EVALUATION OF ROADWAY LIGHTING SYSTEMS DESIGNED BY STV METHODS - A REVIEW OF THE DESIGN OF ROADWAY LIGHTING BY SMALL TARGET VISIBILITY (STV) METHODS

The project's objective is to evaluate the design of roadway lighting systems by the Small Target Visibility (STV) method and determine if it is indeed practical, worthwhile design methodology and should be adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation. This evaluation will compare STV to current design methods and assess the potential liability associated with making the change. The project consists of seven tasks. The first is to conduct a comprehensive, international literature review to identify roadway lighting issues and their relationship to accident reduction potential. The review will also include a search for risk management and tort liability issues that relate to the subject. Tasks 2, 3, and 4 involve the development of experiments to establish a benchmark of empirical data from which to evaluate STV and compare it with current design methods. Task 5 is the synthesis of the first four tasks into a formal plan of experiments and the conduct of those experiments directed by the Project Director. Task 6 consists of further experimental work as well as detailed analysis of the impact of STV on the Department's lighting design program, and a recommendation of STV standards language and design and construction tolerances. Task 7 is a comprehensive final report.