Christian Delbasty
Problem 1
CVEN 332 – 001
Homework #1
to I-20
RR “X”ing
to South Barnet Springs St.
1)
2)
Situation Definition: This project would pertain to a stretch of highway LA-818. The stretch in
question is the portion of the highway (outlined in yellow) that directly precedes and intersects
the railroad crossing (outlined in red) on the south side of I-20. This stretch of LA-818 connects
the residential areas south of the railroad to Tarbutton Road giving residents access to Exit 83 of
I-20. In recent years, the population south of the railroad has increased dramatically as more
residential complexes are constructed on the outskirts of Ruston to house the growing population
in the area. With the increasing population in the area comes an increase in daily traffic over this
railroad crossing.
Problem Definition:
 One objective of this project is to improve safety. As pictured in the images above, cars
crossing the railroad tracks traveling north (image 1) cannot see cars crossing to the south
(image 2) because of a substantial change in elevation. The area has a high probability of
head on collisions due to these bloodspots (MOE accident rate).
 Another objective of this project is to improve mobility in the area by redeveloping the
section of highway to increase the speed limit (MOE speed).
Search for Solution:
 Solution 0: Leave the section of LA-818 as-is, making no alterations.
 Solution 1: Acquire the neighboring property in order to straighten and elevate the
portion of LA-818 north of the railroad allowing you to make the crossing at a constant
elevation.
 Solution 2: Create an underpass that will travel under the railroad connecting the existing
portion of LA-818 north of the crossing to a reconstructed area on the south side of the
tracks.
1
Christian Delbasty
CVEN 332 – 001
Homework #1
Analysis of Performance:
Criteria
Speed (mph)
Distance (mi)
Travel Time (min)
Accident Factor
Construction Cost (relative)
Railroad Closure
Additional Acreage Needed
Daily Traffic
Trees Removed (acres)
0
10
0.42
2.52
4.2
0
No
None
200
0
Alternatives
1
45
0.30
0.4
1.5
$$
No
10
300
10
2
15
0.42
1.68
2.5
$$
Yes
None
225
0
0
3
3
1
1
3
1
12
Alternatives
1
1
1
3
1
1
3
10
2
2
2
3
3
2
1
13
Evaluation:
Travel Time
Accident Factor
Construction Cost
Railroad Closure
Daily Traffic
Trees Removed
Choice of Project: For this project, Solution 1 works the best over the two alternatives. Upon
evaluation, we see that solution 1 solves the problems present in alternative 0. It is also more
effective in accomplishing the primary objectives than alternative 2, while being less obstructive
to the railroad’s operations.
Specifications And Construction: Solution 1 has been chosen, so the neighboring property
must be purchased. A low bid construction company will come in to regrade and level the area to
then start the reconstruction of the roadway. Upon completion, LA DOTD will maintain.
Problem 2
1
Income
Low
Medium
High
Trip Rate
3.4
3.7
3.9
F. Trips
357
814
351
Household Size
2
Trip Rate
F. Trips
4.1
1128
4.5
5499
4.8
576
Total Trips
3+
Trip Rate
4.6
4.9
5.4
F. Trips
1978
11819
1350
23872
2