This group met on September 26th, 2001 and reviewed AASHTO guidelines and WSDOT policies regarding clear zone and identified differences in interpretations. They have also discussed studies related to crashes with fixed objects, including data on WSDOT highways, local street, UW studies, FHWA studies and other data that is relevant to the clear zone discussion. The group recommended Design Manual changes that were sent out for a statewide review in February, 2002.  

To address concerns raised during this review, the team met again on June 12th, 2002.  At this meeting, the recommendations from the Jurisdictional Roles and Responsibilities Task Group were presented.  Based on the findings from this Task Group, the Clear Zone Design Manual Supplement was revised to reflect the responsibilities of the state and incorporated cities and towns as is stated in RCW 47.24.020.  This version of the supplement was sent out for statewide review on June 28, 2002.  Minor revision were requested as a result of this review.  The Design Manual Supplement was approved by FHWA and signed into effect by Harold Peterfeso (State Design Engineer) with an effective date of November 1, 2002.

The Design Manual Supplement was incorporated in Design Manual chapter 700 in May 2003.  If you have any comments on the results of this Task Group, e-mail Dick Albin, WSDOT HQ Design.

September 26, 2001 Clear Zone Task Group meeting notes.

»       Dick Albin, WSDOT HQ Design (lead)

»       Al King, WSDOT HQ H&LP

»       Ashley Probart, WSDOT HQ Planning

»       Don Petersen, FHWA

»       Jim Morrow, City of Tukwila

»       Jim Seitz, AWC

»       Ken Brown, City of Spokane

»       Lynn Price, City of Bremerton

»       Samih Shilbayeh, WSDOT HQ Design

»       Mark Bandy, WSDOT NW Region Traffic

»       Paul Harker, FHWA

»       Mike Johnson, City of Seattle

»       Rich Meredith, City of Seattle

Date of last update:  January 24, 2005

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