AASHTO Technical Committee on Environmental Design Report to AASHTO Subcommittee on Design Indianapolis, Indiana July

1. AASHTO Technical Committeeon Environmental DesignReport to AASHTO Subcommittee on DesignIndianapolis, Indiana July 21, 2009 Prepared by Keith Robinson, ASLA Principal Landscape Architect California Department of Transportation Division of Design Sacramento, CA Presented by Keith Harrison, P.E. Safety/Geometric Design Engineer Federal Highway Administration Resource Center San Francisco, CA 1 Introductions: KARIntroductions: KAR

2. 2 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Chair: Tim Stark, Wyoming (N) Vice-Chair: Dan Stewart, Pennsylvania (D) Secretary: Keith Harrison, FHWA, San Francisco AASHTO Liaison: Jim McDonnell Who we are: Tim Stark - Chair Dan Stewart � Vice-Chair Keith Harrison - Secretary Jim McDonnell � AASHTO Liaison Members This Technical Committee is comprised from experts representing Landscape Architecture, Storm Water and Environmental Compliance concerns. Who we are: Tim Stark - Chair Dan Stewart � Vice-Chair Keith Harrison - Secretary Jim McDonnell � AASHTO Liaison Members This Technical Committee is comprised from experts representing Landscape Architecture, Storm Water and Environmental Compliance concerns.

3. 3 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Objective and Scope Review, develop, and recommend AASHTO positions on environmental design issues for the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Design, as required or assigned. TCED Objective and Scope: Primary responsibility to investigate current issues related to environmental design and highways and recommend positions to the SCOD. TCED Objective and Scope: Primary responsibility to investigate current issues related to environmental design and highways and recommend positions to the SCOD.

4. 4 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Continuing coordination with the following committees: Hydrology and Hydraulics. AASHTO�s Context Sensitive Solutions/Design Task Force (or subsequent committee). TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization in Transportation and the Committee on Landscape and Environmental Design. Multidisciplinary approach within the TCED and coordination with allied TCs: Hydrology and Hydraulics, regarding storm water runoff concepts. Retention and use of water, rather than conveyance. AASHTO�s Context Sensitive Solutions/Design Task Force (or subsequent committee), regarding stakeholder involvement. TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization in Transportation and the Committee on Landscape and Environmental Design. Multidisciplinary approach within the TCED and coordination with allied TCs: Hydrology and Hydraulics, regarding storm water runoff concepts. Retention and use of water, rather than conveyance. AASHTO�s Context Sensitive Solutions/Design Task Force (or subsequent committee), regarding stakeholder involvement. TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization in Transportation and the Committee on Landscape and Environmental Design.

5. 5 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Publication ResponsibilityThe technical committee is responsible for developing and updating the following documents: Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation Visualization in Transportation Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design TCED has primary responsibility for the AASHTO publications show: Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise, 1993 Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers, 1996 Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation, 1980 Visualization in Transportation, 2003 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design, 1991 TCED has primary responsibility for the AASHTO publications show: Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise, 1993 Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers, 1996 Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation, 1980 Visualization in Transportation, 2003 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design, 1991

6. 6 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise (1993) 2004 review determined this to be current and relevant. Recommend placing this document on the AASHTO web site. The TCED provided a comprehensive review of this publication in 2004 and determined it to be current and relevant. TCED is recommending that the 40-page half-size printed document be placed on the AASHTO web site. Current TCED membership does not have expertise in Noise Abatement. Future reviews will rely on input from noise experts in our member DOTs. The TCED provided a comprehensive review of this publication in 2004 and determined it to be current and relevant. TCED is recommending that the 40-page half-size printed document be placed on the AASHTO web site. Current TCED membership does not have expertise in Noise Abatement. Future reviews will rely on input from noise experts in our member DOTs.

7. 7 Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers (1996) 2004 review determined this to be current. Significant recent changes in wetland mitigation requirements warrants an evaluation of this document to be considered for a complete TCED review. Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers, 1996 Our 2004 review determined this to still be current, but enhanced usefulness would come from an on-line �Wetland Mitigation Best Practices� web page that all DOTs could reference, contribute to, and maintain. However, since 2004, significant changes in wetland mitigation such as the USACE�s shift to use banking found in the Compensatory Mitigation Rule for Losses of Aquatic Resources. Also, the Arid West supplement to the 1997 Wetland Delineation Manual issued in 2006 brings new requirements into determining where the delineation line should be which directly affects the amount of wetlands needed to mitigate. This will be considered for another possible review. Guide to Wetland Mitigation Issues for Transportation Designers, 1996 Our 2004 review determined this to still be current, but enhanced usefulness would come from an on-line �Wetland Mitigation Best Practices� web page that all DOTs could reference, contribute to, and maintain. However, since 2004, significant changes in wetland mitigation such as the USACE�s shift to use banking found in the Compensatory Mitigation Rule for Losses of Aquatic Resources. Also, the Arid West supplement to the 1997 Wetland Delineation Manual issued in 2006 brings new requirements into determining where the delineation line should be which directly affects the amount of wetlands needed to mitigate. This will be considered for another possible review.

8. 8 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation, 1980 TCED review in 2004 determined this document to be obsolete. TCED recommends it be REMOVED from the AASHTO web listing of TCED publications. Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation, 1980 The TCED 2004 review determined this 4-page booklet to be out of date and not worthy of rewrite, and we again recommend it be REMOVED from the AASHTO listing of TCED publications. It looks as though it has been removed from the Bookstore listing of publications; please remove from TCED web site. Policy on Land Use and Source Control Aspects of Traffic Noise Attenuation, 1980 The TCED 2004 review determined this 4-page booklet to be out of date and not worthy of rewrite, and we again recommend it be REMOVED from the AASHTO listing of TCED publications. It looks as though it has been removed from the Bookstore listing of publications; please remove from TCED web site.

9. 9 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Visualization in Transportation, 2003 A web-based publication. Content is current. Updated once since the original 2002 web posting. Visualization in Transportation, 2003 Is a web-based publication and is still current. It has been updated once since the original 2002 web posting by the TCED. Visualization in Transportation, 2003 Is a web-based publication and is still current. It has been updated once since the original 2002 web posting by the TCED.

10. 10 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design (1991) Currently being updated as a NCHRP project. Project developed and sponsored by Transportation Research Board AFB-40 -Committee on Landscape and Environmental Design Research contractor�s effort will complete soon(?) Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design, 1991 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design, 1991

11. 11 Updating the 1991 Guide for Transportation Landscape & Environmental Design  TRB AFB-40 Volunteer effort, 2000 � 2004 Proved to be overwhelming task NCHRP Project 15-33 Work begun March 2006 �Contentious project from the beginning� AASHTO TCED First look early 2008; not well received �Final� draft much improved Combined comments to contractor April 2009 TRB AFB-40 attempted to accomplish a comprehensive update through volunteer technical experts, 2000-2004. This effort failed due to the magnitude of the revision needed for the product to be useful in the current transportation environment. AFB-40 then developed and submitted an NCHRP problem statement in 2004 for funding in the 2005 cycle. NCHRP - NCHRP accepted this project for funding in 2005 and the project began in December. Contentious project from the beginning. Many opinions from State DOTs and other stakeholders on the needed content. Significant stakeholder outreach occurred as the scope was refined. The primary work is complete, the NCHRP panel and TCED are awaiting final edits by the contractor. AASHTO TCED TRB AFB-40 attempted to accomplish a comprehensive update through volunteer technical experts, 2000-2004. This effort failed due to the magnitude of the revision needed for the product to be useful in the current transportation environment. AFB-40 then developed and submitted an NCHRP problem statement in 2004 for funding in the 2005 cycle. NCHRP - NCHRP accepted this project for funding in 2005 and the project began in December. Contentious project from the beginning. Many opinions from State DOTs and other stakeholders on the needed content. Significant stakeholder outreach occurred as the scope was refined. The primary work is complete, the NCHRP panel and TCED are awaiting final edits by the contractor. AASHTO TCED

12. 12 Need for Update Obsolete content Not used by transportation professionals Obsolete soon after publication Does not address flexibility, other FHWA or AASHTO positions TRB and TCED identified goals, must be: Comprehensive Integrated solutions Address Context Sensitive Solutions Concepts applicable on wide variety of highway projects Obsolete soon after publication Does not address flexibility, other FHWA or AASHTO positions TRB and TCED identified goals, must be: Comprehensive Integrated solutions Address Context Sensitive Solutions Concepts applicable on wide variety of highway projects

13. 13 New Title and Scope Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Landscape Architecture and Roadway Design Development of Corridor Scale Concepts Focus on Integration of Roads, Transit, Bicycle and Pedestrian Modes Furtherance of CSS Concept implementation Not intended to be a design manual Does not create standards Primary focus areasPrimary focus areas

14. 14 Content Comparison Comparison of new content to old. New guide provides information, examples, concepts with the goal of the development of comprehensive highway corridors. Old guide was a collection of topical, but unrelated information. Comparison of new content to old. New guide provides information, examples, concepts with the goal of the development of comprehensive highway corridors. Old guide was a collection of topical, but unrelated information.

15. Content Comparison Comparison of new content to old. New guide provides information, examples, concepts with the goal of the development of comprehensive highway corridors. Old guide was a collection of topical, but unrelated information. Comparison of new content to old. New guide provides information, examples, concepts with the goal of the development of comprehensive highway corridors. Old guide was a collection of topical, but unrelated information.

16. 16 Chapter 1 - Complete Corridors and the Evolution of Process History of road development Interstate Era Federal Policy evolution Creating Complete Roadway Corridors 20th c. road development concepts � early examples of interdisciplinary activities, road types by functional characteristics Interstate Era � direct routes and rapid construction Federal Policy evolution � affects on current strategies Highway Beautification Act � 1965 Historic Preservation Act � 1966 NEPA � 1969 ISTEA � 1991 National Highway System Designation � 1995 Flexibility in Highway Design � 1997, 2004 Thinking Beyond the Pavement � 1998 SAFTEA-LU - 2005 20th c. road development concepts � early examples of interdisciplinary activities, road types by functional characteristics Interstate Era � direct routes and rapid construction Federal Policy evolution � affects on current strategies Highway Beautification Act � 1965 Historic Preservation Act � 1966 NEPA � 1969 ISTEA � 1991 National Highway System Designation � 1995 Flexibility in Highway Design � 1997, 2004 Thinking Beyond the Pavement � 1998 SAFTEA-LU - 2005

17. 17 Chapter 2 - Guiding principles of Landscape and Environmental Design Environmental Context Civic Design Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Landscape not interchangeable with landscaping Ecosystems Environmental Stewardship Sustainability Landscape not interchangeable with landscaping Ecosystems Environmental Stewardship Sustainability

18. 18 Chapter 3 - Defining Corridor Types Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Green Book defines 3 classifications: arterial, collector, local Creating Complete Corridors Guide defines 4 Classifications: freeway, expressway, arterial, collector Does not redefine classifications, offers a broader range of classes and settings pertinent to current needs. Green Book defines 3 classifications: arterial, collector, local Creating Complete Corridors Guide defines 4 Classifications: freeway, expressway, arterial, collector Does not redefine classifications, offers a broader range of classes and settings pertinent to current needs.

19. 19 Chapter 4 - Elements in the Roadway Landscape Roadway Roadway Structures Roadside Roadside Structures Outside the Right of Way Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Describes concepts, features, Roadway Roadway Structures Roadside Roadside Structures Outside the Right of Way Describes concepts, features, Roadway Roadway Structures Roadside Roadside Structures Outside the Right of Way

20. 20 Ch 4 - Roadside Grading Stormwater Vegetation Vegetation management Soil Pavement edge Rest areas Scenic overlooks Creating Complete Roadway Corridors

21. 21 Ch 4 - Outside the R/W Land Use Access Management Visual Impact Assessment Scenic Byways Outdoor Advertising Park and Ride Wireless Communication Towers Creating Complete Roadway Corridors

22. 22 Chapter 5 - Creating Corridors Urban Core Urban Suburban Exurban Rural Remote Creating Complete Roadway Corridors This chapter represents 1/3 of the content of the Guide and is critical in understanding the relationship between land use and transportation features. Successful corridors integrate with the adjacent land use. The following land use types are defined and their influence on the creation of the transportation �place�. Urban Core Urban Suburban Exurban Rural Remote Each land use type is discussed based on the elements described in Chapter 4, typical in each type: Roadway Roadway Structures Roadside Roadside Structures Outside the Right of Way Approaching corridor development based on the concepts in the Guide will provide mobility, sustainability and build partnerships with communities. This chapter represents 1/3 of the content of the Guide and is critical in understanding the relationship between land use and transportation features. Successful corridors integrate with the adjacent land use. The following land use types are defined and their influence on the creation of the transportation �place�. Urban Core Urban Suburban Exurban Rural Remote Each land use type is discussed based on the elements described in Chapter 4, typical in each type: Roadway Roadway Structures Roadside Roadside Structures Outside the Right of Way Approaching corridor development based on the concepts in the Guide will provide mobility, sustainability and build partnerships with communities.

23. 23 Creating Complete Roadway Corridors 38 built examples from 24 states describe successful implementation of the concepts described in the Guide. Examples include Philadelphia Vine Street Expressway Seattle I-5 Freeway Park Lakeshore Drive in Chicago The Embarcadero in San Francisco Denver 16th Street Transit Mall Phoenix Papago Freeway Atlanta 5th Street Bridge Connecticut Merritt Parkway 38 built examples from 24 states describe successful implementation of the concepts described in the Guide. Examples include Philadelphia Vine Street Expressway Seattle I-5 Freeway Park Lakeshore Drive in Chicago The Embarcadero in San Francisco Denver 16th Street Transit Mall Phoenix Papago Freeway Atlanta 5th Street Bridge Connecticut Merritt Parkway

24. 24 Chapter 7 - Practice Examples Summary Benefits Background Process Implementation Resources Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Six example case studies which serve as models or guidelines that reference or apply to more than the example project. Storm water Bioretention Nevada DOT Landscape and Aesthetic Master plan Texas DOT Green Ribbon Corridor Master plan Charlotte Urban Street Design Guidelines Portland Rails with Trails Lynchburg Expressway Appearance Fund � non-public funding sources Overarching principles can be applied to many corridor types and highlight unusual creativity or collaboration in roadway design. Examples cite: Summary Benefits Background Process Implementation Resources Six example case studies which serve as models or guidelines that reference or apply to more than the example project. Storm water Bioretention Nevada DOT Landscape and Aesthetic Master plan Texas DOT Green Ribbon Corridor Master plan Charlotte Urban Street Design Guidelines Portland Rails with Trails Lynchburg Expressway Appearance Fund � non-public funding sources Overarching principles can be applied to many corridor types and highlight unusual creativity or collaboration in roadway design. Examples cite: Summary Benefits Background Process Implementation Resources

25. 25 Chapter 8 � Links Resources Bibliography Glossary etc Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Extensive links to additional (45) complimentary resources Also: Bibliography Glossary Authoritative Basis for the Guide Extensive links to additional (45) complimentary resources Also: Bibliography Glossary Authoritative Basis for the Guide

26. 26 Status NCHRP Panel evaluation/balloting TRBAFB-40 evaluation AASHTO TCED balloting/recommendation AASHTO SCOD recommendation Creating Complete Roadway Corridors Next steps to publication� Next steps to publication�

27. 27 Work Underway/Planned for 2009 Coordinating with the NCHRP project panel updating the 1991 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design. Proposed activities: Web-based guidance on new methods for retaining and using storm water runoff in ROW (jointly with TCHH) AASHTO�s CSS work and publications TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization The committee is coordinating with the NCHRP project panel 15-33, updating/rewriting the 1991 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design. We expect it to be ready for SCOD balloting in late 2009. Additional major activities this committee is interested in participating in (they are currently just proposals): Web-based guidance on new methods for retaining and using stormwater runoff in ROW (jointly with the TC on Hydrology/Hydraulics, not begun) AASHTO�s CSS work and publications (not begun) TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization (not begun) The committee is coordinating with the NCHRP project panel 15-33, updating/rewriting the 1991 Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design. We expect it to be ready for SCOD balloting in late 2009. Additional major activities this committee is interested in participating in (they are currently just proposals): Web-based guidance on new methods for retaining and using stormwater runoff in ROW (jointly with the TC on Hydrology/Hydraulics, not begun) AASHTO�s CSS work and publications (not begun) TRB Task Forces on CSS and Visualization (not begun)

28. 28 Technical Committee on Environmental Design Publications (current or proposed) that the TCED committee is interested in participating in updating/developing, now or in the future, include: On-Site Drainage Retention, not Conveyance (currently proposed as a new topic) Developing and Retaining an Effective CSS Program (currently proposed as a new topic) Before I move on to the TCED�s major publication update I would like to convey the publications the TCED views as important to their purpose� Before I move on to the TCED�s major publication update I would like to convey the publications the TCED views as important to their purpose�

29. 29 5-Year Goals Retain multi-disciplinary membership Gain exception from SCOH/SCOD rule which limits eligible Chairs of Technical Committees Fill remaining vacancies Gain approval for 1 additional Region 4 member Share CSS activities Publication updates 2nd request to place pocket-sized 40-page 1993 Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise on the AASHTO Web site. We have determined the guidance to still be current, but few ask for it in printed version. Committee�s 5 year goals: The TCED is comprised of approximately 1/3 Design Engineers, 1/3 Landscape Architects, and 1/3 NEPA staff. This professional diversity serves TCED and AASHTO very well. Gain exception to the recent SCOH/SCOD rules limiting eligible Chairs of Technical Committees, especially for the 3 TC�s, like TCED, that have multi-disciplinary membership. The TCED continues to believe all TC members should be eligible to serve as a TC Chair; TC members should have delegated authority to designate/elect any co-member as Chair. TCED currently has 1 vacancy from Region 2. The current member states are Florida, South Carolina and West Virginia. We currently have two vacancies from Region 3. One vacancy was created from the retirement of Win Stebbins from Michigan. The current member states are Indiana and Iowa. Allow 1 additional TCED membership from Region 4, which is Hawaii. Hawaii can only afford to attend one meeting per year due to obvious logistics. The other member states are California, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Share CSS successes and problems with AASHTO/FHWA as TCED members� DOTs implement and maintain CSS/CSD. About 6-8 TCED members are either their DOT CSS Coordinator or on their DOT CSS Team, and share their experiences at each TCED meeting. Additional publication updates: 2nd request to place pocket-sized 40-page 1993 Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise on the AASHTO Web site. We have determined the guidance to still be current, but few ask for it in printed version. Committee�s 5 year goals: The TCED is comprised of approximately 1/3 Design Engineers, 1/3 Landscape Architects, and 1/3 NEPA staff. This professional diversity serves TCED and AASHTO very well. Gain exception to the recent SCOH/SCOD rules limiting eligible Chairs of Technical Committees, especially for the 3 TC�s, like TCED, that have multi-disciplinary membership. The TCED continues to believe all TC members should be eligible to serve as a TC Chair; TC members should have delegated authority to designate/elect any co-member as Chair. TCED currently has 1 vacancy from Region 2. The current member states are Florida, South Carolina and West Virginia. We currently have two vacancies from Region 3. One vacancy was created from the retirement of Win Stebbins from Michigan. The current member states are Indiana and Iowa. Allow 1 additional TCED membership from Region 4, which is Hawaii. Hawaii can only afford to attend one meeting per year due to obvious logistics. The other member states are California, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Share CSS successes and problems with AASHTO/FHWA as TCED members� DOTs implement and maintain CSS/CSD. About 6-8 TCED members are either their DOT CSS Coordinator or on their DOT CSS Team, and share their experiences at each TCED meeting. Additional publication updates: 2nd request to place pocket-sized 40-page 1993 Guide on Evaluation and Abatement of Traffic Noise on the AASHTO Web site. We have determined the guidance to still be current, but few ask for it in printed version.

30. 30 Questions?