MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Quantifying the Impact of Energy Traffic on Local Unpaved Roads
Authors:	Nathan K. Stroud and Khaled Ksaibati
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	Dec 2013
Report #:	MPC-13-263
TRID #:	01516459
Keywords:	economic impacts, energy resources, gravel roads, highway maintenance, ride quality, traffic loads, truck traffic

Abstract

Converse, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties were selected in accordance with a legislative directive as part of a project to determine the impact of the oil and gas industry on county infrastructure. This thesis takes into account the impact of county gravel roads and strategies used to help develop methods to assess and mitigate this impact. With a lacking road and bridge budget, these counties are only just keeping up with the current impact. In order to receive additional funding from the state legislature, actual impact needs to be assessed. The different distresses and ride quality of all the county gravel roads showed that, on average, the roads were in good condition no matter the level of impact. However, the cost to keep the impacted roads in this condition came at a much greater price. By modeling the data gathered in this study and comparing the differences between impacted and non-impacted roads, a better understanding of the degradation taking place was attained. A priority ranking for impacted roads was also assessed to determine the severity of the impact. The process developed in this study could be very useful for other local agencies impacted by energy development.

How to Cite

Stroud, Nathan K., and Khaled Ksaibati. Quantifying the Impact of Energy Traffic on Local Unpaved Roads, MPC-13-263. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2013.