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Priority 2: Bridge and Structure Improvement Project <br />Through ongoing efforts to identify hazards near and/or at bridges or structures countywide, 178 <br />structures were identified to have deficiencies. These were codified into three types. Code 3 for no rail <br />or timber rail and 60 were identified. Code 2 for no approaches or non-crashworthy railing and 100 were <br />identified. Code 1 for rail that does not meet current AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware <br />Standards (MASH) and 18 were identified. With the high quantity of deficient safety measures on <br />structures being countywide, an approach by maintenance district grouping was implemented to allow <br />for rail improvements in a series of projects. As further data such as survey was collected to provide <br />preliminary engineering options to implement these improvements to reduce the severity of crashes <br />that have or may occur at these structures, another element was identified. By adding rail to these <br />deficient structures, the county found that improvement would not be an improvement at all. Attaching <br />to a deficient structure would not meet current standards. it would change the Code 3 to a Code 1 but <br />would not reduce the hazard. No protection for errant vehicles leaving the roadway would still be <br />present. The narrow structures, narrow roads, and no shoulder would create a larger project at each <br />site. Another approach is needed. A planning project that would allow for the research needed to create <br />a solution that would meet the Target Zero goals, meet standards, and be the most cost-effective <br />solution for the County. <br />With further research, planning and preliminary engineering, a project that would be successful for <br />these structures will be needed. As the county forces are limited, a project that allows for consultant <br />services to create a crashworthy and cost-effective solution is a priority for Kittitas County. Structure <br />widening or replacement projects to allow for improvements to meet current standards is an approach <br />that must be considered and planned for. <br />15 <br />