FHWA Rolls Out New HERS-ST Software
Get a first look at the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) new
Highway Economic Requirements System-State version (HERS-ST) software
at a conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled for September
24-25, 2002. HERS-ST is a computer model used to evaluate the relationship
between highway investment and system condition, performance, and user
cost levels. The software simulates future highway condition and performance
levels and identifies deficiencies using engineering principles. It
then simulates the selection of improvements for implementation, relying
on economic criteria. Current system information is obtained from State-supplied
data.
The HERS-ST software will be distributed free of charge to all conference
participants. Attendees will receive training on (1) the model's conceptual
underpinnings; (2) operating the software; and (3) interpreting the
output. Potential applications will also be discussed. FHWA has designed
this event to best serve representatives from State transportation agencies.
However, others are welcome on a space available basis.
State highway agencies can use HERS-ST for planning and scheduling
highway work, as well as determining future highway system needs. Using
standard engineering knowledge and applied microeconomic analysis, HERS-ST
can answer questions such as:
- What level of program capital expenditure is economically justified?
- What user cost level will result from a given stream of investment?
- What investment level is required to maintain current user cost
levels?
- What is the cost over 20 years of correcting all existing highway
deficiencies, as well as those that will accrue over time, where the
improvements are economically worthwhile?
- What are the benefits and costs associated with scheduled projects?
HERS-ST has a Windows-based graphical user interface that is easy to
operate. The software includes several features to facilitate sophisticated
analyses, such as the ability to perform multiple data runs simultaneously
by entering a range of input values. This allows the analyst to quickly
see how the performance of the system would be impacted by various investment
choices. Output data is easy to view and understand, thanks to graphing
capabilities and an integrated Geographical Information System viewer.
The software also contains an "override" feature. This feature
allows the analyst to make substitutions for highway improvement options
recommended by the model. The user can enter in projects that better
address the characteristics of a given system than what is available
in the database.
Representatives from 17 States reviewed the prototype HERS-ST software.
The reviewers commented on the applicability of the model in a State
setting and recommended enhancements. In addition, five States closely
guided development of the current version. FHWA also paid particular
attention to the experiences of Indiana and Oregon, who have used the
model since 1999. The State input has helped to ensure a tool that will
satisfy the requirements of most State Departments of Transportation
(DOTs).
"FHWA is confident that HERS-ST will be a valuable tool for State
DOTs. Ongoing user support and FHWA's focus on its customers' needs
make HERS-ST a powerful investment analysis tool for today and tomorrow,"
says David R. Winter, HERS-ST Program Manager at FHWA.
For additional information on the conference or HERS-ST, contact David
R. Winter at FHWA, 202-366-4631 (email: david.winter@fhwa.dot.gov).
Information is also available on the HERS-ST Web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt/hersindex.cfm.
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Articles in this issue:
Managing Bridges the Pontis Way
FHWA Rolls Out New HERS-ST Software
A Positive Verdict for Precast Concrete
Wanted: A Smoother Ride
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