BLUEPRINT FOR METRIC CONVERSION

This article describes a step-by-step blueprint for conversion to the metric system involving each division of one department--the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Three ways of accomplishing metric conversion are described. "Soft" conversion, "Hard" conversion; and "metric re-thinking". Each has advantages and disadvantages, and all three could be applied to the metrication of the many phases of the Department's operations. This report considers the effects of two time periods: three years or less and ten years or more. Some legislation action will be required before metrication takes place. A list of statutes containing references to the English system of units that affect State agencies is included. The effects of metrication on the following Divisions and District offices of the Department are discussed in this paper: Finance Division; Equipment and Procurement Division; Bridge Division; Construction Division; Highway Design Division; Secondary Roads Division; Materials and Tests Division; Transportation Planning Division; Motor Vehicle Division; Personnel Division; Right of Way Division; Travel and Information Division; Maintenance Operations Division; Automation Division; Insurance Division; and District Offices. In conclusion, the effects of metrication on the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation will be extreme, somewhat expensive, and interdependant on the actions of other state agencies, federal agencies, private industries, and national standard-setting associations.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 37-39
• Serial:
  • AASHTO QUARTERLY
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Federal government; Laws; Metric system; Private enterprise; Public transit; Specifications; State highway departments; Transportation operations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Conversion
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Transportation administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Finance; Highways; Law; Public Transportation; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167464
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM