I-494 AT I-35W
START DATE: 1/1/2003
END DATE: 3/1/2003
COST:
PROJECT TYPE: Contract
FUNDED BY: Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT)
COLLABORATORS: URS and Mn/DOT
PROBLEM STATEMENT: The Mn/DOT Project Manager decided to have a visualization created for this complicated project because, using traditional engineering layouts for two years, the DOT had been unsuccessful in explaining the project to the general public and to key stakeholders. The Department determined that using visualization would help the public 'see' and therefore approve the project. URS, which had been chosen by Mn/DOT to revise the preliminary layout and to perform the corridor traffic analysis, was asked by Mn/DOT to add a 3-D visualization to the scope of work. The visualization was to be used to speed up the public involvement process.
OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE: The objective of the visualization was to create a realistic 3-D model of the project and then to generate animations showing existing and proposed conditions in order for the extent of the project to be quickly understandable by laypersons. The scope of work included URS and Mn/DOT working together on the project. URS created realistic existing and proposed features within the right-of-way; Mn/DOT created existing features outside the right-of-way.
METHODOLOGY / APPROACH: In order to create a convincing 3-D model of the project, URS used project engineering data, including orthophotos, existing terrain data, existing and proposed CAD data and photo images. The purpose of using that data was to create realistic proposed roadway and bridge features, retaining walls, bridge abutments, pavement striping, and key adjacent buildings. The technique chosen to display the data was project drive and fly-throughs showing existing and proposed conditions for the purposes of comparison.
OUTCOME: The outcome of the visualization exceeded expectations. Project layout approval, which had taken two years using traditional techniques, was achieved in months using the animation. Secondly designers were able to use the animation to spot flaws in the grades and bridge clearances as the visualization was created. Lastly, a sense of ownership in the project was created among public officials. They acknowledged that the visualization made the project easier for them to understand, and they in turn took 'ownership' of the visualization by showing it at public meetings.
MEASURED BENEFITS: The benefits of the visualization are anecdotal. The Mn/DOT Project Manager used the visualization to speed up the public involvement process. It enhanced the image of Mn/DOT professionals who showed it in public meetings. In addition, Mn/DT estimates that every month that this project is delayed costs the taxpayer approximately $500,000. The visualization cost far less than that amount.
FURTHER STUDY: On future projects, actual traffic models will be input and animated on the visualization.
OTHER COMMENTS: The links below connect to the visualizations located on the Mn/DOT web page.
LINKS
I-35W Northbound Drive Through