ATSSA The Signal January February 2020

The Signal | January/February 2020 41 Member Engagement signalized intersections by using flash- ing yellow arrows in each district. Other intersection safety projects include restricting crossing movements, desig- nated turn lanes, pedestrian signals, and advanced signage for intersections. Q: What does your state do to promote work zone safety? A: We highlight work zone awareness week including a press event at theDOTD building with state police, federal high- way officials and others. We have a cone memorial, include safety messages on our Dynamic Message Boards, and post messages on DOTD and Strategic High- way Safety Plan Regional Safety Coali- tions socialmedia outlets.We post online construction project information such as closures, detours and shifts in travel lanes. TheRegional TransportationSafety Coalitions review construction projects quarterly to help partners collaborate before and during specific projects to address potential work zone initiatives. Q: What do you consider the most significant transportation infrastructure changes over the last 10 or 20 years, and what do you expect in the future? A: Thedecline in fuel-tax revenuesdue to inflation, ever-increasing vehicle fuel effi- ciency, and the introductionof alternative- fueled vehicles are the most significant. When we have funding, we can make significant progress. Luckily, this admin- istration has been forward thinking and looking for innovative funding mecha- nisms. For the first time in Louisiana’s history we are using Grant Anticipa- tion Revenue Vehicle bonds to address Watch for the next installment of Transportation Conversations with Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajegba. Feel free to send your suggestions for people to interview and questions to ask to communications@atssa.com. crucial projects that were on the books for years. These projects include a new interchangewith I-220 and the Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, widening I-10 in Baton Rouge, and a new inter- change at Loyola Avenue and I-10 in Kenner to support the new terminal at Louis Armstrong International Airport. With the large amount of roadway and crash data available, we are working to make more data-driven decisions with limited dollars. We are trying to be proactive with safety improvements on our infrastructure and continue to track andmonitor high crash locations. We’re trying to use data to determine risk factors basedon roadway characteristics to prevent severe crashes. These types of systemic projects typically include more low-cost countermeasures on a larger network, which has the potential for more impact. More than 700 miles of cable barrier will be installed across Louisiana by 2022. Photo courtesy of DOTD.