Balancing Agricultural Industry and Public Roadways in Wisconsin

1. Wisconsin Department of Transportation

2. Recent court cases have highlighted the growing problem of Implements of Husbandry (IoH) definitions and the increasing size and weight of agricultural vehicles running on public roadways. Study Group Charge: How can we create a balance that supports Wisconsins vital and diverse agricultural industry, while at the same time preserving the publics investment in state and local roads and bridges and provide for safe travel for all users? 2

3. 3 IoH Study Group Membership IoH Study Group Membership Group convened Fall 2012 UW Center for Agricultural Safety and Health UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering UW-Extension Environmental Resource Center Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory Professional Nutrient Applicators Association of Wisconsin Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Wisconsin Towns Association Wisconsin County Highway Association Maxville Truck and Repair Wisconsin Custom Operators League of Wisconsin Municipalities Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Husky Farm Equipment (Ontario, Canada) Association of Equipment Manufacturers (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Dairy Business Association Wisconsin Independent Businesses Agri-Business Coalition RCI Engineering LLC With additional support from John Deere Kubota Tractor Corporation Case New Holland (CNH) AGCO Wisconsin Department of Transportation - In partnership with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection

4. 4 Types of IoH Considered Types of IoH Considered Category I: Prime Category II: Self-Propelled Category III: IoH-CMV Category IV: IoH Vehicle Trains

5. Structural Analysis Based on layered elastic (mechanistic) methodology Damage Analysis Based on Miners rule of accumulated damage Weather Based on average statewide condition and varied throughout the year. Subgrade Average subgrade properties were used and structural capacity varied by time of year. Pavement Structure Four different representative pavement structures were evaluated 5

6. Only bridges with span lengths over 20 feet were evaluated. Evaluation of the vehicle based on the Federal Bridge Formula (FBF). It must be noted that though a useful tool, the FBF was intended for vehicles with standard tire widths and gauges; these IoH vehicles fall outside those parameters. Analysis of the moment (bending) and shear demands of these vehicles on approximately 12,000 structures with various span configurations. These demands were then compared to the demands of various design and posting vehicles to determine their relative impact. Analysis of approximately 9000 State and Local bridges to determine their safe load-carrying capacity with respect to these particular vehicle configurations. This was information used to support High, Medium, and Low impacts to bridge infrastructure. A number of assumptions on load distribution needed to be used as a result of lack of established factors. 6

7. Bridge and Pavement experts reviewed results of analysis and reached joint conclusion on what would be a manageable impact to the road and other structures. Pavement and Structures collaborated to create the IOH Engineering Matrix 7

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9. Phase II Report sent to WisDOT Secretary on July 31 st Stakeholder outreach included 6 Town Hall Meetings around Wisconsin in August and September and extensive media coverage Over 1,200 attendees Over 530 surveys collected Over 150 written comments received (letters & emails) Town Halls and Surveys provide information on equipment in use that had been difficult to obtain through other channels. 9

10. 22% to 36% of attendees did not know there was an IoH weight limit More than half did not know the gross vehicle weight of their largest piece of equipment 75% of participants had equipment that exceeded preliminary study groups recommendations for envelope size and weight limits: 136 Height 17 width 60/100/70 length for 1/2/3 vehicles 23,000 lbs. per axle/ 92,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight 10

11. Almost 70% of respondents exceeded the proposed width limit -- with over 40% operating equipment over 19 feet wide. Almost half did not know the individual axle weight and gross vehicle weight of their largest piece 33% operate unloaded IoH that exceed the 23K/92K 46% operate loaded IoH that exceed the 23K/92K 11

12. Clarify the IoH Definition : Create a clearer, simpler definition of IoH to reflect todays agricultural equipment. Noting: All IoH will be exempt from registration. There is a need for an IoH-CMV definition for commercial motor vehicles used exclusively for agricultural operations. 12

13. Create size limits or an envelope for IoH: Width envelope : No width limit for IoH, however lighting and marking is required if IoH is wide enough that it crosses over the centerline of the roadway during operation. Requirement applies the lighting standards of American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) S279 to all IoH (new and those in currently in service). Lighting must be visible to traffic bi- directionally. Width of IoH CMV 10 (feet). 13

14. Height envelope : No height limit, however the IoH operator is responsible for ensuring safe clearance of any overhead obstructions. Length envelope : Create 60 limit for a single IoH and 100 for combinations of two IoH. For combinations of three IoH the limit is 70, but a three IoH combination may operate at lengths exceeding 70 to a limit of 100 at a speed no greater than 20 miles per hour.* *WisDOT has concerns about this recommendation and would like to research. 14

15. Create a new IoH Weight limit: IoH is given an expanded 15% weight allowance over the limits as established by the Federal Bridge Formula, except where posted and during periods of spring thaw. This equates to a maximum single axle weight of 23,000 pounds and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 92,000 pounds. 15

16. Require Written Authorization to exceed weight limit: On an annual basis IoH operators may submit a travel or route plan and request written authorization from the maintaining authority to exceed the weight limit. A nominal fee may be charged and additional conditions may be set by each maintaining authority. Intent is to generate conversations between IoH operators and local officials IoH vehicles operating in excess of the 15% allowance will be fined for the amount in excess of standard gross motor vehicle weight or individual axle weight. 16

17. Support Best Practices Develop youth further training requirements for large IoH equipment operations Establish a standing forum to continue to address issues regarding the use of agricultural equipment on roadways Advance the issues of size, weight, and more to groups such as FHWA and AASHTO to encourage the development of national standards. 17

18. Partner with DATCP and others to do outreach in agricultural community Create Rural Safety Awareness campaign for planting and harvest seasons Review Drivers Education materials for rural road content Develop education materials for local officials and law enforcement 18

19. Distribution Factors related to IOH type equipment to be used in the analysis of bridges Impact Factors related to IOH type equipment to be used in the analysis of bridges Impact of tire configurations and design on bridges and structures Design Code Provisions for the inclusion of the effects of IOH on the design of new structures Methods to retrofit existing structures that were designed with lower load configurations or that have experienced deterioration that has reduced the load capacity of the structure below the needs of IOH equipment. 19

20. Dan Grasser DTSD Administrator daniel.grasser@dot.wi.gov Rory Rhinesmith IoH Study Chair/DTSD Deputy Administrator rory.rhinesmith@dot.wi.gov Dave Vieth IoH Study Co-Chair/DTSD Bureau of Highway Maintenance Director david.vieth@dot.wi.gov Bill Oliva WisDOT Chief Structures Development william.oliva@dot.wi.gov Steve Krebs WisDOT Chief Materials Engineer steven.krebs@dot.wi.gov WisDOT Website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/business/ag/index.htm 20