In accordance with House Joint Resolution No. 41, I arn pleased to transmit herewith the results of the study of the movement of 14-foot wide manufactured housing units. At my request, and with the concurrence of tne several agencies and organizations involved, the study was conducted by staff members of the Virginia Highway and Transportation Research Council. The Council staff was assisted by a project steering committee composed of representatives from each of the agencies and organizations named in the resolution. The steering committee met six times during the course of the project and offered helpful suggestions and comments to the staff throughout the study period.

The evaluation included an analysis of traffic and safety data collected during the movement of 12- and 14-foot wide housing units on 3,782 miles of Virginia highways, and a motorist opinion survey. Generally, in terms of the safety and convenience of the motoring public, no major differences were found between the traffic and safety characteristics of 12-foot units and those of 14-foot units.

This report is being presented to the Highway and Transportation Commission at its meeting of December 16, 1976. It is anticipated that the members of the Commission will study the report and consider the matter at their January 20, 1977 meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ John E. Harwood
Commissioner