Agency TRANSPORTATION DEPT

Contractor University of Minnesota

SWIFT Contract Number 3000028613

Project Name Minnesota Horizontal Curve Safety Improvement Proj

Project Number (if applicable) 89261W146

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The purpose of this Contract was to help drivers select an appropriate speed when approaching a horizontal curve, known as a dynamic curve warning sign. A dynamic curve warning sign generally consists of a warning sign combined with a speed measuring device (e.g. radar) that activates a variable message sign (e.g. slow down) when vehicles are traveling above a set threshold. The technologies used to create dynamic curve warning signs are currently available and the devices have been implemented at various locations. The project evaluated the speed and crash impacts of two counties in Minnesota. The project which was a supplement and expansion of an ongoing national initiative, was relatively low cost, and had not been evaluated in a significant manner. The ability to combine the data and results of the national and Minnesota studies collectively increased the strength of the results and also allowed the consideration of more sign-related variables.

This project resulted in vehicle speed data, crash information, and evaluation results that are comparable to those being produced by the national dynamic curve warning signs field study. However, this project also took advantage of the lessons learned and decisions made by the national dynamic curve warning signs field study team and reviewed by the FHWA (e.g. site selection criteria, sign vendor selected, and data analysis protocols). Then it expanded upon the activities of the national study by completing, a more detailed analysis of the use, interaction, and impacts of dynamic curve warning signs on truck speeds and the various vehicle speeds during different times of the day (e.g. night and day). The current guidance for dynamic curve warning signs in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) was reviewed and suggestions for improvements were made based on the results of this work.

This Contract was necessary to advance the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative and achieve the goals set forth in this effort. It was considered reasonable to use a Contract in order to get the necessary available personnel and expertise required for completion.

Project Duration

Start Date Wed, 05/20/2009 - 00:00

Original end date Sat, 03/31/2012 - 00:00

Actual end date Sun, 09/30/2012 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $200000.00

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $200000.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Federal & State Funds

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Rashmi Brewer

Evaluator Email Address Rashmi.Brewer@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Above Average – All task deliverables were delivered in a complete and timely manner.

Evaluate the contractor's quality Above Average – All completed task deliverables required little or no corrections. Contractor was very responsive to any requests/inquiries and always kept MnDOT’s Project Manager informed with current and potential issues that developed.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Reasonable

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Overall, the Contractor performed beyond expectations with great communication, thoroughness in all project tasks including offering suggestions for potential improvements. The Contractor was always respectful and responsive to all project partners – very reliable and great to work with!

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied