalgo County RMA                                                 $70.0 million
Farm to Market 1409 – Chambers County                                                  $20.0 million
                                        $280 million

AUSTIN, Texas – Tobacco trash is the culprit responsible for an increase in Texas roadside litter according to new research released today by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

While Texans are doing much better keeping larger food-related trash off the road, tobacco trash, including nearly 400 million discarded cigarette butts, made up 43 percent of Texas litter in 2009. Food-related items, which for years have been nearly tied with tobacco trash as the two most prevalent types of litter, have decreased by 76 percent ¾ from 29 percent of overall litter in 2005 to 7 percent in the latest study.

“That’s positive news since food-related trash like to-go bags are far more visible on our roadsides than cigarette butts,” said TxDOT Travel Information Division Director Doris Howdeshell. “However, it’s just not acceptable to toss cigarette butts out the car window either.”

TxDOT’s Don’t Mess with Texas litter prevention campaign has focused on fast food litter for a decade with campaign tactics like printing the Don’t Mess with Texas logo on 2 million fast food cups and billboards reading “It’s Take-Out, Not Toss-Out.”

TxDOT commissions two studies to help measure and tackle the litter problem: the Visible Litter Study, conducted every four years, shows the amount and types of litter on Texas rights-of-way, and the Litter Attitudes and Behaviors Study, released every two years, reveals Texans’ littering behavior.

“The new Attitudes and Behaviors Study shows smokers who litter don’t think cigarette butts are a big problem, but they are wrong,” said Howdeshell. “Our research reveals smokers who litter are more likely to toss other items. You could say cigarettes are a ‘gateway litter’ to tossing bigger, more visible trash on our rights-of-way.”

More Research Findings
The Visible Litter Study shows tobacco trash is Texas’ leading type of litter, followed by non-alcoholic drink cups and cans, then construction debris, such as cardboard and plastic. Both studies also show:

●       Approximately 1.1 billion pieces of litter accumulated in 2009 on the Texas-maintained highway system. While litter increased 33 percent since 2005 (827 million items), it decreased by 11 percent since 2001 (1.237 billion items). The study uses sample stretches of road to calculate litter totals. (2009 Visible Litter Study)

●       In the past two Visible Litter Studies, food-related items and tobacco were the most prevalent litter categories. Today, food-related litter (7 percent) falls behind tobacco (43 percent), non-alcoholic beverages (13 percent) and household-related (9 percent). (2009 Visible Litter Study)

●       Alcoholic beverage containers, such as beer cans may seem like a big trash problem, but they comprise just 6 percent of overall litter, followed only by printed material like newspaper and lottery tickets. (2009 Visible Litter Study)

●    The number of Texans who know “Don’t Mess with Texas” means “don’t litter” recently spiked by about 20 percent.  Today, eight out of 10 (82 percent) Texans know what the slogan means compared to 71 percent in 2005. (2009 Litter Attitudes and Behaviors Study)

●    Since 1998, age has been the key predictor of littering behavior in Texas. New research indicates that Texans ages 16 to 34 are most likely to litter. However, a new category of litterer has emerged, indicating that, ironically, some of our worst litterers have great Texas pride. This group (24 percent of Texans) say they are filled with state pride and believe roadside litter makes Texans look bad. Ironically, these “Proud Texans” admit to littering more than people in other groups.
(2009 Litter Attitudes and Behaviors Study)

TxDOT Tackles Cigarettes and More
Six out of 10 Texas smokers admit they litter. That means 11 percent of Texans are to blame for nearly half (43 percent) of all litter. So what is Texas doing about it? TxDOT spent approximately $47 million in 2009 to pick up litter, but a growing population and more roads to take care of make prevention key to solving the problem.

“Smokers are finding fewer places where they can light up, so we think their vehicles may be one of their last refuges,” said Howdeshell. “Don’t Mess with Texas never backs down from a challenge, so now we’re taking on tobacco trash in new and different ways, starting with our summer road tour.”

The Don’t Mess with Texas summer outreach tour will take interactive games and the Texas Litter Cube (a chamber of swirling litter contestants try to stuff into a litterbag) to 20 big summer festivals and events like the Vans Warped Tour.

Howdeshell says the campaign will also continue its focus on other litter items including beverage cups and “accidental” litter that flies out of pickup beds and car windows.

In May, TxDOT released a new television PSA featuring country music legend George Strait, who reminds proud Texans “Don’t Mess with Texas means don’t litter.”

TxDOT also has developed a new billboard and convenience store advertising campaign to target litterers close to the roads they travel.  A new photo gallery at DontMessWithTexas.org gives Texans a chance to show what the phrase means to them. They can e-mail photos of areas they’re helping keep clean, interesting roadside trash finds, or even just a snapshot of their favorite pair of cowboy boots. A litter-fighting team of superheroes called the Litter Force educates schoolchildren before the
bad habit of littering can begin.

About Don’t Mess with Texas
Don’t Mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. TxDOT’s litter prevention program includes Adopt-a-Highway and a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. Don’t Mess with Texas activities also include a spring “Trash-Off,” community outreach, a scholarship program, a corporate partner program, and a new photo album where Texans can share their iconic Texas images. For more information, visit www.DontMessWithTexas.org. TxDOT’s goals are to
reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the value of transportation assets. For more information, visit www.txdot.gov.

Courtesy Raul Leal,

(Austin, Tx) -Hurricane season has arrived along with a flurry of activity around the state—government agencies, volunteer groups and private sector partners, all getting ready for the next big storm.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plays a critical role in storm education, evacuation and recovery. So each year, along with its hundreds of partners around the state, the department begins, months ahead of time, preparing for the possibility of seasonal storms.

“Preparations for the hurricane season begin at the end of the previous year while experiences and lessons learned are still fresh on the mind,” explained Amadeo Saenz, TxDOT executive director.

“TxDOT divisions and districts meet early to talk about what worked and what didn’t,” Saenz noted. “With each event, we learn more about the procedures we can put in place to bring the citizens of Texas to safety.”

As the hurricane season draws near, TxDOT starts an intensive review and training preparedness program to make sure emergency personnel and systems are in place to handle potential situations.

An important part of the preparedness program is reviewing TxDOT’s multiple Emergency Management Plans as early as possible. Video teleconferences with division and district emergency personnel across the state begin early in the year with an extensive review of the components of each plan before a hurricane hits the Texas coast. Responders are prepped on logistical support teams, evacuation, reentry plans and other emergency policies and procedures including reviewing and updating phone
lists and websites.

Seasonal training begins early to prepare personnel on emergency traffic control measures, debris removal and other recovery procedures that are put in place immediately following the storm. Employees are also trained to serve on Courtesy Patrols during evacuations. After each storm or event, employees share experiences including situations with wildlife (snakes, alligators and wild hogs), downed electrical wires, and living and working for several weeks in a primitive and sometimes dangerous
environment. All this shared information is rolled into a number of fairly intensive and well-structured training programs throughout the year.

TxDOT also participates in regional and statewide emergency drills involving other agencies and local jurisdictions throughout the year.

Equally important on the preparedness list are actions to identify and prepare facilities and equipment for quick mobilization and making sure contraflow routes are open and available (no lane closures). TxDOT personnel also identify—well in advance of a storm—locations of comfort stations along designated evacuation routes.

Division traffic operations personnel review evacuation plansto be prepared to open—if necessary—evaculanes or to implement contraflow measures. Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) are tested and made ready to communicate emergency messages to travelers across the state, including frequent warnings to citizens in other parts of the state to not travel to the affected areas.

Each year, personnel evaluate the agency’s external and internal communications efforts designed to keep employees and the public informed. A comprehensive hurricane preparedness section on the agency’s website includes information on road conditions and evacuation procedures, in addition to links to other agencies with information on local conditions including the www.texasonline.com ( http://www.texasonline.com/ ), a state website. Regional maps online show evacuation routes, all
accessible on the Web at TxDOT’s site, www.txdot.gov ( http://www.txdot.gov/ ).