Date:    Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:12:56 -0500

From:    Gene Russell Sr <geno@KSU.EDU>

Subject: Re: Oregon DOT Roundabout Policy Update

That is not really a new approach in Oregon. what is new is that it specifically points out roundabouts. However, for years, the trucking industry in Oregon has had more say in major highway projects than any other state I know of. Gene

----- Original Message -----

> http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/TECHSERV/docs/pdf/des_02.pdf

>

> 

>

> See link above - requires consultation with freight industry

>

> 

>

> Victor L Salemann, PE

> Senior Associate

> David Evans and Associates

> 415 118th Ave SE

> Bellevue, WA 98005

Date:    Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:22:14 -0700

From:    Phil Demosthenes <pdemos@ECENTRAL.COM>

Subject: Re: Oregon DOT Roundabout Policy Update

I find it interesting that the Oregon DOT is apparently delegating its authority, [or more softly, you could say empowering] to the private trucking industry.

I do strongly support policy that ensures sufficient design for all road users especially freight which is critical to state industry and the economy. But I think the policy goes too far legally. It opens the door to the question of why one private group gets top billing, specific empowerment, and not all key stakeholders get the same level of consideration in the policy.

Examples: During planning, project development and review conversations with ADA groups, especially those representing vision impaired individuals is required.  During planning, project development and review conversations with commercial associations, especially those representing retailers is required. During planning, project development and review conversations with associations representing industrial development is required. During planning, project development and review conversations with bus and transit organizations is required. During planning, project development and review conversations with all local and regional agencies is required.

Writing internal policy is a delicate manner even when under political pressure from private special interest groups. The DOT must consider all citizens and find the best solution among design and operational trade-offs.

The real solution, policy, is to require a process to ensure that each district would reach out and listen to all stakeholders in an effective and inclusive manner. Soft touches and lack of documentation would not be tolerated by HQ.  But more importantly, be sure the ODOT design process and standards provide what is really needed by stakeholders - and especially freight haulers as the design vehicle is central to roundabout design. Why reinvent the wheel every time? Establish state wide workable design process and criteria, then adjust for the physical and functional context. 

Phil -  303-349-9497

phil@pdemos.com

Date:    Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:06:15 -0700

From:    Phil Demosthenes <pdemos@ECENTRAL.COM>

Subject: Re: Oregon DOT Roundabout Policy Update

Thanks Scott.  That explains it.  By statute, due to legislative concerns of protecting freight movement, "ORS

366.215 states the Oregon Transportation Commission may not permanently reduce the vehicle-carrying capacity of an identified freight route." So the roundabout directive is driven by legislation not by DOT preferences.

More information is on their website (link follows). The freight industry has evidently put their foot down strongly, in what I would guess, is a reaction to arterial design reductions such as lane width, traffic calming, forced speed reductions, down grading arterials to urban complete streets, and flow limiting roundabouts.  Examples - reducing travel lane width to accommodate more parking, lane separation, adding bike lanes, adding islands and landscaping.

 http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/Pages/ORS366.215.aspx

While special interest groups often celebrate legislative action that implements their favorite passion or belief (complete street federal legislation, or perhaps roundabout implementation), the pendulum swings back and forth when there are strong differing opinions.

It's an interesting method to maintain functional integrity on key routes. Much the same as access management criteria uses a functional hierarchy to maintain improved functional performance on the higher functional routes.

Has ODOT made any professional presentations on this topic at ITE or TRB?

Phil -  303-349-9497

phil@pdemos.com

Subject: Re: Oregon DOT Roundabout Policy Update

This is the problem:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/docs/ors366/faqs.pdf