From hands-on training to case studies of State experiences, the
Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Second Annual HERS-ST [Highway
Economic Requirements System-State Version] National Conference
presented the latest information on this valuable software tool.
Held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 18-20, 2004, the conference
drew more than 50 participants. 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. Questions
that HERS-ST can help answer include:
The conference featured an optional hands-on introduction to HERS-ST
for new users, an overview of the features and capabilities of the
new HERS-ST Version 3.0, presentations on State experiences with
the software, and breakout sessions on such topics as software features,
data issues, and types of analysis that the program can perform.
"The conference went very well. A number of attendees requested
more information about HERS-ST and State visits to assist with implementation,"
says Robert Mooney of FHWA.
Conference participant Omar Smadi of Iowa State University is working
with the Iowa Department of Transportation to implement HERS-ST.
"It was very useful to hear what other States are doing, since
we're just starting out with HERS-ST," says Smadi. "The
program will give Iowa a tool to do more long-range planning for
Interstates and primary roads across the State, looking at the capacity
of roads and whether improvements need to be made, such as adding
lanes." For example, HERS-ST could help Iowa in analyzing whether
to increase the capacity of US 20, which runs east-west across the
State, from two lanes to four lanes west of Interstate 35. "HERS-ST
can help in determining what the benefits and the costs will be,"
says Smadi.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) started using its
own customized version of the HERS-ST prototype in 1998. Oregon
has since upgraded to the current HERS-ST model and uses it Statewide
to evaluate roadway capacity, estimate travel times, and manage
congestion. "We're working with the HERS-ST analysis to develop
performance measures for travel times and delay for different vehicular
categories," says Rich Arnold of ODOT. ODOT is also evaluating
the use of HERS-ST to develop a decision-making tool for quickly
evaluating the cost-effectiveness of improvements at the project
level, based on either performance measures or a benefit-cost ratio.
Released in August 2004, HERS-ST Version 3.0 features an updated
Geographical Information System (GIS) interface that allows users
to customize the data analysis reports produced. The new version
also includes numerous enhancements to the software's analytical
engine and features an updated user's guide. Approximately 20 States
are either currently using the software or are having discussions
with FHWA about implementing it. An additional 22 States have expressed
interest in the software.
FHWA's Office of Asset Management provides support to HERS-ST users
by email, over the phone, and through site visits. Ten State highway
agencies have been visited so far this year. An online HERS-ST User's
Group also provides information and support to users. Approximately
150 people have registered, representing State highway agencies,
academia, contractors, FHWA, counties, cities, and international
users. To join the User's Group, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt/hstuser.cfm.
To learn more about HERS-ST, contact Robert Mooney at FHWA, 202-366-4657
(fax: 202-366-9981; email: robert.mooney@fhwa.dot.gov),
or visit the HERS-ST Web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/asstmgmt/hersindex.cfm.
HERS-ST Version 3.0 can be downloaded from the Web site. The site
also features information on such topics as getting started with
HERS-ST, working with the highway data, GIS features of the software,
and creating and modifying charts.
