Download Version [82 KB] US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Subject: ACTION: AASHTO Roadside Design Guide 4 th Edition Date: June 26, 2012 From: Tony Furst, Associate Administrator for Safety In Reply Refer To: HSST To: Division Administrators Safety Field Federal Lands Division Engineers The AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (RDG) 4th edition was published in October 2011. The Office of Safety is distributing one copy to most FHWA field offices, with larger offices receiving two copies. The purpose of this memo is three-fold: • Reiterate the status of the RDG for FHWA • Summarize significant changes in the RDG 4th edition • Add Frequently Asked Questions to our website Status of the RDG for FHWA Plans and specifications for projects on the National Highway System (NHS) must provide for facilities, including the roadsides that are conducive to safety. The RDG is included in the FHWA Policy and Guidance Center (PGC) as “guidance” for use when designing highway projects and addressing roadside issues on the NHS. The first edition of the RDG was adopted by the FHWA through the Federal Register, effective July 25, 1990, and recommended as the document States should use to develop roadside safety design policies.

This memorandum supersedes the FHWA memorandum dated July 19, 1990 on the RDG adoption. Each State highway agency should have a written policy for designing roadsides that incorporates wide clear zones, traversable drainage structures, and breakaway sign and lighting support structures in new construction and reconstruction and, to the extent practicable, in 3R-type projects. The roadside policy should also describe how other hazards may be relocated, modified, shielded, or delineated. The provisions of the AASHTO RDG should be used by each State to develop their roadside policy document. Action Each Division Office should: 1) encourage their State highway agency to have a written roadside policy, and 2) review their State’s conformance with the RDG 4th edition.

Where substantial differences are found, the State should be encouraged to update their practices to be in line with the current RDG. Cc: Directors of Field Services John R. Baxter, Associate Administrator for Infrastructure, (HIF-1) Jeffrey A. Lindley, Associate Administrator for Operations, (HOP-l) Fred R.

ROADSIDE DESIGN GUIDE, 4th Edition 2011 AASHTO - Subcommittee on Design June 11, 2012. Portland, Maine. Dell latitude d620 sim card slot driver download for mac. Cota, New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Wagner, Chief Counsel. (HCC- 1) Attachments is a summary of major changes between the 4th edition and earlier editions. Is a compilation of questions and answers. Attachment #1 Significant changes in the RDG 4th edition This section presents a brief outline of changes from the 3 rd edition, plus provides additional detail on certain significant issues that may affect State design standards. Chapter 1 – An Introduction to Roadside Safety • Roadside crash statistics are updated. • AASHTO Strategic Plan for Highway Safety and the NCHRP Report 500 Series of guides are referenced to help States in their efforts to reduce crash injuries and fatalities. • References FHWA hardware eligibility letter Web Site for additional information on the eligibility of crash tested hardware for reimbursement under the Federal-aid Highway program.