Evaluation of Road Weather Information System

The objectives of this study were to monitor and evaluate the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet\u27s Road Weather Information System (RWIS). Six systems were installed and all became operational in November 1997. Each site includes sensors which measure temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed, pavement temperature, surface condition, and chemical concentration. The data can be accessed remotely using a Windows-based software program. The data are also stored in a central database for future use. The accuracy of the system was evaluated through comparison of atmospheric data with airport data and through site observations of surface condition, pavement temperature, and air temperature. The reliability was evaluated by reviewing the history log files to locate gaps in the data. Problems with individual sensors were also documented. The accuracy of the system was found to be good for the sensors that could be directly evaluated. The reliability was satisfactory with the larger gaps in data being caused by delays in detecting minor problems. Maintenance. of the system was a problem during the evaluation period. Additional installations of RWIS are not recommended until a more formalized process is developed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for use of the data in management of winter weather events

Evaluation of Road Weather Information System: Interim Report

The objectives of this study are to monitor and evaluate the Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS). Six RWIS sites have been installed at locations selected by the Kentucky Department of Highways. Each site includes sensors which measure temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed, pavement temperature, surface condition, and chemical concentration. The data can be accessed remotely using a Windows-based software program. The data are also stored in a central database for future use. A preliminary reliability study has been completed for five of the sites, and data are being collected for a more extensive reliability assessment. The accuracy of the atmospheric sensors will be determined through a comparison with National Weather Service records. Data are being collected to compare the pavement sensor readings with observed road conditions. The storm logs of chemical usage will be obtained from the Department of Highways to compare with National Weather Service records and the RWIS database. These data will be used to perform a cost-benefit analysis. The primary use of the RWIS data during the winter of 1997 - 1998 will be to evaluate the system. In the future, the RWIS will supplement existing sources of information used to make decisions about snow and ice control. The data are expected to increase the efficiency of the snow and ice control operations. Other uses for the weather data are also being considered

Truck Route Access Evaluation: United Parcel Service, Standiford Field Louisville Airport, and Ford Motor Company, Louisville, Site #6

This is a study undertaken on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two main objectives of the Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189): 1) evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and 2) furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for the areas around the Standiford Field Louisville Airport. This includes two large generators off of Fern Valley Road: Ford Motor Company and the United Parcel Service. These sites are located in Jefferson County in the KlPDA Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District #5. The location of the site and routes is shown in Figure 1. Smaller industries to the west of the airport field along Crittendon Avenue include Akzo Nobel Trucking, General Electric Supply, KT Shannon Lumber Company, Airside Commerce Center, United Catalyst Incorporated, and Rapid Runner Warehousing. Work on other specific sites throughout Kentucky as well as the freight commodity flow task is ongoing and documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated in this study were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC Highway District planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the NHS, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. The site was visited for video recording on November 21, 1998, data collection on September 29, 1998 and intersection traffic counts on December 15, 1998. The facilities are located south of I-264 and west of I-65 in Louisville either on or adjacent to the airport facility. The surrounding area is generally urban and fairly commercial / industrial. A phone survey was conducted with a UPS facility manager early in the study process. The survey found that approximately 150 trucks per day normally access the site with as many as 400 in the peak of the year. The most common truck is a 28-foot drop van but trucks as large as 53-foot semi-trailers also access the site. No traffic congestion problems were raised. Attempts to contact other large truck generators in the area were unsuccessful. The phone survey is in Appendix A

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Logan Aluminum Russellville - Logan County, Site #2657

The Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189) is being conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Center on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. There are two main objectives of the study: 1) evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS) and 2) furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for a facility located in Logan County in the Barren River Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District# 3. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task is ongoing and is documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC Highway District planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the national highway system, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. This site is located on US 431 in Logan County. The National Highway System route serving the area is US 68 shown in Figure 1. A phone survey was conducted with the facility truck routing personnel early in the study process. The site was visited on October 26, 1998 for data collection and December 5, 1998 for video recording. The only facility in the area is Logan Aluminum located on US 431 north of Russellville. The approximate location is also shown in Figure 1. The surrounding area is generally rural and agricultural. The phone survey found approximately 200 trucks per day accessing this site (in and out), while HIS data indicates 720 trucks per day travel along US 431. The site trucks are generally flatbed truck 45-48 feet in length. The phone survey information can be found in Appendix B. A concern mentioned in the phone survey was the absence of a southern bypass around Russellville. The Six Year Highway Plan includes the design for construction of a southern bypass. Also included in the Six Year Highway Plan is a project to widen a section of US 431 from near Logan Aluminum to north of the Russellville Bypass

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Owensboro Riverport Authority/Miles Farm Supply Dock, Daviess County, Site #24

The Freight Movement and lntermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189), undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), has two main objectives. These objectives include 1) the evaluation of access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS) and 2) furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for one cluster of sites located northwest of Owensboro in the Green River Area Development District (ADD) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Highway District #2. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task are on-going and are documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the NHS, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. The facilities for study in this report are the Owensboro Riverport Authority and Miles Farm Supply Dock, both of which are located northwest of Owensboro adjacent to the Ohio River. The truck routes were videotaped on February 27, 1998 and the site was visited for data collection on August 14 and 15, 1998. A phone survey was completed early in the study process in order to allow the facility managers to indicate truck routes and express concerns related to access-limiting issues of the truck routes. The surveys, which can be found in Appendix A, indicated that a total of approximately 225 trucks per day (two-way trips during the peak season) are accessing the site. The most common size truck for the Miles Farm Supply dock is a 48 foot semi-trailer. For the Owensboro Riverport Authority, the most common truck is a 53 foot semitrailer

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Dow Corning, Varity Dayton Walther and Ghent Generating Station, Carroll County, Site #33 & 51

This is a study undertaken on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two main objectives of the Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189): evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for Dow Corning and Varity Dayton Walther Corporation (site #33) as well as the Ghent Generating Station (site #51). These facilities share a route and are therefore discussed in this single report. The facilities are located in Carroll County in the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District #6. The location of each site is shown in Figure 1 . Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task is ongoing and documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated in this study were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC Highway District planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the NHS, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. The site was visited for video recording on April 8, 1998, and field data were collected on August 5 , 1998. The facilities are located along US 42 north of Carrollton on the Ohio River. The surrounding area is generally rural. Other facilities noted in the area include North American Stainless, Gallatin Terminal Company and Gallatin Steel. A phone survey was conducted with facility managers early in the study process. The surveys were conducted only with industries in the pre-existing intermodal or truck databases or the major industries observed during the sites visits. While the overall response from industries was very good, in some cases facility managers could not be contacted or did not want to assist with the survey. In order to stay within the resources available for the project not all smaller facilities with lower truck volumes could be contacted. The phone survey found that a total of approximately 180 trucks per day access the sites. The trucks are generally semi tractor trailers with a maximum length of 53 feet. The freight handled at these facilities includes raw materials and steel. The survey respondents indicated that the turning radius from KY 36 onto US 42 is not sufficient for trucks. There were safety concerns due to high traffic speeds on the routes. Other problems noted indicated narrow lane widths and rough pavement. The phone survey information can be found in Appendix A

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Bullitt County Stone, Shepherdsville, Site #2031

This is a study undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Center on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two main objectives of the Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189): evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for the Bullitt County Stone facility located in Bullitt County in the KIPDA Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District #5. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task is ongoing and documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated in this study were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC Highway District planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the NHS, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. The site was visited for video recording on February 18, 1998. The field data were collected on September 1 and October 13, 1998. The facility is located on KY 1526 approximately 4 miles northeast of Shepherdsville. A phone survey was conducted with facility managers early in the study process. The phone survey conducted with Bullitt County Stone found that approximately 180 trucks per day access the site. The most common truck is a triaxle with the largest being a 48-foot semitrailer. The freight handled at this facility is primarily stone. The survey respondent did not indicate any problems along this route, and it was noted that a new bypass has alleviated some problems. The phone survey information can be found in Appendix A

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Millard Processing, Nelse, Site #1677

This is a study undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Center on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two main objectives of the Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189): evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for Millard Processing located in Pike County in the Big Sandy Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District #12. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task is ongoing and documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated in this study were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and KYTC Highway District planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the NHS, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. A second facility using part of the same route is located on KY 1441 east of KY 1789. The site was visited for video recording on March 5, 1998, and the field data were collected on August 25, 1998. The facility is located on Nelse Hill Road west of US 460/K.Y 80, which is part of the NHS. The surrounding area is generally rural. A phone survey was conducted with facility managers early in the study process. The survey with Millard Processing found that approximately 200 trucks per day normally access the site. The trucks are generally triaxles or 36-foot semitrailers. The primary freight handled at this facility is coal. The survey respondent did not indicate any problems along the route. The survey can be found in Appendix A

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Seaboard Farms, Graves County, Site #2623

The Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98- 189), undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), has two main objectives: 1) the evaluation of access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS) and 2) furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for one facility located in Graves County in the Purchase Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District #1. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work on other specific sites as well as the freight commodity flow task are on-going and are documented elsewhere. The sites to be evaluated were selected from two existing databases (a truck facility survey from 1994 and the intermodal facility inventory) based on ADD and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) planner recommendations, geographic location, distance to the National Highway System, and the number of trucks accessing the site. Consideration was also made for the freight type handled and transportation modes used. The facility for study is Seaboard Farms, and the initial trip to the site revealed that there were no other significant sources of truck traffic in the vicinity. The site was visited for route videotaping on January 15, 1 998 and data collection on August 3, 1 998. Phone surveys were conducted early into the study process so that facility managers could indicate the truck routes and provide insight into potential access-limiting issues. The phone survey, which is included in Appendix A, indicated that approximately 65 trucks per day (130 one-way trips) are accessing the site. The largest trucks using the access route are 58-foot semi-trailers with 42-foot semi-trailers being the most common