Development of High Speed Roadway Design Criteria and Evaluation of Roadside Safety Features

This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5544.The purpose of the project was to expand upon existing design guidance and identify new criteria for design speeds up to 100 mph. The project identified issues and concerns associated with developing criteria for higher speed roadways. The research team performed a thorough literature search to determine existing knowledge. They then developed preliminary criteria for design speeds of 85 to 100 mph for controlling criteria, ramp design elements, and roadside items. A roundtable discussion group of practicing engineers was held to review the criteria. The criteria are now included in Chapter 8 of the TxDOT Roadway Design Manual.