
Equipment Loan Program
AZ LTAP has a SIGN RETROREFLECTOMETER LOAN PROGRAM
To comply with the new requirements, public agencies have until January 2012 to implement and continue to use an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain traffic sign retro reflectivity at or above the minimum levels specified. As the insert describes (and as the sign retro reflectivity workshop discusses), there are a number of ways that this can be accomplished. One of the tools that can play a key role in implementing one of these methods is a sign retroreflectometer. To help local agencies that cannot afford or justify purchasing their own sign reflectometer, AZ LTAP, in partnership with AZ Division FHWA purchased a retroreflectomer which is available for loan for up to two weeks to Arizona local governments.
The retroreflectometer is a RETROSIGN 4500 with GPS capability. An extension pole used to extend the operators reach an additional nine feet and includes a remote trigger with digital display, allowing the operator to take multiple readings without having to retract the pole each time.
NEW!! AZ LTAP has Turning Movement Counter for Loan!
New for 2008, the DB-400 is an electronic hand held device that enables the agency to do the most common of all manual traffic data studies: intersection-turning movement counts. The DB-400 records turning movement data for up to three classes of vehicles, downloads to PETRAPro software, is accurate, reliable, and easy to use. The software program allows the agency to easily read, edit, and store the data as well as print a variety of reports and graphs without having to manually enter the data.
The DB-400 is simple to use. An OFF/ON switch on top of the unit is used to turn it on and off. A 4-line by 20-character display helps you select the proper entries. All options are clearly displayed, with the currently selected option shown with a blinking highlight. The bottom lines of the display explain the option that is highlighted.
The DB-400 is designed to make collecting turning movement data easy and accurate. The buttons are arranged to simulate a standard intersection. There are 16 buttons, with 12 normally used for the left, through, and right movements from each of the four approach directions. The additional four buttons are user-defined; they can be used for bicycles, pedestrians, or whatever you want.
Since the DB-400 looks like an intersection, doing a count is very intuitive. If a car makes a left turn from an approach, you simply push the button that shows a left turn from that direction. The DB-400 keeps track of everything else for you. At the end of every time interval, the data is automatically stored, so there is no need for technicians to take their eyes off the intersection to write down numbers.
While you record turning movements, you also have the option to classify the vehicles recorded in up to three separate classes using the DB-400's 'Bank' buttons. Trucks and other heavy vehicles can be stored separate from passenger vehicles, and percentage breakdowns can be determined.
Multiple studies can be stored in the DB-400, using up to a total of 312 intervals of data. For each count, the unit stores the date and time, the number of intervals used, a site code, and the data.
BORROWING LTAP EQUIPMENT
Retroreflectometer/Turning Movement Counters
How To Borrow
AZ LTAP will take requests from agencies via phone (602‐712‐4050) or via email: spalmer@azdot.gov on a first come‐first served basis. Agencies will be required to provide an estimated length of use (a maximum of two weeks) and a schedule to pick up and return the equipment. Because the Retroreflectometer is worth approximately $15,000, normal shipping will not be permitted. Arrangements will need to be made for agencies to pick up the device, for LTAP to deliver the device, or some combination of these. A waitlist will be maintained for each piece of equipment on loan and equipment will be available to the next agency on the list upon its return. Each agency is responsible for returning the equipment to AZ LTAP. A late fee of $25 per day will be assessed if not returned on time.