July 2008 Focus - Highways for LIFE Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Projects

Highways for LIFE Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Projects

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Highways for LIFE (HfL) program is now soliciting grant applications for its final round of demonstration construction projects. The HfL program is designed to encourage State transportation agencies to build projects using proven innovations that have been infrequently or never used by the agency. A State transportation department can apply if the project constructs, reconstructs, or rehabilitates a route or connection on an eligible Federal-aid highway and uses innovative technologies, manufacturing processes, financing, or contracting methods. The proposed innovations must be available now and ready to use. Projects should meet the HfL performance goals of improving safety, reducing congestion caused by construction, and improving quality and customer satisfaction.

This year, HfL also invites applications of larger-scale projects that provide strategic safety and congestion benefits. Applicants should describe the safety benefits associated with the project, including whether the project:

Will result in a measurable reduction in fatalities, injuries, or loss of property.
Incorporates innovative safety design or operational techniques, including variable pricing for congestion reduction, electronic tolling, barrier systems, and intersection-related enhancements.
Incorporates innovative construction work zone strategies to improve safety.
Is located on a rural road or in an urban area that is in need of priority attention because of high injury or fatality rates.

Applicants should also describe how their HfL project relieves congestion in an urban area or along a major transportation corridor or addresses major freight bottlenecks. The project must meet the HfL criteria.

Depending on the availability of fiscal year 2009 funding for the program, selected projects may receive either a program grant or a waiver to allow 100 percent Federal-aid funding for the project. States that have not been previously selected as a HfL recipient will receive first consideration for funding.

Applications must be submitted to FHWA’s division offices. As the division offices must review and send recommended applications to the HfL program by September 30, 2008, agencies should check with their local division office to determine the deadline for submitting applications. The application form is available on the HfL Web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl. For more information, contact your local FHWA division office. For additional information on HfL, contact Mary Huie at FHWA, 202-366-3039 (email: mary.huie@fhwa.dot.gov).

		August 2008
		FHWA-HRT-08-016