Implementing the High Risk Rural Roads Program
Appendix H: HRRRP Project Solicitation Letter Example – Michigan
Michigan DOT
High Risk Rural Roads
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to announce that we are soliciting
new candidate project applications for the fiscal year 2006 High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) program.
Federal funds for the HRRR Program derive from SAFETEA-LU. The 2006 budget for this program
is estimated to be $2,465,000. We are asking the County Road Association of Michigan and the
Michigan Municipal League to distribute this notice to their member agencies.
SAFETEA-LU defines a HRRR as; 1) any roadway functionally classified as rural major or minor
collector or a rural local road that the accident rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries exceeds the
statewide average for those functional classes of roadway, or 2) any roadway functionally classified as
rural major or minor collector or a rural local road that will likely have increases in traffic volumes that
are likely to create an accident rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries that exceeds the statewide
average for those functional classes of roadway.
This data leads to the following calculation of a crash frequency that exceeds the statewide, average
accident rate, at a minimum: Within a 5 year time period, at least one crash, resulting in fatalities or
incapacitating injuries, has occurred within a segment of eligible roadway no longer than 6.67 miles.
However, in order to increase the impact of the HRRR program in 2006, its initial year, MDOT has
raised the threshold accident rate for eligibility.
The 2006 eligibility requirements for roadways in the HRRR program are:
- The roadway is functionally classified as rural major or minor collector or rural local road.
- Within a 5 year time period, at least 2 intersection crashes, resulting in fatalities or incapacitating
injuries have occurred; or 2 such serious crashes have occurred within a 5-mile long segment of such roadway.
Other requirements:
- The proposed projects will need to be developed and obligated on or before September 4, 2006.
- The proposed projects will need to demonstrate a direct correlation to correct an area related to
the fatal or incapacitating crash. The proposed project limits must be relevant to the roadway features
attributable to the crash, and are subject to approval by MDOT
This program will be managed as follows for fiscal year 2006:
- Due to the time constraints for fiscal year 2006, each individual
project is anticipated to be relatively small in nature. The construction
phase only is eligible for federal aid. Right of way, design and construction
engineering are not eligible for these funds. Projects are federally funded
at 90 percent, with a 10 percent local match, or funded with 100 percent
federal funds for projects consisting entirely of traffic control signalization,
safety, pavement marking, rail-highway crossing closure, or installation
of traffic signs, traffic lights, guardrails, impact attenuators, concrete
barrier end treatments, breakaway utility poles, or priority control systems.
- Projects may be let through MDOT, or via local force account.
- Eligible projects must meet current standards and warrants. All improvements
must address the probable cause of the crash(es) in the project area. The
proposed project limits must also address concerns in the area of the crash.
Proposed work outside the vicinity of the crashes will be reviewed to ensure
the HRRR funds are spent according to the intent of SAFETEA-LU. Possible
low cost projects can be found at www. atssa.com/galleries/default-file/LowCostLocalRoads.pdf,
and on the enclosed document.
- All project candidates should be postmarked no later than Friday,
June 30, 2006. Projects postmarked after June 30, 2006 may be considered
for funding based on the strength of the submitted project and the availability
of funds. Projects are reviewed and approved by committee and selected based
on criteria which includes:
- Crash history or potential for crashes
- Accident analysis to determine the proposed projects scope
- Crash concentration in the proposed projects limits
- Existing condition and character of proposed work
- Factors to determine the future increased traffic volume anticipated
to cause crashes (if applicable)
- Ability to deliver a construction package for obligation within
this fiscal year assistance regarding this service, you may contact Dale
R. Lighthizer, P.E. of MDOT's Traffic and Safety Division at (517) 373-2334.
- At a minimum, the suggested format for project consideration is an
engineering report that clearly
identifies the route, project termini, existing and proposed cross sections,
estimated project cost and each of
the criteria listed above. A map must be included with the report which clearly
identifies the location of the
proposed project. Pictures, graphics, preliminary plans, etc., included in
your engineering report can also be
used as supporting evidence and are encouraged.
- MDOT may be able to assist in identifying eligible roadways under
your jurisdiction. For additional assistance regarding this service, you
may contact Dale R. Lighthizer, P.E. of MDOT’s Traffic and Safety Division
at (517) 373-2334.
- If there are any social, economic and environmental impacts within the project limits, all impacts
must be mitigated before federal funds can be appropriated and obligated. Project applications which have
significant negative responses from the public or controversial and may require an environmental assessment
will not be considered until all outstanding issues have been resolved.
- Projects submitted for MDOT’s 2007 Local Agency Safety Program may be eligible for the HRRR
program. It is encouraged that eligible projects be submitted for this program if they can be developed and
obligated in fiscal year 2006.
Once projects are selected, local agencies within MPO areas must coordinate with
their MPO to ensure inclusion of their project in the area’s TIP. Those agencies
that are part of a rural task force should notify their members that they are
applying for these funds. Rural task force approval is not necessary. Local Agency
Programs will coordinate with MDOT Planning to ensure these projects are included
in the STIP. Each application is evaluated based on the criteria listed above
on a project by project basis and funding availability. If an agency submits
multiple projects, a prioritized list must be submitted for consideration.
Local Agencies are to submit eligible projects and supporting information to the following:
Mr. Jim D'Lamater, P.E.,Safety Engineer
Design Division, Local Agency Programs Unit
425 W. Ottawa Street, P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7550
Depending upon funding availability and project selection, announcements will be made as
soon as possible with notifications and project programming instructions sent
to each of the local agencies. Our goal is to maintain a fiscally constrained
program while maximizing the use of available federal funds. In addition to the
HRRR program, MDOT is developing an additional safety program for local agencies
titled the Local Safety Initiative (LSI). The LSI is intended to assist local
agencies identify high incident areas on their roadway system, and may have funds
available for construction work on these areas. If you are interested in this
program please contact Mr. Dale Lighthizer, P.E. at (517) 373-2334 for details.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jim D'Lamater, P.E. at
(517) 335-2224.
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