SURVEY OF STATES' R-R-R PRACTICES AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

A survey was conducted of resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (R-R-R) type programs throughout the United States. R-R-R practices of state highway departments were solicited, with emphasis on seeking cost-effective designs that maintained acceptable levels of safety and serviceability. The reported R-R-R actions by various states are summarized, and the primary rulings on R-R-R design standards are briefly discussed. A philosophy tailored toward maximum mileage standards, accompanied by the application of value engineering, forms the basis of many R-R-R state policies. In every case, safety was found to be of primary concern. Three general philosophies appear applicable based on this R-R-R review: (a) rehabilitation to standards below full AASHTO new construction standards, and correcting major defects but maximizing the number of miles of highway treated; (b) reconstruction to full AASHTO standards only, for greater safety on fewer miles of roads; and (c) full funding for all projects as an ideal. Preliminary safety studies are reviewed, and guidelines are presented for maximum mileage rehabilitation projects drawn from the state surveys.