Transportation Builder 

Abstract: The "Adopt-a-highway" program allows civic groups, garden clubs, and other organizations to adopt sections of highway for litter pickup. Programs are usually sponsored by state highway departments, which dispose of the collected trash and give the groups credit for their work by installing signs to identify them at each end of the adopted sections. The history of the program is described. The idea started when the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation encouraged private citizens to support the department's anti-litter programs. A large number of eager volunteers took part in an event the department had premiered in 1986. In 1987, the program was placed on hold during an evaluation of the program. Later, the program was reinstated with several changes designed to increase consistency and cost effectiveness.

Abstract: In order to maximize work zone safety measures, agencies and contractors must understand human factors that help drivers negotiate these work corridors. This article presents a driving model characterized by three task levels: 1) control tasks, such as steering and lane keeping; 2) guidance tasks, such a movement of other vehicles, congestion, and work zones; and 3) navigation tasks, such as pre-trip planning and travel route. Communicating to the road user, based on this model, is explained as is the importance of primary focus. Driver expectancy also plays a major role in performance, suggesting that when expectations are met, performance is quick and error-free. Well-planned and clearly marked work zones afford drivers the best chance of guiding vehicles safely through unknown territory.