FUTURE MOBILITY IN LOUISIANA:

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1 FUTURE MOBILITY IN LOUISIANA: Meeting the State s Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility April 2010 Prepared by: TRIP 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 401 Washington, D.C (voice) (fax) Founded in 1971, TRIP of Washington, DC is a nonprofit organization that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on highway transportation issues. TRIP is sponsored by insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers; businesses involved in highway and transit engineering and construction; labor unions; and organizations concerned with an efficient and safe highway transportation network.

2 Executive Summary Louisiana s extensive system of roads, highways, bridges and public transit provides the state s residents, visitors and businesses with a high level of mobility. As the backbone that supports the Pelican State s economy, Louisiana s surface transportation system provides for travel to work and school, visits with family and friends, and trips to tourist and recreation attractions while simultaneously providing businesses with reliable access for customers, suppliers and employees. With an unemployment rate that has increased significantly over the past two years to 7.3 percent, and with the state s population on the rise, Louisiana must improve its system of roads, highways, bridges and public transit to foster economic growth, keep business in the state, and ensure the safe, reliable mobility needed to improve the quality of life for all residents. As the state looks to rebound from the current economic downturn, Louisiana will need to enhance its surface transportation system by improving the physical condition of its surface transportation network and enhancing the system s ability to provide efficient and reliable mobility for residents, visitors and businesses. Making needed improvements to Louisiana s roads, highways, bridges and transit could provide a significant boost to the state s economy by creating jobs and stimulating long-term economic growth as a result of enhanced mobility and access. Louisiana s system of roads, highways, bridges and public transit have benefited recently from the addition of state surplus revenue and federal stimulus funding, which has allowed the state to reduce it s overall funding backlog. But making continued progress in improving the condition and efficiency of the state s surface transportation system will require a significant and sustained boost in funding at the federal, state and local levels. The use of surplus state revenue over the last three years and the addition of federal transportation stimulus funding have allowed Louisiana to reduce its overall backlog of needed road, highway and bridge projects to $12.5 billion. Making further progress in addressing the state s need for improved roads, highways, bridges and public transit will require that the recent increase in transportation investment is sustained in the future. A total of $1.2 billion in surplus state revenue was invested in Louisiana s roads, highways and bridges over the three-year-period The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), approved in early 2009, provided approximately $430 million in stimulus funding for highway and bridge improvements and $66 million for public transit improvements in Louisiana. Louisiana s backlog of needed road, highway and bridge repairs has decreased from $14 billion in 2006 to $12.5 billion at the end of 2009, largely as a result of the boost in transportation funding from the use of state surplus revenue from 2007 to 2009 and the use of ARRA funding. 1

3 The additional state surplus funding and federal ARRA funding has served as a critical down payment on needed road, highway, bridge and transit improvements in Louisiana. However, meeting the state s need to modernize and maintain its system of roads, highways, bridges and transit will require a sustained, long-term boost in transportation funding at the federal, state and local levels. But, if Louisiana's increased road, highway and bridge funding levels are not sustained, the condition of the state s surface transportation system will worsen. Without a sustained boost in federal, state and local surface transportation funding, Louisiana will be unable to complete numerous projects to improve the condition and expand the capacity of roads, bridges, highways and public transit. This lack of funding will hamper the state s ability to improve mobility and enhance economic development opportunities in the state. Louisiana residents incur a significant cost as a result of driving on roads and highways that are congested, deteriorated and lack some desirable safety features. Needed projects in Louisiana that would require a significant boost in funding to proceed include the following: the replacement of the Bayou Barataria Bridge on LA 302 in Jefferson Parish; the replacement of the Chef Menteur Pass Bridge on US 90 in Orleans Parish; the construction of 35 miles of new highway in Terrebonne Parish from US 90 to LA 3127; the widening of 35 miles of I-20 in Caddo, Bossier and Ouachita parishes from four to six lanes; the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles; widening on I-10 in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans; widening I-12 in Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany parishes; widening I-20 in Caddo, Bossier, and Quachita parishes; constructing I-49 North and South.. A full list of needed projects is included in the report. TRIP estimates that Louisiana roadways that lack some desirable safety features, have inadequate capacity to meet travel demands or have poor pavement conditions cost the state s drivers approximately $3.1 billion annually in the form of traffic crashes, additional vehicle operating costs and congestion-related delays. According to TRIP estimates, roadways that lack some desirable safety features, have inadequate capacity to meet travel demands or have poor pavement conditions, cost the average Baton Rouge area motorist $1,052 annually. Roadways that lack some desirable safety features, have inadequate capacity to meet travel demands or have poor pavement conditions, cost the average New Orleans area motorist $1,254 annually, according to TRIP estimates. Congestion Crashes Pavement TOTAL Baton Rouge $214 $304 $534 $1,052 New Orleans $422 $210 $622 $1,254 To ensure that federal funding for highways and bridges in Louisiana and throughout the nation continues beyond the expiration of SAFETEA-LU, Congress needs to approve a new long-term federal surface transportation program by December 31,

4 Improvements to Louisiana s major roads, highways, bridges and public transit systems are funded by federal, state and local governments. Federal and state transportation funding has allowed the state to complete numerous projects to improve the condition and efficiency of Louisiana s surface transportation system. Federal spending levels for highways and public transit are based on the current federal surface transportation program, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which was approved by Congress in Congress is currently deliberating over a long-range federal surface transportation program. Although SAFETEA-LU was originally set to expire on September 30, 2009, after a series of short-term extensions, the program will now expire December 31, The level of transportation funding available at the federal, state and local levels will have a significant impact on future highway and bridge conditions and safety as well as the level of transit service in Louisiana., In turn, these deficiencies will affect the state s ability to improve its residents quality of life and enhance economic development opportunities. Since 1998, Louisiana has used a combination of federal and state funds to complete numerous highway, bridge and transit projects that have improved safety and enhanced mobility and economic productivity. This report contains lists of projects completed with significant federal and state funding, including building the Red River Bridge in Rapides Parish, adding bridges and capacity on I-610 at the I-10 and I-610 West Interchange in Orleans Parish, widening I-10 in East Baton Rouge Parish and providing bus transportation service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. From 1998 to 2008, Louisiana received approximately $6 billion in federal funding for road, highway and bridge improvements, and nearly $700 million for public transit, a total of approximately $6.7 billion. Federal funds provide 50 percent of revenues used annually by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to pay for the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of roads, highway and bridges in the state. Federal funds provide over 50 percent of the revenue used annually to pay for the operation of and capital improvements to the state s public transit systems, which includes the purchase and repair of vehicles and the construction of transit facilities. While construction materials costs have stabilized somewhat during the current recession, a 38 percent construction materials cost increase from December 2004 to December 2009, coupled with declines in federal transportation revenues, will make it more difficult for Congress to authorize new federal surface transportation legislation that adequately funds needed improvements to the nation s roads, highways, bridges and public transit systems. 3

5 Despite the current economic slump, Louisiana has experienced modest growth of population, vehicle travel and economic output since Population and economic growth in the Pelican State have resulted in increased demands on the state s major roads and highways. Louisiana s population reached 4.4 million in 2008, an increase of five percent since The state s population is expected to grow another nine percent by Vehicle travel in Louisiana increased 21 percent from 1990 to Vehicle miles of travel (VMT) increased from 37.6 billion in 1990 to 45.6 billion VMT in By 2030, vehicle travel in Louisiana is projected to increase by another 25 percent. From 1990 to 2008, Louisiana s gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the state s economic output, increased by 44 percent, when adjusted for inflation. Despite the current rate of growth in the state, Louisiana s unemployment rate has nearly doubled from 3.8 percent in February 2008 to 7.3 percent in February Traffic congestion levels are rising as a result of population and economic growth. Without additional highway capacity, travel delays are projected to double in the future. In 2007, Louisiana faced increasing congestion on its urban Interstates and other highways or freeways. Forty-three percent of the state s urban highways carried a level of traffic that is likely to result in significant delays during peak travel hours in The average rush hour trip in the New Orleans metropolitan area takes approximately 17 percent longer to complete than during non-rush hour. According to a recent report by the Reason Foundation, by 2030, unless additional highway capacity is added, traffic delays in the New Orleans area will nearly double over current levels, with the average rush hour trip taking 31 percent longer to complete than during non-rush hour. Travel delays in Louisiana s other urban areas will double by 2030 unless additional capacity is added to those regions transportation systems. The statewide cost of traffic congestion in lost time and wasted fuel is approximately $414 million annually. The loss per average driver in the New Orleans urban area due to congestion is $422 annually. In Baton Rouge drivers lose $214 each year. Relieving regional traffic congestion requires a comprehensive approach that includes expanding the capacity of some roadways and transit systems and improving the efficiency of a region s transportation system, including the use of coordinated traffic signal controls, traveler information systems, highway service patrols and traffic-incident management programs. 4

6 In 2007, 44 percent of major state and locally maintained roads in Louisiana, which are maintained by municipal, parish and state governments, were in poor or mediocre condition, providing motorists with a rough ride. In 2007, 22 percent of Louisiana s major roads were rated in poor condition and 22 percent were rated in mediocre condition. This includes Interstates, highways, connecting urban arterials and key urban streets that are maintained by state, county or municipal governments. The condition of state-maintained roads has improved as a result of increased funding from state surplus and ARRA funds. According to DOTD, the percentage of statemaintained roads in poor or very poor condition was reduced from 11.1 percent in 2007 to 9.4 percent, and the percentage of state-maintained roads in good to excellent condition improved from 50.4 percent in 2007 to 55.1 percent. Roads rated in poor condition may show signs of deterioration, including ruts, cracks and potholes. In some cases, poor roads can be resurfaced, but often are too deteriorated and must be reconstructed. Roads rated in mediocre condition may show signs of significant wear and may also have some visible pavement distress. Most pavements in mediocre condition can be repaired by resurfacing, but some may need more extensive reconstruction to return them to good condition. Roads in need of repair cost Louisiana motorists approximately $1.2 billion annually in extra vehicle operating costs. Costs include accelerated vehicle depreciation, additional repair costs and increased fuel consumption and tire wear. In the New Orleans metropolitan area, where 49 percent of major state and locally maintained roads are rated in poor condition and 19 percent of major roads are rated in mediocre condition, driving on roads in need of repair costs motorists $622 each per year in extra vehicle operating costs. In the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, where 37 percent of major roads are rated in poor condition and 23 percent of major roads are rated in mediocre condition, driving on roads in need of repair costs motorists $534 each per year in extra vehicle operating costs. The functional life of Louisiana s roads is greatly affected by the state s ability to perform timely maintenance and upgrades to ensure that structures last as long as possible. It is critical that roads are fixed before they require major repairs because reconstructing roads costs approximately four times more than resurfacing them. 5

7 Twenty-nine percent of bridges in Louisiana show significant deterioration or do not meet current design standards. This includes all bridges that are 20 feet or more in length and are maintained by state, local and federal agencies. In 2008, 13 percent of Louisiana s bridges were structurally deficient. A bridge is structurally deficient if there is significant deterioration of the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Structurally deficient bridges are often posted for lower weight or closed to traffic, restricting or redirecting large vehicles, including commercial trucks, school buses and emergency services vehicles. In 2008, 16 percent of Louisiana s bridges were functionally obsolete. Bridges that are functionally obsolete no longer meet current highway design standards, often because of narrow lanes, inadequate clearances or poor alignment. This report contains a list of needed bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects across the state that would require significant federal funding to be completed. At the third highest in the nation, Louisiana s rural traffic fatality rate is significantly greater than the fatality rate on all other roads in the state. Improving safety features on Louisiana s roads and highways would likely result in a decrease in traffic fatalities in the state. Between 2004 and 2008, 4,782 people were killed in traffic accidents in Louisiana, an average of 956 fatalities per year. Louisiana s traffic fatality rate was 2.02 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2008, the second highest fatality rate in the country. The traffic fatality rate in 2008 on Louisiana s non-interstate rural roads was 3.13 traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, which is more than double the rate of 1.53 traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel on all other roads and highways in the state. Several factors are associated with vehicle accidents that result in fatalities, including driver behavior, vehicle characteristics and roadway characteristics. TRIP estimates that roadway characteristics, such as lane widths, lighting, signage and the presence or absence of guardrails, paved shoulders, traffic lights, rumble strips, obstacle barriers, turn lanes, median barriers and pedestrian or bicycle facilities, are likely a contributing factor in approximately one-third of all fatal and serious traffic accidents. Where appropriate, highway improvements can reduce traffic fatalities and accidents while improving traffic flow to help relieve congestion. Such improvements include removing or shielding obstacles; adding or improving medians; adding rumble strips, wider lanes, wider and paved shoulders; upgrading roads from two lanes to four lanes; and better road markings and traffic signals. 6

8 TRIP estimates that the cost of serious traffic crashes in Louisiana in 2008, in which roadway characteristics were likely a contributing factor, was approximately $1.5 billion and $210 per driver in the New Orleans urban area and $304 per driver in the Baton Rouge urban area. The cost of serious crashes includes lost productivity, lost earnings, medical costs and emergency services. The Federal Highway Administration has found that every $100 million spent on needed highway safety improvements will result in 145 fewer traffic fatalities over a 10-year period. Two congressionally appointed commissions and a national organization representing state transportation departments have recommended a broad overhaul of the Federal Surface Transportation Program to improve mobility, safety and the physical condition of the nation s surface transportation system by significantly boosting funding, consolidating the program into fewer categories, speeding up project delivery and requiring greater accountability in project selection. The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (NSTPRSC) and the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission (NSTIFC) were created by Congress to examine the current condition and future funding needs of the nation s surface transportation program, develop a plan to insure the nation s surface transportation system meets America s future mobility needs, and to recommend future funding mechanisms to pay for the preservation and improvement of the nation s roads, highways, bridges and public transit systems. The NSTPRSC concluded that it is critical to the future quality of life of Americans that the nation create and sustain the preeminent surface transportation system in the world, one that is well-maintained, safe and reliable. The NSTIFC found that the U.S. faces a $2.3 trillion funding shortfall over the next 25 years in maintaining and making needed improvements to the nation s surface transportation system. The NSTIFC found that the use of motor fuel fees is not sustainable as a primary source of funding for the nation s surface transportation system because of the shift to a variety of fuel sources and more fuel efficient vehicles. Key recommendations of the Commissions and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) include: Program format: Allocate funding through outcome-based, performance-driven programs supported by cost/benefit evaluations rather than political earmarking (NSTPRSC). 7

9 Consolidate the more than 100 current transportation funding programs into 10 programs focused on key areas of national interest, including congestion relief, preservation of roads and bridges, improved freight transportation, improved roadway safety, improved rural access, improved environmental stewardship, and the development of environmentally-friendly energy sources (NSTPRSC). Funding: Shift the collection of federal surface transportation revenues from fuel taxes to mileagebased fees, which would charge motorists a fee based on the number of miles driven, with full deployment of a comprehensive system in place by 2020 (NSTIFC). Failure to address the immediate funding shortfall and provide adequate long-term funding for surface transportation will lead to unimaginable levels of congestion, reduced safety, costlier goods and services, eroded quality of life and diminished economic competitiveness (NSTIFC). The efficiency of Louisiana s transportation system, particularly its highways, is critical to the health of the state s economy. Businesses are increasingly reliant on an efficient and reliable transportation system to move products and services. Expenditures on highway repairs create a significant number of jobs. Annually, $140 billion in goods are shipped from sites in Louisiana and another $159 billion in goods are shipped to sites in Louisiana, mostly by trucks. While Louisiana is known for its extensive port system and water-based shipping, 40 percent of the goods shipped annually from sites in Louisiana are carried by trucks and another 3.4 percent are carried by courier services, which use trucks for part of the deliveries. Similarly, 50 percent of the goods shipped to sites in Louisiana are carried by trucks and another 6.4 percent are carried by courier services. Commercial trucking in Louisiana is projected to increase 17 percent by A 2007 analysis by the Federal Highway Administration found that every $1 billion invested in highway construction would support approximately 27,800 jobs, including approximately 9,500 in the construction sector, approximately 4,300 jobs in industries supporting the construction sector, and approximately 14,000 other jobs induced in nonconstruction related sectors of the economy. All data used in the report is the latest available. Sources of information for this report include the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (NSTPRSC), the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission (NSTIFC), the U.S. Census, The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Reason Foundation and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). The deficiencies cited in this report are not a reflection of the effectiveness of the state and local transportation agencies, but a lack of adequate funding. 8

10 Introduction Louisiana s roads, highways and bridges form vital transportation links for the state s residents, visitors and businesses, providing daily access to homes, jobs, shopping and recreation. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana is again experiencing population growth, which places increased demands on the state s surface transportation system. Keeping up with this growth is crucial to providing safe and efficient mobility, while improving the economic livelihood of the state and accommodating future growth. Louisiana faces tremendous economic challenges, with unemployment nearly doubling from 3.8 percent in February 2008 to 7.3 percent in February As Louisiana and the nation look to rebound from the current economic downturn, the continued improvement of Louisiana s transportation system could play an important role in enhancing the state s economic well being by providing critically needed jobs in the short term and by improving the productivity and competitiveness of the state s businesses in the long term. While state and local governments are responsible for maintaining most of Louisiana s roadways, bridges and public transit systems, the federal government plays a significant role in funding the repairs and improvements to many of the state s most heavily used roads, highways, bridges and public transit systems. As Louisiana faces the challenge of preserving and improving its surface transportation system, the future level of federal highway funding will be a critical factor in whether the state s residents, businesses and visitors continue to enjoy access to a safe and efficient transportation network. This report examines the condition, use, safety and funding of Louisiana s roads, highways, bridges and public transit systems, the role of federal funding in the maintenance and 9

11 improvement of the state s surface transportation system, and the future mobility needs of the state. Included in the report are lists of highway, bridge and transit projects that have been completed since 1998 as a result of federal and state funding, and lists of needed transportation projects that will require a significant boost in federal, state or local funding to proceed in the future. All data used in the report is the latest available. Sources of information for this report include the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (NSTPRSC), the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission (NSTIFC), the U.S. Census, The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Reason Foundation and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). Population, Travel and Economic Trends in Louisiana Louisiana residents and businesses require a high level of personal and commercial mobility. Renewed population growth and economic growth in the Pelican State have resulted in an increase in vehicle miles of travel (VMT) and a significant increase in the demand for mobility. To foster a high quality of life in Louisiana, it will be critical that the state provide and preserve a safe and modern transportation system that can accommodate future growth in population, vehicle travel and economic development. Louisiana s population grew five percent between 1990 and 2008, increasing from 4.2 million in 1990 to 4.4 million residents in Between 2008 and 2030, Louisiana's 10

12 population is projected to increase nearly nine percent to approximately 4.8 million residents, an increase of approximately 392,000 people. 3 Even with modest population gains, Louisiana has experienced significant economic growth since From 1990 to 2008, Louisiana s gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the state s economic output, increased by 44 percent, when adjusted for inflation. 4 Economic growth in Louisiana has contributed to a significant increase in vehicle travel in the state. From 1990 to 2008, annual vehicle miles of travel in Louisiana increased 21 percent, from 37.6 billion miles traveled annually to 45.6 billion miles traveled annually. 5 Based on population and other lifestyle trends, TRIP estimates that travel on Louisiana s roads and highways will increase 25 percent by 2030, to approximately 57 billion miles of travel. 6 Chart 1: Louisiana s population, GDP and Vehicle Travel increase (1 = 1990 level) Population GDP Travel Source: TRIP analysis of federal data 11

13 Condition of Louisiana s Roads The life cycle of Louisiana s roads is greatly affected by the state's ability to perform timely maintenance and upgrades to ensure that road and highway surfaces last as long as possible. The pavement condition of the state's major roads is evaluated and classified as being in poor, mediocre, fair or good condition. In 2007, 44 percent of Louisiana s major roads were rated in poor or mediocre condition, providing motorists with a rough ride. 7 Twenty-two percent of Louisiana s major roads were rated in poor condition and 22 percent were rated in mediocre condition. 8 This includes interstates, highways, connecting urban arterials and key urban streets that are maintained by state, parish or municipal governments. The condition of state-maintained roads has improved as a result of increased funding from state surplus and funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). According to DOTD, the percentage of state-maintained roads in poor or very poor condition was reduced from 11.1 percent in 2007 to 9.4 percent, and the percentage of state-maintained roads in good to excellent condition improved from 50.4 percent in 2007 to 55.1 percent. Roads rated poor may show signs of deterioration, including rutting, cracks and potholes. In some cases, poor roads can be resurfaced but often are too deteriorated and must be reconstructed. Roads rated in mediocre condition may show signs of significant wear and may also have some visible pavement distress. Most pavements in mediocre condition can be repaired by resurfacing, but some may need more extensive reconstruction to return them to good condition. 12

14 Chart 2. Pavement conditions on major roads in Louisiana. All Louisiana Roads Pavement Rating Percentages Poor 22.5% Mediocre 21.9% Fair 17.2% Good 38.5% Source: TRIP analysis of Federal Highway Administration Data Chart 3. Pavement conditions on state-maintained roads. State Maintained Roads Pavement Rating Percentages Very Poor 2.2% 1.7% Poor 8.9% 7.7% Fair 38.5% 35.5% Good 29.2% 30.8% Excellent 21.2% 24.3% Source: La DOTD response to TRIP survey. Pavement failure is caused by a combination of traffic, moisture and climate. Moisture often works its way into road surfaces and the materials that form the road s foundation. Road surfaces at intersections are even more prone to deterioration because the slow-moving or standing loads occurring at these sites subject the pavement to higher levels of stress. It is critical that roads are fixed before they require major repairs because reconstructing roads costs approximately four times more than resurfacing them. 9 13

15 As Louisiana s roads and highways continue to age, they will reach a point where routine paving and maintenance will not be adequate to keep pavement surfaces in good condition and costly reconstruction of the roadway and its underlying surfaces will become necessary. Appropriating state surplus funding and AARA funding has increased the investment Louisiana has made in highway pavement preservation. This additional funding has set Louisiana on a path of halting, and in some cases of slightly reversing, the deterioration of many of its roads. However, the DOTD estimates this progress will only continue if funding can be sustained in the order of $400 million per year over the long-term. The following charts indicate the current improved infrastructure conditions and projected infrastructure condition that could be achieved with a sustained increase in funding. The lower lines show that the condition of the systems continues to deteriorate with current levels of funding. The upper lines indicate the impact the surplus funding has had and will have on continued condition improvements should this level of funding be maintained. Chart 4. Pavement conditions with and without sustained funding increase. Budget VS. Budget+Surplus Interstate Average Condition Budget VS Budget + Surplus Non-Interstate Average Condition Average Condition Average Condition Budget Year Budget Year Budget_45_Million Budget+Surplus_105_Million Budget_129_Million Budget+Surplus_287_Million Source: DOTD. 14

16 Many critical projects needed to improve the condition of the state s major roads and highways will not proceed without substantial federal funding. The following chart gives an overview of reconstruction and pavement preservation needs in Louisiana that would require a significant boost in federal or state funding to proceed. Chart 5. Needed Louisiana reconstruction and pavement preservation projects that would require a significant boost in federal or state funding to proceed. Route Name Interstate System Non- Interstate System National Highway System National Highway System National Highway System TIMED program routes County or Closest City Project description Estimated Total Project Cost (millions) Project Benefits Statewide Pavement Preservation (multiple projects) 455 Preservation Statewide Pavement Preservation (multiple projects) 1,160 Preservation Statewide Highway Sign Replacement (multiple projects) 4.5 Safety Statewide Install Interstate median barriers (multiple projects) 6.0/year Safety Statewide Statewide Source: DOTD response to TRIP survey Install/Replace roadway illumination (raised pavement markings and striping) on NHS system at centerline and edges (multiple projects) Reconstruction / overlay of existing lanes of the TIMED corridor projects. (multiple projects) TIMED: Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development 25 Safety Preservation The Costs to Motorists of Roads in Inadequate Condition TRIP has calculated the additional cost to motorists of driving on roads in poor or unacceptable condition. Roads in poor condition which may include potholes, rutting or rough surfaces increase the cost to operate and maintain a vehicle. These additional vehicle operating costs include accelerated vehicle depreciation, additional vehicle repairs, increased fuel 15

17 consumption and increased tire wear. TRIP estimates that additional vehicle operating costs borne by Louisiana motorists as a result of poor road conditions is $1.2 billion annually, or $388 per motorist, the tenth highest extra vehicle operating costs in the country. 10 Highways and major roadways in several Louisiana cities provide some of the roughest rides in the nation. New Orleans roads, 49 percent of which are rated in poor condition and 19 percent of which are rated mediocre, cost motorists an average $622 a year in additional vehicle operating costs. 11 Driving on major roads in the Baton Rouge area cost motorists an additional $534 a year; 37 percent of Baton Rouge-area roads are rated poor and another 23 percent are rated mediocre. 12 Additional vehicle operating costs have been calculated in the Highway Development and Management Model (HDM), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation and more than 100 other countries as the definitive analysis of the impact of road conditions on vehicle operating costs. The HDM report is based on numerous studies that have measured the impact of various factors, including road conditions, on vehicle operating costs. 13 The HDM study found that road deterioration increases ownership, repair, fuel and tire costs. The report found that deteriorated roads accelerate the pace of depreciation of vehicles and the need for repairs because the stress on the vehicle increases in proportion to the level of roughness of the pavement surface. Similarly, tire wear and fuel consumption increase as roads deteriorate since there is less efficient transfer of power to the drive train and additional friction between the road and the tires. TRIP s additional vehicle operating cost estimate is based on taking the average number of miles driven annually by a motorist, calculating current vehicle operating costs based on AAA s 2008 vehicle operating costs and then using the HDM model to estimate the additional 16

18 vehicle operating costs paid by drivers as a result of substandard roads. 14 Additional research on the impact of road conditions on fuel consumption by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) is also factored into TRIP s vehicle operating cost methodology. Bridge Conditions in Louisiana Louisiana s bridges form key links in the state s highway system, providing communities and individuals access to employment, schools, shopping and medical facilities, and facilitating commerce and access for emergency vehicles. In 2008, approximately 29 percent of Louisiana s bridges (20 feet or longer) were rated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. 15 Thirteen percent of Louisiana s bridges were rated as structurally deficient in A bridge is structurally deficient if there is significant deterioration of the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Bridges that are structurally deficient may be posted for lower weight limits or closed if their condition warrants such action. Deteriorated bridges can have a significant impact on daily life. Restrictions on vehicle weight may cause many vehicles especially emergency vehicles, commercial trucks, school buses and farm equipment to use alternate routes to avoid posted bridges. Redirected trips also lengthen travel time, waste fuel and reduce the efficiency of the local economy. Sixteen percent of Louisiana s bridges were rated functionally obsolete in Bridges that are functionally obsolete no longer meet current highway design standards, often because of narrow lanes, inadequate clearances or poor alignment with the approaching roadway. 17

19 Louisiana s bridges are aging. Many bridges were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and they are not designed for modern vehicles and trucks, or for the demands placed on them for access. The service life of bridges can be extended by performing routine maintenance such as resurfacing decks, painting surfaces, insuring that a facility has good drainage and replacing deteriorating components. But most bridges will eventually require more costly reconstruction or major rehabilitation to remain operable. The state s bridge conditions were improved as a result of the recent infusion of state surplus funds and AARA funds. In order for bridge conditions to continue to improve, this level of investment must be maintained and increased over the long term. With current levels of funding, Louisiana has been able to undertake numerous preservation projects but cannot initiate other needed projects without a substantial boost in federal or state funding. The following two charts list bridges of regional or statewide importance that need to be repaired or replaced to enhance safety and provide congestion relief. These projects would require a significant boost in federal or state funding to proceed. Chart 6. Needed bridge repair or replacement projects in the New Orleans metro area that would require additional state or federal funding to proceed. Route Carried Parish (County) Route or Feature Intersected Average Daily Traffic Existing or New Bridge Project Description Total Project Cost (millions) LA 302 Jefferson Bayou Barataria Jean Lafitte NA New Bridge Replacement 83.3 LA 23 Plaquemines Intracoastal Waterway 23,800 New Tunnel Replacement 55.0 Orleans Almonaster Bridge and Appr. NA New Bridge Replacement 43.0 US 90 Orleans Chef Menteur Pass Bridge and Approach 4,700 New Bridge Replacement 75.0 LA 45 Jefferson Goose Bayou Bridge 6,200 New Bridge Replacement 1.3 LA 45 Jeffers Drain Canal Bridge on LA 45 6,200 New Bridge Replacement 1.6 US 90 Jefferson Drain Bridges on US 90 26,900 New Bridge Replacement 1.5 LA 632 St Charles Main Canal Bridge 1,400 New Bridge Replacement 0.7 US 61 Orleans I 10 - US 61 Overpass 23,400 Existing Bridge Rehabilitation 10.0 I-310 St Charles I-310 Bridge Repair 39,900 Existing Bridge Repair 0.6 Source: DOTD response to TRIP survey. 18

20 Chart 7. Needed bridge repair or replacement projects, located outside the New Orleans metropolitan area, that would require a significant boost in state or federal funding to proceed. Total Average Existing Route Parish Route or feature Project Daily or New Project Description Carried (County) intersected Cost Traffic Bridge (millions) I-10 Calcasieu I-210 W to US 90 50,500 New Replace Bridge widen Hwy. 480 US 190 E Baton Rouge Miss. River Bridge (B.R.) 19,200 Existing Painting 73.3 LA 8 Catahoula Ouachita River 2,200 New Bridge Replacement 61.3 LA 70 LA 24 St James Terrebonne Bridge(Harrisonburg) Mississippi River Br (Sunshine Br) Company Canal Bridge & Approaches 15,900 Existing Bridge Cleaning and Painting ,700 New Bridge Replacement 38.3 LA 1 W Baton Rouge Port Allen Canal Bridge 15,700 New Bridge Rehab LA 1 Caddo Caddo Lake Bridge 6,200 New Bridge Replacement 21.4 LA 8 Vernon Calcasieu River & Creek Bridges 1,750 New Bridge Replacement 19 LA 83 Iberia Weeks Island Bridges 2,000 New Bridge Replacement 18 LA 15 Richland Bouef River Bridge 2,700 New Bridge Replacement 12.4 LA 6 Natchitoches Red Grand Redecking/Deck 8,200 Existing Ecore Bridge Rehabilitation 17 US 71 Rapides Up RR Overpass Near Tioga 17,600 New Bridge Replacement 15.9 US 90 St Tammany East Pearl River Bridge 2,600 New Bridge Replacement 15 Source: La DOTD response to TRIP survey Traffic Congestion in Louisiana Traffic congestion in Louisiana is a growing burden in key urban areas and threatens to impede the state s economic development. Congestion on Louisiana s urban highways is growing as a result of increases in vehicle travel and commerce. In 2007, 43 percent of Louisiana s urban highways were congested, carrying traffic volumes that result in significant rush hour delays. 18 Highways that carry high levels of traffic are also more vulnerable to lengthy traffic delays as a result of traffic accidents or other incidents. 19

21 Traffic congestion in the New Orleans metro area and in other cities is likely to worsen significantly unless the state is able to improve its transportation system. Today the average rush hour trip in the New Orleans metro area takes approximately 17 percent longer to complete than during non-rush hour. 19 According to the Texas Transportation Institute, New Orleans drivers were delayed in congestion an average 21 hours in Due in large part to population loss after Hurricane Katrina, the average congestion delay dropped to 20 hours in 2007, but this level of delay will not hold as the state s population rebounds. The cost of congestion, in the form of lost time and wasted fuel, is estimated to be $422 annually per the average driver in the New Orleans urban area and $214 in the Baton Rouge area. 21 TRIP estimates that the total cost statewide of traffic congestion in Louisiana is approximately $414 million annually. 22 By 2030, unless additional highway capacity is added, traffic congestion levels are projected to nearly double over present levels, with the average rush hour trip in the New Orleans metro area taking 31 percent longer to complete than during non-rush hour. 23 Unless capacity is added to the transportation system, by 2030 travel delays are also projected to double in other urban areas. 24 The majority of the Louisiana DOTD discretionary funds from AARA are being used for projects that will enhance mobility and reduce congestion. Current projects funded with state surplus funds and AARA funds will reduce congestion in many of the state s urban areas. While the current congestion will be improved with the completion of these projects, additional funding will be needed to maintain the improved level of service and mobility. The following chart shows the current travel time index for key urban areas in Louisiana, and the projected travel time index in 2030 if additional highway capacity is not added in these 20

22 regions. (A travel time index of 1.10 indicates that a trip taken during peak hours would take 10 percent longer than a trip taken during non-rush hours.) Chart 8. Current and projected travel delays in Louisiana urban areas Urban Area Current Travel 2030 Travel Increase by Time Index Time Index 2030 New Orleans % Baton Rouge % Shreveport % Lafayette % Lake Charles % Houma % Monroe % Slidell % Alexandria % Mandeville-Covington % Source: Texas Transportation Institute and the Reason Foundation Many projects needed to increase the capacity of the state s major roadways to relieve traffic congestion, improve safety and support economic development cannot proceed without a significant boost in federal or state funding. The following capacity-enhancing projects are located throughout the state, outside the New Orleans metro area. 21

23 Chart 9. Needed roadway widening projects located outside the New Orleans metropolitan area that cannot proceed without a significant boost in federal or state funding. Route Name Parish (County) From To Length in Miles Average Daily Traffic Project Description Estimated Total Project Cost (millions) I-49 Caddo I-220 Arkansas State Line 36 NA New 4-lane freeway 202 I-49 Lafayette I-10 Airport 49,000 Upgrade to freeway 750 New Route Terrebonne US 90 LA NA New 2-lane freeway I-20 Caddo/ Bossier Texas State Line I-220E ,500 Widen 4 to 6 lanes I-20 Ouachita LA 546 LA ,100 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 199 I-10 Calcasieu Texas State Line LA ,500 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 49.4 I-10 E. Baton Rouge I-110 I ,600 Widen 6 to 8 lanes I-10 E. Baton Rouge/ Ascension I-12 St. Tammany LA 21 I-10 Lafayette LA 93 I-12 Livingston I-12 Livingston / Tangipahoa LA 42 LA ,000 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 100 Denham Springs I-10/I-59 Interchange Louisiana Avenue ,200 Widen 4 to 6 lanes ,300 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 83.2 Walker ,500 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 50 LA 16 I ,700 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 200 I-10 Calcasieu US 171 I ,200 Widen 4 to 6 lanes 7 US167/ LA82 Vermillion Abbeville Esther 9,500 Source: La DOTD response to TRIP survey Build/Upgrade 0-2 to 4-2 lanes 35 The demand for mobility on New Orleans roadways is mounting. The following capacity-enhancing projects in New Orleans would help address future mobility needs, but they cannot proceed without a significant boost in federal or state funding. 22

24 Chart 10. Needed roadway widening projects in the New Orleans metro area that cannot proceed without a significant boost in federal or state funding. Route Name Parish (County) From To Length in Miles Average Daily Traffic Project description Total Project Cost (millions) LA 23 Plaquemines Happy Jack N.Port Sulphur ,900 Study to Widen to 4 Lanes (Corridor) 16 Harvey Blvd Ext. Jefferson Peters Rd Manhattan N/A New Roadway Extension on 11.6 Urban System I-10 Jefferson Williams Blvd. Causeway , LA 3139 Jefferson / Earhart Orleans Expressway Dakin ,200 New exit ramp 23.6 I-49 south Lafourche/ West Bank I-310 St. Charles Expressway NA 3600 Clearview Jefferson Pkwy over NA 50 Airline Orleans/St. Florida Ave. Benard Expressway NA 450 LA 3139 Jefferson At Causeway At Causeway NA New Interchange 75 Veterans Blvd Jefferson Loyola Dr. Canal NA Widening on Urban System 10 Source: La DOTD response to TRIP survey Louisiana offers a range of public transit options for residents and visitors from rail to bus to facilities for non-motorized travel, all of which help the state provide mobility and address traffic congestion. Yet at current funding levels, many needed public transit programs and improvements in Louisiana cannot proceed. The following two charts outline some of the most pressing transit needs in the state that cannot proceed without a significant boost in federal or state funding. 23

25 Chart 11. Needed transit projects in Louisiana that cannot proceed without additional state or federal funding. County or Closest City 31 Rural Parishes* Type of Project Route Description Project Description Transit - Rural Public Transportation Rural Public Transit - Demand Response Service in each parish Provides up to 50% for operating assistance and up to 80% of the purchase of capital equipment. Cost of Project (millions) 7.7/year Project Benefits Economic Development/ Congestion * Allen, Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Livingston, Ouachita, Plaquemine, Pointe Coupee, Red River, St. James, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington and Webster Source: DOTD response to TRIP survey Chart 12. Needed transit projects in the New Orleans metro area that cannot proceed without additional state or federal funding. County or Closest City Plaquemines Orleans, Jefferson Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John, St. James, Ascension, East Baton Rouge Orleans Type of Project Intermodal Rail Rail Intercity Bus Transportation Service Route Description Avondale to Gentilly Baton Rouge-New Orleans Rail Corridor Intercity Bus Transportation between Baton Rouge and New Orleans trips per week Source: DOTD response to TRIP survey Project Description Road and rail access to deep water port New Orleans Rail Gateway Baton Rouge - New Orleans Passenger Rail Service Intercity Bus Transportation between Baton Rouge and New Orleans Est. Total Project Cost (millions) New Facility or Improvement to Existing Facility 1,270.0 New Facility /year Upgrades/reloc ation of existing track Upgrade track and purchase equipment to implement passenger rail service N/A Project Benefits Economic Development Safety, economic efficiency, environmental, standard of living, hurricane evacuation Economic development, highway congestion reduction, energy savings, environmental, hurricane evacuation Economic development, highway congestion reduction, energy savings, environmental 24

26 Traffic Safety in Louisiana A total of 4,782 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana from 2004 through 2008, an average of 956 fatalities per year. 25 Louisiana s traffic fatality rate is the second highest in the nation. The rate was 2.02 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2008, 62 percent higher than the national average of Chart 13. Traffic fatalities in Louisiana from Year Fatalities Total 4,782 Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Louisiana s rural, non-interstate roads have a fatality rate significantly higher than other roads in the state and the third highest rate in the nation. The traffic fatality rate in 2008 on Louisiana s non-interstate rural roads was traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, which is more than twice the rate of 1.53 traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel on all other roads and highways in the state. 27 A disproportionate share of highway fatalities occur on Louisiana s rural, non-interstate roads. In 2008, 48 percent of traffic fatalities in Louisiana occurred on rural, non-interstate routes, while only 31 percent of vehicle travel in the state occurred on these roads