This paper was presented at the `Geometric design : in defense of transportation improvements' session. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has recently implemented a roadside safety improvement that is expected to provide society with the highest possible return on tax investments. This concept was submitted by a contractor under a new Ontario "Change Proposal" special provision. A lifecycle societal benefit-cost analysis was used by the Ministry to compare the concept with three other alternative treatments of rock cuts less than 4m deep. It was found that the treatment substantially minimizes the societal consequences of collisions between errant vehicles and the roadside and reduces the maintenance costs to the infrastructure owner. Actual construction costs increased by $300,000 on the specific contract but the actual construction costs are expected to be lower on future contracts from the experience gained on this project. (A)
Samenvatting