Research Project:

Implementation of HERS-ST in Iowa and Development/refinement of a National Training Program

Principal Investigator

Tom Maze
Iowa State University
(515) 294-9523
tmaze@iastate.edu

External Project Contact

Stuart Anderson
Iowa Department of Transportation
(515) 239-1312

Project Objective

To implement a state highway economic requirements system (HERS-ST) for Iowa, train Iowa DOT staff in its use, summarize the Iowa experience as a pilot for other states, and integrate the Iowa experience into FHWA’s training materials.

Project Abstract

HERS is an economic model that uses highway performance monitoring system (HPMS) data to project future highway conditions and requirements. HERS is a highly complex model that, at the national level, uses samples of the highway network taken from the HPMS data. As a result, at the national level it is only used for aggregate network-level analysis (planning level analysis). When the Office of Asset Management was established in 1999 it started the development of the state version of HERS, or HERS-ST. HERS-ST has since evolved to a model that is specifically crafted for states. A DOS version of HERS-ST was demonstrated at a workshop attended by representatives of several State Transportation Agencies (STAs) in 2001. Since then several improvements have been made to the software, including updates for a Windows environment and adding GIS capabilities. This project will yield an HERS-ST specifically for Iowa, and that can be used as a model for other states.

Task Descriptions, Milestone, and Dates

Start-up, June 30, 2004
Acquiring and becoming familiar with software, July 31, 2004
Technical and institution architecture and workshop, August 31, 2004
Customize and calibrate HERS-ST for the Iowa DOT, February 28, 2005
Prepare executive level report on scenarios, March 31, 2005
Create Iowa user’s manual, February 28, 2005
Prepare and deliver training program to Iowa DOT, April 30, 2005
Prepare and deliver a regional HERS-ST workshop, May 31, 2005
Deliver the HER-ST workshop beyond the region, pending

Student Involvement (e.g., Thesis, Assistantships, Paid Employment)

One Graduate Student, 12 months

Relationship to Other Projects

None

Technology Transfer Activities

The project will include a technical and institution architecture and users manual for the Iowa DOT, training workshops for state, regional, and beyond, and an executive level report on scenarios.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The HERS-ST model will be adapted for direct application in Iowa. Results and the methods of deployment will also provide a model for other states and the FHWA.

Budget

$50,000 MTC/$50,000 Cost Share (one-year project)

TRB Keywords

Highway Economic Requirements System, HERS-ST, Highway Performance Monitoring System, HPMS, network analysis, asset management, GIS