Appendix B
NHS Connector Condition and Investment Inventory Form
General Guidance
The purpose of the NHS Connector Condition and Investment Study is to characterize the nature and extent of physical and operational problems on freight connectors and investments made on them. Results for specific connectors or States will not be disseminated. While the study is focused on the recently approved NHS connectors, those connector-like facilities previously approved in the initial NHS system designation should be included as regular connectors. Since these routes are not listed as connectors in our files, the Division and State DOT will have to identify them and include them in the inventory. A State may also want to include intermodal facilities (i.e., terminals previously identified with 0.0 mileage) that "front" (i.e., have no connector) on mainline NHS routes. In these instances, a reasonable length of route (up to 2 miles or to a higher functionally classified facility) should be inventoried (Items C5. through D3. of the inventory from).
It is believed that much of the information can be obtained from existing data sources maintained within the State DOTs, MPOs and possibly local jurisdictions. However, there may be on-site visits needed to supplement available sources. If on-site visits are needed, a team approach involving the Division, State DOT, MPOs, local jurisdictions and terminal operators is recommended. Much of this information can be obtained by a "windshield" survey.
In many cases, States with Intermodal Management Systems (IMS) can provide most of the information requested on the inventory form. Therefore, the IMS should be a rich source of information. The terminal operators should also be an excellent source of information. They may be able to provide information on nonrecurring and traffic operational problems such as congestion and delays and when they occur; safety problems and high accident locations; railroad crossing delays; clearance and weight restrictions; and other observations on problems or impediments affecting the operation and service to the terminal facility.
While the States are now beginning to report Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) Universe Data for recently designated NHS connectors, they have not achieved full reporting at this time. Even with full reporting, HPMS would not provide answers for the range of questions about the conditions on connectors, related improvements and impediments that are the primary focus of the study.
The information on investments is critical to the study but we recognize the potential difficulties associated with getting complete data, especially where local and private sector funding is involved. TIPs and STIPs should be an excellent source of information. To obtain information on funding from local agencies or private sources, discussions with terminal operators may be necessary. In these discussions of investments, information can be obtained on any perceived impediments to investments on connectors.
Data Checklist Item Requirement Instructions
Header Identification – The facility information, at the beginning of the form, will be supplied by headquarters from the NHS freight connector database file. The facility ID number to be entered in the header is derived from this data. It consists of a two character State code, a terminal ID number, and a one-character terminal type code (A-airport, L-truck/pipeline, P-port, and R-truck/rail). If a terminal has more than one connector, there will be a single numeric code which will uniquely identifies each connector (e.g., 1, 2, 3...).
Part I - HPMS Universe Data
HPMS Universe Data – The items requested from the HPMS data records are: rural/urban (9), functional system (12), governmental ownership (20), AADT (28), through lanes (30), urban location or character of land use (31), and pavement condition rating (PSR, PCR, or IRI) (36). The descriptors for theses items and coding instructions are contained in the HPMS Field Manual. Because of the importance of pavement condition, it should be verified in all site visits and reported in Part II of the form.
The State should have already submitted the 1997 HPMS data. There may be some difficulty in matching the HPMS data to the connector to be inventoried, however, there is a 100 character identification field for each section record which may provide street names to assist in matching the connector and the HPMS sections. State, county, and urbanized area code will also be useful in identifying the HPMS section location. Section length and type of terminal facility (2 Airport, 3 Port, 5 Rail/Truck, 8 Pipeline) are also in the HPMS universe record. It is likely that multiple HPMS sections will make up the full length of a connector.
Bridge/Structure Numbers – Matching Bridge Inventory Structure data with connectors cannot be accomplished without the bridge/structure number. Please enter the bridge/structure number for each structure and if it is on or over the connector. The numbers may be available on the structure or it may be necessary to obtain the information from the State.
Railroad Crossing Numbers – Matching railroad-crossing records with NHS connectors also requires the crossing number. Please enter the 6-digit, 1-letter "U.S DOT/AAR National Rail-Highway Crossing Inventory Number" for each active at-grade crossing on the connector. All crossings should have the number posted at the crossing.
Part II - Connector Condition Information
A. Geometric and Physical Features
A1. Pavement Condition – The HPMS data may have PSR data, however, it should be verified on any site visit. If IRI is reported in HPMS, a conversion to PSR is requested. The important consideration here is speed reduction caused by poor pavement condition. This can best be observed by a field visit and riding over the facility. If pavement condition is not uniform and changes significantly over the length of the connector, please report the estimated percentages in each category.
A2. Check items that are a problem.
a. Inadequate Travelway Width (width available for trucks) – On some of the lower functional systems, the connectors won't be striped so it may operate as a single lane of more than 12 feet. If roadway width is not adequate for two-way truck traffic, it would be considered inadequate.
b. Inadequate Shoulder Width – There should be sufficient width to accommodate a parked truck without hindering traffic flow.
c. Lack of Stabilized Shoulders – If the shoulder is not paved, it should be able to support heavy trucks.
d. Tight Turning Radii at Intersections – Where right turning trucks are required to make wide turns into adjacent lanes. Immountable curbs and other obstructions at the corner make the problem more severe.
e. Road Not Paved – Self explanatory.
f. Bridge/Overpass Vertical Clearances – For connectors where bridges or tunnels are posted (usually less than 14 feet for other than Interstate).
g. Weight Limitations Road/Bridge – Posted less than normal legal loads (i.e. less than what is permitted for this type of road).
h. Narrow Bridge/Tunnel – Is width inadequate to safely accommodate two-way truck traffic.
i. Rough Abandoned Railroad Crossing – Report for rough crossing surfaces, especially where there is significant reductions in speed.
j. Drainage/Flooding – Where standing water periodically impedes traffic.
B. At-Grade Railroad Crossings
B1. Report the number of active crossing locations. A single location may have more than one set of tracks at a single location or crossing treatment. The survey form has three columns for up to 3 separate crossings. If additional columns are needed they can be added manually.
B3. Railroad Crossing Problems
a. Delays at Railroad Crossing – Where delays are considered a problem, delaying traffic for excessive periods.
b. Switching/Make-up Operations – Where on-terminal train facilities are too short to handle train make-up, requiring trains to back out on the connector and block traffic.
c. Crossing Warning Devices – Where crossing warning devices are substandard or active warning devices are warranted.
d. Inadequate Sight Distance at Crossing – Where lateral obstructions block a drivers view of oncoming trains, especially those crossings without active warning devices.
e. Rough Railroad Crossing Surface – Where roughness or profile cause a significant reduction in speed to crossing vehicles.
f. Vehicle Under-clearance (Humped Crossing) – Where there is a possibility of a low-bed truck getting hung-up at the crossing.
g. Lack of Alternative Route – For connectors with extended delays that essentially block access to the facility.
C. Traffic Operations and Safety
C2. Check reasons for delay and when they occur on the connector. AM/PM peak is the commuter peak (morning and afternoon rush hours when workers are going to and from work). Peak hour of the terminal is when the terminal is busiest. It may occur in the AM peak when trucks arrive or it may be mid-morning where trucks avoid the AM peak. It may also occur at other times when a train or ship is unloading/loading. Both may apply.
a/b. Heavy Traffic/Congested – Where traffic volumes exceed the capacity of the connector, at some location along the route, probably during peak periods.
c/d. Long Delays at Traffic Signals – Where the intersection fails to clear on a cycle.
e/f. Difficulty Making Left or Right Turns – Back-ups due to heavy turning volumes.
g/h. Lack of Turning Lanes at Intersection – Additional turn lanes are necessary to handle traffic at one or more intersections.
i/j. Lack of Traffic Signals – Because of truck operating characteristics, signals may be warranted at high volume intersections.
k/l. Truck Queues at Gates – This could occur before terminal gates are open during peak periods. It may cause back-ups on the connector if the ques occupy travel lanes. It may also occur from other truck terminals along the connector (i.e. not the intermodal terminal).
m/n. Frequent Accidents – A higher than average accident history would indicate a safety problem.
o/p. On-Street Parking Conflicts – Where vehicles maneuvering in and out of on-street parking create either a safety problem or delay traffic. Illegal parking by trucks or other vehicles may also be a problem.
q/r. Moveable Span Bridges – Bridge openings that affect terminals during operations.
C6. Delays at the connector/mainline NHS junction.
a/b. Heavy Traffic on Mainline NHS – Where it is difficult for trucks to merge on to the NHS.
c/d. Lack of Merge Area on to Mainline – Could occur where trucks enter a higher-speed facility.
e/f. Lack of Traffic Signals – Where an uncontrolled or stop controlled intersection is congested. For example, because of truck operating characteristics, the number of acceptable gaps for trucks crossing or entering a heavily traveled facility may be a problem.
g/h. Poorly Designed Ramps – Do not adequately handle larger trucks or cause indirect routing.
i/j. Tight Turning Radii at Intersection – This could cause back-ups at intersections where trucks have to wait for breaks in traffic to make wide turns.
k/l. Lack of Turning Lanes – Additional turn lanes are necessary to handle traffic.
D. Other Factors
D1. Lack of truck route signs – Drivers unfamiliar with the location of the terminal getting lost.
D2. Any other problems that would not fit in any of the above categories.
Part III - Investment Information
E/F. Past and Programmed Investments
E1. Information on improvements made since the connector was designated may be available from TIP/STIP program documents. For improvements on local roads, it may be necessary to contact the local jurisdiction or the terminal operator.
F1. Programmed improvements for the next 3 to 5 years are identified on approved STIPS or TIPS. For some improvements, it may be difficult to identify the time period exactly so judgement should be used.
E/F2. These are the standard improvement categories. Use the left column for improvements made since 1995. Use the right column for programmed improvements.
E/F3. Report past spending on left and programmed funds on right.
G. Other Improvement Information
G1. Report any improvements beyond those reported as programmed above that are planned and expected to be built in the next 3 to 5 years.
G2. These are non-highway improvements such as building on-dock rail or non-connector highway improvements such as improvements to the mainline NHS that reduce the congestion getting to the connector.
Intermodal Connectors Condition & Investment Study
Field Inventory Data Checklist
Terminal Name:
City:
Connector Length:
Connector(s) Description:
Part I. HPMS Universe Data From HPMS National Database
Item 9. Rural/Urban Designation. (Assign number from following list)
- Rural
- Small Urban (5 to 49k)
- Urbanized (50 to 200k)
- Urbanized (>200k)
Item 12. Functional System Code. (Assign number from following list; if more than one, list all that apply)
Rural
01 Principal Arterial
02 Principal Arterial - Other
06 Minor Arterial
07 Major Collector
08 Minor Collector
09 Local
Urban
11 Principal Arterial - Interstate
12 Principal Arterial - Freeway/Expressway
14 Principal Arterial - Other
16 Minor Arterial
17 Collector
19 Local
Item 20. Governmental Ownership. (Assign number from following list; if more than one, list all that apply)
01 State Highway
02 County Highway
03 Town or Township Highway
04 Municipal Highway
21 Other State Agency
25 Other Local Agency
26 Private (open to public)
31 State Toll Authority
32 Local Toll Authority
Item 28. AADT (if available). (List number)
Item 30. Number of Through Lanes. (List number)
Item 31. Urban Location. (Assign number from following list; if more than one, list all that apply)
1 Central Business District
2 High Density Business/Commercial Center
3 Low Density Commercial
3a Industrial, Manufacturing and Warehousing (not in HPMS)
4 High Density Residential
5 Low Density Residential
7 Other
Item 36. Pavement condition rating (PSR) (List as 0-5.0) (Reported in HPMS data)
Planning Jurisdiction
Name of the planning agency with area wide planning responsibility over the connector.
List MPO or State:
(This information will be used to match with Part IV information.)
Bridge/Structure Identification
Please report bridge/structure ID's (up to 15 digits) and whether on or over connector.
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
| ID # | On | Over |
Railroad Crossing Numbers
Please report the 6-digit, 1-letter "U.S. DOT/AAR National Rail-Highway Crossing Inventory Number" for all active crossings on the connector. It will be posted at the crossing.
- ID #
- ID #
- ID #
- ID #
- ID #
- ID #
Part II. Connector Condition Information
A. Geometric and Physical Features
A1. What is the condition of the pavement on the connector? (i.e. observed on field inspection.) (Assign number from following list.)
5. Very good
4. Good
3. Fair
2. Poor
1. Very poor
If the condition is not uniform over the entire connector length, please indicate the percentage of roadway in each category:
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Use the following guide in answering question A1:
Very good – Newly built or resurfaced and distress free.
Good – Smooth Surface with little to no cracking or rutting.
Fair – Serviceable with shallow rutting and moderate cracks beginning to occur, but does not affect travel speed on the connector.
Poor – Same problems as fair but worse, causing some reduction in speed.
Very poor – Major problems with potholes etc., causing substantial reductions in speed.
A2. Which of the following geometric or physical features is a problem on the connector? Check all that apply.
 |
Geometric/Physical Problem | Short Section | Most of Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Inadequate Travel Way Width | |
|
| b. | Inadequate Shoulder Width | |
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| c. | Lack of Stabilized Shoulders | |
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| d. | Tight Turning Radii at Intersections | |
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| e. | Road Not Paved | |
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| f. | Bridge/Overpass Vertical Clearance | |
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| g. | Weight Limitation Road/Bridge | |
|
| h. | Narrow Bridge/Tunnel | |
|
| i. | Rough Abandoned Railroad Crossing | |
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| j. | Drainage/Flooding | |
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| k. | Other | |
|
A3. If any of the factors checked or "other" in question A2 need explanation, please provide it here (continue on back of page if necessary):
B. At-Grade Railroad Crossings
B1. How many at-grade railroad crossings are there along the connector? (If 0 go to C1)
B2. Are at-grade railroad crossings a problem? Yes or No (if No, go to C1)
B3. Why are railroad crossings a problem? Check all that apply for each set of tracks.
|
Crossing Problem | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Delays at Railroad Crossing | |
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| b. | Switching/Make-up Operations | |
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| c. | Crossing Warning Devices | |
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| d. | Inadequate Sight Distance at Crossing | |
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| e. | Rough Railroad Crossing Surface | |
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| f. | Vehicle Under Clearance (Humped Crossing) | |
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| g. | Lack of Alternate Route | |
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| h. | Other | |
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B4. If any of the factors checked in question B3 need explanation, please provide it here (continue on other side of page if necessary):
C. Traffic Operations and Safety
C1. Are there safety problems or delays on the connector (excluding delays associated with railroad crossings)? Yes or No (if No, go to C4)
C2. Why and when does delay occur on the connector? Check all that apply.
| Traffic Operations/Safety Problem | AM/PM Peak | Terminal Peak | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Traffic/Congested | a. | |
b. | |
| Long Delays at Traffic Signals | c. | |
d. | |
| Difficulty Making Left or Right Turns | e. | |
f. | |
| Lack of Turning Lanes at Intersections | g. | |
h. | |
| Lack of Traffic Signals | i. | |
j. | |
| Truck Queues at Gates | k. | |
l. | |
| Frequent Accidents | m. | |
n. | |
| On-Street Parking Conflicts | o. | |
p. | |
| Moveable Span Bridge Openings | q. | |
r. | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
C3. Does the terminal peak occur during the AM/PM peak? Yes or No
C4. If any of the factors checked in question C2 need explanation, please provide it here (continue on other side of page if necessary):
C5. Is delay a problem at the connector's junction with the mainline NHS route? Yes or No (if No, go to D1)
C6. Why and when does delay occur at the connector/NHS junction? Check all that apply.
| At the Connector Intersection | AM/PM Peak | Terminal Peak | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Traffic on Mainline NHS | a. | |
b. | |
| Lack of Merge Area on to Mainline | c. | |
d. | |
| Lack of Traffic Signals | e. | |
f. | |
| Poorly Designed Ramps | g. | |
h. | |
| Tight Turning Radii at Intersections | i. | |
j. | |
| Lack of Turning Lanes | k. | |
l. | |
| Other | m. | |
n. | |
C7. If any of the factors checked in question C6 need explanation, please explain:
D. Other Factors
D1. Is destination signing adequate for truck drivers to find the freight terminal? Yes, No, or Comment
D2. If there are any other relevant factors not on this checklist which affect the efficiency, operation, and safety of this connector, please describe them here:
D3. Re-contact information. Whom can we call at the FHWA Division Office to clarify any of the information on this form?
Name:
Phone:
Organization:
Part III. Investment Information
E. Past Investment on Connectors
E1. Have any improvements been made to the connector since November 1995? If No, go to F1. If Yes, check column below.
E2. What types of improvements have been made? Check all that apply.
F. Programmed Investment
F1. Are any improvements programmed for the connector in the next 3 years? If No, go to G1. If Yes, check column below.
F2. What types of improvements are programmed? Check all that apply.
| E1a. | E2a | Improvement | F1a. | F2a. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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New construction | |
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Reconstruction | |
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Widening | |
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|
Pavement Overlay | |
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|
Bridge Rehab/Construction | |
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|
Intersection Improvements | |
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Signage or Traffic Engineering | |
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|
Railroad Crossing Improvements | |
|
|
|
Railroad Grade Separation | |
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Other | |
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E3. What is the amount expended on improvements to the connector since November 1995?
F3. What is the estimated amount for programmed improvements for connector in next 3 years?
| E3 | Expenditure | F3 |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Federal | $ |
| $ | State | $ |
| $ | Local | $ |
| $ | Private | $ |
| $ | Other | $ |
| $ | Total | $ |
G. Other Improvement Information
G1. Are any improvements planned beyond three years? If No, go to G2. If Yes, Please Explain:
G2. Have there been any improvements not on the connector that have benefited terminal traffic or operations? If No, go to G3. If Yes, Please Explain:
G3. Re-contact information. Whom can we call to clarify the investment information on this form?
Name:
Organization:
Phone:
Part IV. Investment Processes
H. Improvement Identification (Note: This form is to be completed only once for each governmental agency having connectors within its planning jurisdiction.)
H1. What unit of government has responsibility for areawide planning? Name of MPO or State DOT:
H2. Is there a systematic process in place for identifying freight needs in the area in which the connector is located? If No, go to H7. If Yes, Please explain:
H3. What mechanisms have been used, by the unit of government in H1, to identify freight needs? Check all that apply.
- Policy Board
- Technical Advisory Committee
- Freight Advisory Committee
- State Freight Committee
- Chamber of Commerce
- Management System(s)
- Other
H4. If any of the factors checked in question H3 need explanation, please provide it here (continue on other side of page if necessary):
H5. Have these mechanisms been responsible for getting projects programmed on NHS connectors? If No, go to H6. If Yes, Please explain:
H6. Have these mechanisms been responsible for getting other freight-related projects funded on other non-connector roads in the area? If No, go to H7. If Yes, Please explain:
H7. Have any identified (i.e., applied for) improvements to connectors gone unprogrammed in this area since 1991? If No, go to H9. If Yes, Please explain:
H8. What factors contributed to the needed improvements going unprogrammed? Check all that apply.
- Low Priority in State/MPO Plans
- Environmental Concerns
- Neighborhood/Community Opposition
- Physical/other Constraints
- Lack of Local Match/Sponsorship
- Lack of Private Sector Participation
- Other
H9. If any of the factors checked in question H8 need explanation, please provide it here (continue on other side of page if necessary):
H10. Are there any other relevant factors not listed which affect the ability to fund improvements on connnectors?
H11. Re-contact information. Whom can we call to clarify the investment information on this form?
Name:
Organization:
Phone:
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