Camden County and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Camden County Guiderail Information Management System (GRIMS)

GPI conducted detailed inventory and assessment of approximately 800 guiderails and their associated end treatments, utilizing advanced GIS-based technology to enable precise condition evaluations, improvement prioritization, construction drawing development, and systematic work order generation. Field data collection was conducted to document the existing guiderail conditions, while condition assessments and improvement recommendations were developed separately in the office to ensure quality assurance and consistency. The $900,000 initiative establishes a data-driven framework for guiderail maintenance by employing a quantitative scoring system, assigning numerical values to each guiderail to support prioritization and cost estimation for repairs and replacements. Since its inception in 2022, the project has provided iterative refinements for guiderail assessments while delivering ongoing engineering services and technical support.

The team included a sophisticated GIS-based management system integrating field-collected data with digital imaging and a 360-degree videolog viewing system covering all 406 miles of county roadways. This platform facilitates the generation of detailed condition assessment reports, prioritization models, and the development of strategically bundled construction projects, where 8-10 guiderail locations in proximity were grouped together for efficient maintenance and upgrades. The project team successfully navigated challenges related to data accuracy, GIS technology integration, and coordinating infrastructure improvements to balance safety enhancements with budgetary and logistical constraints. Stakeholder engagement played a crucial role in the implementation strategy, and training manuals and structured training sessions were developed for county personnel, ensuring seamless long-term operation and updates of the GRIMS system. The life-cycle management framework provides Camden County with a data-driven system for tracking guiderail conditions, prioritizing repairs, and creating planning-level documentation for bundled improvement projects.