Performance-Based
Practical Design
May 29, 2014
Robert Mooney, FHWA-Program Administration
Background – Practical Design
Seven States Interviewed
Background – Practical Design

“Design-up” approach rather than
“Standards-first”

Build up facility from existing conditions

Engineered solutions
(not just checking a box)
Practical Design Example
Practical Design Example
Practical Design Example
Practical Design Example
Practical Design Example
Practical Design Example
Background – Practical Design

States emphasized renewed focus on
purpose and need (not over-building)

Eliminate inessential project elements

Reduced costs Deliver greater number of projects than
under past conventional approach
Concerns – Practical Design

States may overemphasize short-term cost
savings without understanding impacts to
all users (including non-motorized)

May eliminate desired project elements

Performance analysis tools not consistently
being used to support decisions
Performance-Based Practical Design

Build many good projects rather than a few
great projects

Approach grounded in performance
management

Considers short and long term goals

Addresses both project and system needs
Performance-Based Practical Design

Emphasis on planning-level corridor or
system performance needs and objectives
when planning, scoping and developing
individual solutions

Can be implemented within the Federal-aid
Highway Program regulatory environment
by utilizing existing flexibility
Next Steps

Collaborate with AASHTO:
◦ Standing Committee on Highways
◦ Subcommittee on Design
◦ Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety
◦ Standing Committee on Environment
◦ Standing Committee on Planning
◦ Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering
Next Steps

Develop and disseminate informational
resources (October 2014):
◦ Briefing Package
◦ Q&As
◦ Case Studies
◦ Web site
◦ Self-Assessment Tool
Next Steps

Prepare FHWA staff to assist States who
embrace Performance-Based Practical
Design (December 2014)
◦ Training
◦ Technical Assistance
Working Group Members
Division Office

John Ballantyne, Kentucky

Felix Gonzalez, Missouri

Jeff Holm, California



Jim Hunt, Operations

Ray Krammes, Safety
Ed Miltner, Idaho

Michael Matzke, Infrastructure
Mary Ridgeway, DelMar

Robert Mooney, Infrastructure

Carolyn Nelson, Planning, Environment, &
Realty

Harold Peaks, Planning, Environment, &
Realty

Shari Schaftlein, Planning, Environment, &
Realty

Mark Swanlund, Infrastructure
Resource Center
 George Merritt, Safety & Design

Brooke Struve, Safety & Design
Federal Lands Highway

Headquarters
John Seabrook, Program
Development
Contact Information

Robert Mooney, Office of Infrastructure,
202-366-2221, Robert.Mooney@dot.gov

Ray Krammes, Office of Safety,
202-366-2175, Ray.Krammes@dot.gov