Ex Post Facto Evaluation of Indiana's Highway Investment Program

Abstract

In response to the federal requirements of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users, nearly all state departments of transportation (DOTs) have started to use performance measurement in the planning or programming process. Although these performance measures are routinely monitored, they are generally completed during the project development process on a project-by-project basis for anticipated future conditions. No state has a fully developed postimplementation tool to monitor and evaluate capital investment programs at a system (statewide) level. Historical highway expenditure and performance data from the Indiana DOT capital program were used in an ex post facto assessment to illustrate a program evaluation methodology that can be transferred to other agencies. The relationships between investment and performance were characterized for the condition of pavements and bridges as well as the operation of safety and mobility assets. In addition, the short-term economic development impacts, for jobs created and earnings added, were estimated for the total investment each year. The most recent surface transportation reauthorization, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, sets a precedent for performance-based management of the nation's transportation network. The present study demonstrates an ex post facto assessment of impacts of the Indiana DOT's highway program and highlights lessons learned to be used when the agency and other state DOTs move forward in validating the effectiveness of investment to legislative bodies responsible for funding decisions. Finally, the study provides a mechanism to communicate the impacts of transportation investment to the general public.