APPENDIX C

Case Example Questionnaire

NCHRP Topic 55-19
Documenting the State of Practice in Managing Ancillary Transportation Assets
Case Example Interview Questions

This synthesis seeks to document the state of practice in managing ancillary transportation assets, such as:

• Hydraulic structures (e.g., culverts, drainage systems);
• Overhead sign and signal structures and signal systems;
• Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks and curb ramps);
• Intelligent transportation systems and communications infrastructure;
• High mast and highway light poles;
• Traffic barriers (e.g., guardrail);
• Earth retaining structures;
• Sign panels and supports;
• Building facilities;
• Pavement markings; and
• Pavement markers.

The information of interest for this synthesis includes:

• Selected ancillary transportation assets included in state DOT transportation asset management programs;
• Maturity scale definition for the ancillary asset program and the state of practice for maturity (e.g., life-cycle planning methods, risk and resilience);
• Which, if any, ancillary transportation assets are included in state DOT TAMPs or other documents, certified or informal;
• Models for condition forecasting used;
• Performance measures, metrics and targets;
• Selected asset data used for programming decisions; and
• Compilation of DOT resources (e.g., tools, spreadsheets, guidance, manuals).

Interview Questions:

1. What ancillary assets does your state DOT manage? Are these managed formally or informally? What policies, assumptions, or variables were considered in the decision-making processes for developing these formal or informal programs (i.e., the reasoning for choosing which ancillary assets to manage and how to manage them, how was the decision made to make the management formalized or not)?
2. Is there background information you can share (white papers, outreach processes, assumptions, research, anecdotal findings, rules of thumb, etc.) regarding the development of your management approaches?
3. How would you describe the maturity of your DOT’s approach to managing ancillary assets (e.g., life-cycle planning methods, risk, and resilience) [definition below]?

   Asset Management System Maturity Levels: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Transportation Asset Management (TAM) maturity scale includes the following levels.

   • Initial - No effective support from strategy, processes, or tools. There can be lack of motivation to improve.
   • Awakening - Recognition of a need and basic data collection. There is often reliance on heroic effort of individuals.
   • Structured - Shared understanding, motivation, and coordination. Development of processes and tools.
   • Proficient - Expectations and accountability drawn from asset management strategy, processes, and tools.
   • Best Practice - Asset management strategies, processes, and tools are routinely evaluated and improved. (AASHTO TAM Guide)

4. When developing your programs, did you use any demonstrations, pilot projects, or other activities to determine or guide the development or implementation of the programs? Are there associated written reports or documents available regarding these activities? Can you share information regarding the success or limitations of these efforts (qualitatively and/or quantitatively)?
5. Does your DOT forecast the conditions of ancillary assets? If so, please describe any models used for condition forecasting.
6. What performance measures, metrics and targets are used for your ancillary asset evaluations?
7. Please describe any programming or decision-making (e.g., scheduling, budgeting, etc.) completed using your ancillary asset data.

8. Does your DOT have resources for managing ancillary assets (e.g., tools, spreadsheets, guidance, manuals)? Would you be able to share any of these? Are any technologies/software used during any phase of your ancillary asset management efforts?
9. Does your agency conduct cross-asset analysis regarding the management of ancillary assets?
10. Have you evaluated any advantages or disadvantages (qualitatively or quantitatively) regarding your DOT’s management of ancillary assets? Were there any documented challenges in your implementation efforts?
11. Do you have future plans for the expansion of your ancillary asset management programs?
12. What lessons learned might you share with states just starting ancillary asset management programs?
13. Are there any research needs in this area to support the management of ancillary assets?