Overview of the Current State of Practice of Ancillary Asset Data within State Departments of Transportation

Abstract

This study investigates ancillary asset management practices by state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. focusing on asset prioritization, data collection, and management strategies. Specifically, this research identifies how agencies prioritize different ancillary assets and manage associated data. The study uses cluster analysis based on a survey examining 38 ancillary assets against different features. The survey was sent to 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the analyzing dataset is created based on the 39 respondents. Accordingly, it indicates that clear patterns of prioritization are followed by state DOTs for ancillary assets in which more comprehensive management is accorded to the critical ones such as drainage structures, signage, and traffic signals. It underlines the challenges DOTs face in allocating limited resources across diverse asset classes, often resulting in lower prioritizing of assets such as utilities and landscaping. This analysis also points out the trends of data management practices within the study area, including an emerging preference for geographic information system (GIS)-based systems and geospatial visualization methods. Furthermore, it statistically investigates the reasons that important asset data is not being collected, quality measures describing the status of the ancillary assets, and the tools that are being used for data collection. While acknowledging the limitations, especially the static nature of the survey data, this research provides critical insights into improving ancillary asset management strategies. The study concludes with suggestions for future research involving longitudinal studies and exploratory investigations into emerging technologies that will make it possible to manage ancillary assets more efficiently.