Development of the ConnDOT Horizontal Curve Classification Software

The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) is a national, highway information system that requires states to collect and submit data on the extent, condition, performance, use, and operating characteristics of the nation's highways. HPMS requirements include limited data on all public roads, with more detailed data for sample sections of the arterial and collector functional classes. One of the field inventory reviews that many states have a difficult time reporting efficiently is the required horizontal curve classification for each HPMS section. Connecticut has more than 2000 HPMS sites making manual updates to these sections very difficult and time consuming. Automated methods to create a batch reporting process could save significant time and effort while increasing the accuracy with which data are reported to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Connecticut is fortunate in that the department of transportation performs an annual photolog survey of all state roads and conducts supplemental data collection runs for HPMS sections. This report details the creation of an automated curve classification software kit to generate grade and horizontal curve classification files for HPMS reporting.