Do Context-Sensitive Solutions Really Work?

Abstract

Most state transportation agencies tout context-sensitive solutions (CSS) as an underlying principle in their approach to transportation project development. FHWA defines CSS as “a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources while maintaining safety and mobility.” The purpose of this research was to apply TRB CSS measurement criteria to test whether a well-planned CSS strategy contributes to a safe, cost-effective transportation project that is integrated within the fabric of the community. Olszak Management Consulting, Inc.—with support from FHWA and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC)—evaluated a CSS approach to an FHWA major highway project, The Mon/Fayette Expressway. PTC empowered five design advisory teams (DATs) made up of technical and community members to make decisions about critical design issues. Olszak's evaluation efforts focused on DAT stakeholder and multidisciplinary team performance activities that spanned 24 months of preliminary design. Surveys of designers, meeting facilitators, community stakeholders, and project leaders yielded strong evidence of satisfaction with both processes and outcomes. Cost savings were indicated and the project schedule was maintained. This paper details the DAT structure and functions, methods for documentation and information exchange, reliability of metrics, research findings, lessons learned, and suggestions for future research.