Highway Traveler Satisfaction on the Rise
Public satisfaction with the overall condition of the Nation's major
highways has risen 15 percentage points over the last 5 years, according
to a recently released survey by the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA). Moving Ahead: The American Public Speaks on Roadways and
Transportation in Communities, reveals an increase in traveler
satisfaction in such areas as pavement condition, safety, bridge conditions,
visual appeal of highways and associated infrastructure, and travel
amenities, including roadside assistance and number of rest areas.
Overall, 65 percent of those surveyed were satisfied with the highways
that they travel on.
While overall satisfaction with major highways has increased, the
report also revealed some increases in dissatisfaction, particularly
in the areas of traffic flow and work zones. Forty-three percent of
respondents expressed dissatisfaction with traffic flow, while 32
percent were dissatisfied with work zones. The top three suggested
improvements for overcoming travel delay problems were using more
durable pavement materials, reducing repair times, and making repairs
during non-rush hours.
| "The feedback from the survey will help FHWA focus
its resources even more, so as to better meet the needs of our
consumers." |
The report notes that while road repairs are an essential and necessary
part of managing the Nation's highways, the public feedback indicates
the need for smarter construction management practices. Roadwork should
be planned and executed effectively to minimize traffic disruptions,
and quality construction practices and high-performing materials should
be used to minimize the need for recurring work. These goals are reflected
in the "Get In-Get Out-Stay Out" method of highway maintenance, which
focuses on innovative ways to better manage and carry out construction
projects and to improve the quality and durability of the resulting
product.
When respondents were asked whether they would be willing to support
closing a road in order to conduct long-lasting repairs, 67 percent
indicated that they would support a 1-week closure and 37 percent
would support even a 1-month closure. However, only 16 percent would
support a 3-month closure and fewer than 10 percent would support
even longer closings.
 |
|
| The "Get In-Stay
Out" method of highway maintenance has been used by States
such as Washington, Which cut a full constracution season off
a 3-year project by completely closing part of Interstate 405
on two consecutive weekends for rehabilitation work. |
|
The report also notes that "Improvements in traffic flow, pavement
conditions, and work zones may result in the greatest rise in traveler
satisfaction. Work zones are especially critical as travelers view
road repairs as a major reason for traffic delays." These concerns
reflect current areas of emphasis for FHWA and its State department
of transportation partners, with ongoing initiatives to build smoother
pavements, minimize delays caused by work zones and make them safer,
and encourage the use of high-performance materials in pavement and
bridge construction.
Survey respondents gave high marks to many highway safety elements,
including highway hazard signs (84 percent satisfaction), lane width
(80 percent), pavement markings (76 percent), and safety barriers
(74 percent). However, safety improvements remain one of the top areas
where the public thinks future attention and resources should be focused.
The report also looked at the effects of transportation facilities
on the Nation's communities. Respondents were asked a series of questions
about how well their community's transportation system, which includes
roads, public transportation, and bikeways and pathways, supports
desirable lifestyles in their communities. In general, the public
was more critical of how well their community needs are served by
their transportation systems than they were of highway conditions.
Fifty-nine percent of respondents gave their community transportation
system fair or poor ratings, while 27 percent gave it a poor rating.
The greatest topics of concern relating to communities were congestion,
excessive development, and impacts from noise and air pollution.
"The feedback from the survey will help FHWA focus its resources
even more, so as to better meet the needs of our customers," says
Ken Jacoby of FHWA's Office of Asset Management. "FHWA is committed
to obtaining customer satisfaction."
Others in the highway community are also gaining insight from the
survey results. "This survey will help us both in strategic planning
and more immediate deployment of resources," says Tony Kane of the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
The report was a compilation of several nationwide surveys that addressed
topics ranging from highway conditions and traffic congestion to transportation-related
impacts on community development. These surveys were follow-ups to
the 1995 National Highway User Survey conducted by the National Quality
Initiative. The 2000 survey can be viewed on the Web at www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/movingahead.htm.
For more information, contact Ken Jacoby at FHWA, 202-366-6503 (fax:
202-366-9981; email: ken.jacoby@fhwa.dot.gov).
Other
articles in this issue:
In
brief
A
new model for engineering education
Highway traveler satisfaction on the rise
Your one-stop shop for better bridges
Preventive maintenance videos win public relations
award
Highway Technology Calendar
