Home » $100k-$249k
Can standard guardrail be used to (safely) support small wildlife exclusion fencing? Basically we have locations where we have commercially available wildlife fencing right behind guardrail (see image below). This
TNM significantly underestimates, and overlooks, the noise attenuation of 6’-8’ tall solid safety barriers (SSBs) because TNM distributes a large amount of noise energy tall in the vehicle profiles at
The Observations leading to this proposal are 1) that a fibrous material (such as a long-bladed grassy bush or the fur of an animal) can noticeably reduce sound levels from
EPA suggested in response to a comment in the last MOVES Model Review Workgroup that grade-specific drive cycle data (second-by-second speeds) be used instead of model default data (which generally
Much has been made about the time it takes for NEPA (mostly specific to EISs) processes to be completed with politicians and consumptive industries strongly suggesting NEPA is inefficient, archaic
NEPA is an ever evolving policy since it advocates process and evolving applied knowledge over outcomes. More and more, practitioners are experiencing the infusion of AI into the process and
Since its inception 50+ years ago, NEPA has been subject to criticism – takes too long, costs too much, and so on. As a result, many remedies have been put
Many infrastructure industry providers have migrated towards alternative delivery (in lieu of traditional design bid build approaches) to more quickly and efficiently deliver infrastructure for the public good. As a
NEPA language, and direction, when first created directed project sponsors and federal lead agencies to “summarize” the need for the project. Today, 50+ years later, the focus on need for
Identify and assess up to five projects subject to NEPA where OFD was a paramount focus. Assess how OFD was handled in each, ID commonalities, differences, and outcomes? Conduct interviews
For over 20 years Congress and presidential administrations from both parties have sought to accelerate environmental approval timeframes for transportation infrastructure projects. Planning Environmental Linkages (PELs) were first authorized in
NCHRP Synthesis 20-05/Topic 53-19 is a project projected to finish in 2024. The focus of the project was on State DOT product evaluation programs (PEPs) to evaluate product potential and
With the goal of having a more consistent national approach for tribal monitoring, issues to address include: • Timing/scheduling • Compensation for travel • Amount of requests of tribes •
• Tied to communication across all the disciplines during project development and construction. • Section 106 is not static piece within the project delivery process, it needs to be done
Transportation projects frequently require mitigation for impacts to natural resources, such as wetland, stormwater, pollinator and reforestation sites per regulatory requirements. Transportation corridors are often located in highly developed areas
Computer Vision is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) that uses image recognition to identify wildlife species. The technology has multiple applications for transportation projects including protected species
Assess the use of eDNA for detecting the presence/absence of protected species on transportation projects. If the application shows potential for accurate results that would be acceptable to natural resource
The idea of meaningful public engagement has evolved of the years and environmental professionals are continual challenged to do more thorough engagement during all phases of the project delivery process.
This proposal seeks identification of effective tools to meet consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act on compressed timeframes specified under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Tribal consultation is an integral part of the environmental review process under NEPA. Successful consultation begins with an effective communication strategy. However, the nature of working with diverse tribal nations
There is significant traffic congestion on freeways during peak hours in metropolitan areas across the country that lead to increased emissions and other impacts. Both recurring bottlenecks and nonrecurring events
Transportation agencies conduct a significant portion of archaeological investigations in the US and in many developed countries around the world. Once a transportation project is built, however, there remains the
The Section 4(f) Net Benefit Programmatic Evaluation was created in 2005. It provides a streamlined opportunity for Section 4(f) compliance when compared to completing an Individual Section 4(f) Evaluation. The
Field test and model 12-15 low berms along different roadways and document the results. Compare the measured to the modeled results. Compare the results to typical structural noise barrier results.
Emission factors versus speed curves generated using the MOVES3 model exhibit very anomalous behavior at higher road grades that are within the range encountered in project-level air quality analyses for
The recently completed NCHRP study (20-05 Topic 51-18 Practices for Project-Level Analyses for Air Quality) included a recommendation for the development of a template guidance document for the preparation of
The ability to easily access and share digital archeological data during the Section 106 review process has become an issue of increasing concern for State Departments of Transportations (State DOTs)
Many bridges that have been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places possess concrete components in need of repair. The Secretary of Interior Standards for concrete repair cannot
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Today, transportation agencies use public involvement programs to incorporate public input into more and more
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Transportation agencies (federal and state DOTs) conduct more cultural resource studies and expend more funds
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013). Completed in 2011 as NCHRP Report 686 Road Pricing: Public Perceptions and Program Development The proposed research would be conducted in several steps: 1. Identify
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – This idea has been addressed via Biofuels in the U.S. Transportation Sector; US Energy Information Administration, 2007 The contribution that biofuels can make to
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. There is growing interest in using recycled materials, industrial byproduct materials and reclaimed soil in highway
Ideas for sustainable design generally pertain to manufacturing operations and office and residential building design. Although the basic principles of sustainable design are the same, the specific needs of transportation
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013): Completed July 2012 as NCHRP 10-76 Methodologies for Evaluating Pavement Strategies and Barriers for Noise Mitigation Although efforts to reduce transportation-related noise are costly , the
Major and visible effects-such as shoreline alteration, reduced connection to adjacent upland, sediment filling-in, eutrophication, reduced oxygen levels, and altered fish populations-are attributable to roads altering coastal, lake, reservoir, pond,
Algal blooms and excessive plant growth commonly plague lacustrine systems due to the buildup of phosphorus. While phosphorus is not a principal component in highway runoff, there may be areas
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) Pending project: NCHRP 8-36 (86) Corridor Approaches to Integrating Land Transportation and Land Use Several states and metropolitan regions have implemented programs that combine land
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 37. Completion date 10/31/08. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1655 The research will focus on reviewing transportation agencies for strategies and tools that assist
This research would have two elements: (a) dissemination of existing information technology and (b) foundational work to develop customized information technology tools for specific environmental stewardship and streamlining applications. Information
Development resulting from transportation investment has significant impacts on cultural and historic resources. In addition, indirect and cumulative effects on cultural resources are not well defined or understood and are
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 62 for 2009, “Improving the Effectiveness of Outreach to Traditional and Non-Traditional Groups by Integrating the Expertise
TERI Administrator Note – NCHRP 08-72 [Pending] Practical Approaches for Involving Traditionally Under-served Populations in Transportation Decision Making Showcase the success stories, best practices, and model community initiatives, which incorporate
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009): Related Research: Highway Construction Noise Handbook (Volpe Center, 2006) Develop a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation noise prediction methodology, in cooperation with other transportation modes.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Develop and distribute a brochure or otehr publication that describes improved, more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. PART5 calculates exhaust emission factors for primary emitted particulates, brake and tire wear emissions, and re-entrained
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project funded as NCHRP 25-25-59 in 2009 The effect of control strategies on both PM and ozone is important because many areas of the country
Develop improvements to the FHWA TNM and traffic noise-analysis techniques to address the following: 1) Effects of Irregular Terrain – Highway sites may include terrain with undulations of varying size,
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP 25-25 48 “Compendium of Environmental Fieldwork Technologies” Maintain an ongoing compendium of environmental fieldwork technologies TERI Administrator Note (January 2009) Project funded under
Develop native plant restoration techniques specific to roadside use, especially following weed control projects and other rehabilitation efforts.
Research should evaluate existing wildlife crossing systems to determine their effectiveness. Various system types should be compared with respect to wildlife. In evaluating system effectiveness, consideration needs to be given
The goal of the proposed research is to develop an Ecologically Sensitive Right of Way Management Guidance Manual that provides for protection and enhancement of ecological resources and reduces maintenance
The scope of the research will include a comprehensive survey of the various types of solar and wind power systems available, their ability to provide sufficient or excess power for
Monitor different crossing structures to determine which kinds work best. TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Completed (See Below) NCHRP – Evaluation of the Use and Effectiveness of Wildlife Crossings,
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – International Association of Ports and Harbors – TOOL BOX FOR PORT CLEAN AIR PROGRAMS; HOW TO CONDUCT AN EMISSIONS INVENTORY, December 2007 http://www.iaphworldports.org Research
Background: Federal guidance[1] requires detailed emission modeling for mobile source air toxic emissions (MSATs) for transportation projects that meet certain traffic and other criteria. As the development of the requisite
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 44 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1662 “Development and Implementation of a Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse” Background: Greenhouse gas emissions and the related subject of
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (51) Problem Statement State departments of transportation have constructed many environmental mitigation projects in conjunction with transportation projects that have been
Background NEPA environmental documents for projects reflect substantial time and money analyzing and predicting environmental impacts. Decisions on those projects are made based on that information. There is limited or no information
Issue: Tests have shown that aquatic organisms have different tolerance thresholds to snow and ice control materials that are applied to roads, highways, and bridges. A major factor in terms of selecting
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Related Research – Linking Environmental Resource and Transportation Planning–The Current State of Practice (NCHRP 25-25: Task 32) FHWA’s Vital Few Environmental Goal, in part,
Problem: Animal vehicle collisions are a challenge from the safety and ecological standpoint. Many current solutions are expensive (large crossing structures), potentially ineffective (static warning signs), or potentially ecologically damaging
Problem Statement: Many facilities required in transportation operations and maintenance have evolved to the present by expansion, modification, and adaptation of design and materials common to several years ago. At
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. The environmental process is complex. Practitioners lack easy access to guidance information needed to conduct transportation
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are an important component of a sustainable approach to clean, healthy air and efficient use of energy. Increased use of AFVs has the potential to lower emissions and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
At least one seed mixture would be created for each vegetative zone. In addition, best practices for establishment and maintenance of these seed mixtures would be established.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Transportation projects may have great potentials of consuming a considerable portion of scrap tires if economic
TERI Administrator Note (Added December 2008) – Project sponsored by Ohio DOT is underway (see details below) Develop a turn-key, wireless, low cost sensor system for autonomous monitoring, measuring, and
Problem Statement: Naturally occurring wetlands are characterized by a broad diversity of species. When replacement wetlands need to be created to offset transportation project impacts they often fail to achieve
I. Research Problem Statement Due to automobile braking, roadside sediments in heavily trafficked regions have high levels of copper and zinc compared to sediment quality. Recent use of bio-retention filters
Background: The U. S. Congress enacted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in 1918 to implement several international treaties. The treaties were entered into because of concerns about the decline
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009): Related Research: Impacts of Magnesium Chloride-Based Deicers on Roadside Vegetation; Transportation Research E-Circular Number E-C126 June 2008 – Surface Transportation Weather and Snow Removal and
Problem The recovery of information from significant archaeological sites affected by transportation projects is a widespread and generally accepted practice throughout the United States. Archaeological data recovery, however, is very
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Idea selected for implementation with NHCRP 25-25 (Task 56) funding in 2009. The cost of complying with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) continues
Storm water, or constructed, wetlands represent one of several best managements practices commonly used to treat runoff water. They may have a strong impact on the quality of receiving waters,
Integrate low impact development and other transportation related BMPs into the Interantional Stormwater BMP Database (www.bmpdatabase.org). The major subcategories of this task are itemized below. a. Working with a panel
Selected for NCHRP 25-25 funding as Task 75. May 2013 Update: Completed August 2012. Background To satisfy regulatory requirements of no net loss of wetlands, state transportation agencies develop mitigation
Using a modification of the methods used by J.C. Rochaa et al. J. Braz. Chem. Soc. Water Samples from 5-10 NW Salmon Streams will be taken and the fulvic acid
Research Objective: Develop a compendium of the best and innovative methods and tools for transportation planning and project development analyses. Task 1: Develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the
Aquatic insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, and mayflies use horizontally polarized light as a cue to detect water where they lay their eggs. It is crucial that these insects lay
Widespread contamination of freshwater habitats and groundwater sources from road salt deposition is well documented. The negative effects of road salt on freshwater habitats include changes in density gradients, increased
TERI Administrator Update (Jan 2009) – Research Underway – The Effectiveness of Vertebrate Passage and Prevention Structures: a Study of Boeckman Road in Wilsonville (completion date: Sept. 2009) Wildlife collisions
Confocal Microscopy coupled with vital stains, can be used to characterize and profile disease states in coral. We wish to compare the appearance of various reef forming coral and algal
The environmental performance of public transportation services plays a key role in improving air quality in urban areas. Replacing vehicles’ current engines with innovative propulsive systems may be an effective
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. The current focus of GHG reductions from the transportation has relied on increased fuel efficiency of
Description of the Need –The United States is currently seeing unprecedented levels of interest in alternative fuels, including ethanol (corn and cellulose), biodiesel, methanol, butanol, hydrogen, coal to liquid fuels,
Background Truck freight operations are a major source of air pollutants, including criteria pollutants, toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Although the 2008-2010 recession has led to recent reductions
We propose an on-road study of vehicular non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions.
Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) is a necessary component of every State DOT’s operations. DOTs maintain large fleets of vehicles and equipment that must be fueled and maintained. However, the regulatory
PennDOT has developed material specifications on Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) in an effort to expand the use of recycled materials in highway and maintenance applications. The specifications were developed from
I. Research Problem Statement Today, now more than ever, the environment plays a key role in everyday activities. Some cities have smog warnings, some have water pollution warnings, and
Problem Statement – Transportation decision makers and stakeholders have touted the economic development benefit of improvements to our transportation infrastructure. It is important to understand transportation environmental justice and equity,
Research problem statement – Not every species or ecosystem process is impacted by existing or planned highways. In each region of the country, different species are impacted by highways. Several
Background The concurrent introduction in the past year of models (MOVES2010 and AERMOD) and guidance new to project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with
Noise associated with highway vehicular traffic has long been recognized as contributing to wildlife avoidance zones adjacent to highways, where traffic may become a “moving fence” that creates an impermeable
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is in the process of developing an innovative,
The safety and maintainece of Idaho’s road and highway bridges is essential and their regular inspection, rennovation, and replacement is an important responsibility of the Transportation Department. Incidently and unintentionally,
Idaho has mapped approximately 315 wildlife linkages associated with its road and highway system using expert opinion workshops and a rapid assessment protocol. Of these, 37 have been identified as
Idaho’s topography requires that its roads and highways system cross a large number of waters. Each of these crossings represents not only a design challenge in terms of road and
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns thousands of bridges throughout California, many of which provide habitat for bats. Bats seek out bridges for thermal regulation during reproduction, food digestion,
There are newly construced wildlife crossing structures on US 93 through the Flathead Indian Reservation. Digital remote sensing cameras would be purchased and installed in these crossing structures to monitor
Problem: Public agencies often utilize deicing chemicals to help achieve safe winter driving conditions. Beyond solid chemicals, these include liquids applied directly to the road or used to pre-wet solid
Alternative power lighting shows great potential for reducing energy consumption. At this time, there is little to no analysis available from actual implementation of such systems for highway lighting. Viability
To test, and disseminate to the highway community in the arid West, a method of erosion control used in mine reclamation. Rill & gully erosion is a pervasive problem on
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. The scope of this research would be to develop methodology for the calculation of the
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Vehicles striking rumble strips can elevate wayside noise levels and generate noise complaints in noise sensitive
Problem Statement – Land adjacent to airports, highways, and rail transit lines needs to be developed so that noise sensitive uses are prohibited and community development is planned, designed, and
Problem Statement – Studies by several research groups have shown that the atmospheric refraction and scattering effects that occur on the sound wave propagating from a highway traffic source is
Its proponents promise that pricing can deliver smarter use of existing capacity that reduce congestion and avoid costly expansion needs while expanding the menu of options for raising money
Identify methodologies and systems that can be utilized to determine a state/city department of transportation’s green house gas (GHG)emissions and carbon footprint. The methodologies or systems should include the entire
Recalculate contours for 10, 25, 50, 100 year storms for 24 hour rainfall amounts across the US based on down scaled global climate model output data. Engineers and infrastructure planners
Design, development and testing of an adaptive highway lighting system in response to maximum real time roadway safety condition and minimum energy consumption of the street ligting system. The project
Local and state agencies are required to study traffic impacts of all new highway projects. Historically traffic models have done a poor job of integrating transit information into the analysis
Creating analysis tools for measuring the performance of park and ride lots and assessing how they impact the rest of the transportation system is needed and requires a national perspective.
Identify relevant sites. Measure traffic loads and aging characteristics. Document maintenance activities.
Porous pavements can provide the same level of service with much less salt/de-icing. Project will identify study sites and nearby control sites, then study the sites over 2 winter seasons.
Research Objective: To develop a set of best practices for transportation practitioners to assess genetic connectivity § Do a synthesis of the literature on conservation genetics, contact conservation geneticists, and
Traditional culvert designs may create fish and wildlife passage barriers. Project budgets are based on early scoping and preliminary estimates. Cost differences between standard culvert and bank-spanning or other alternate
Porous pavements have been identified as a potential strategy for minimizing the use of deicing chemicals for winter maintenance. The use of porous pavements for parking lots is on the
Background On December 1, 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their final rule on the effluent limitation guidelines for stormwater discharges from construction sites. Effluent guidelines
The impact of climate change on highway drainage design and associated stormwater management systems and could be one of the important and critical challenges faced by future drainage engineers and
The ability to manage parking has substantially changed in recent years. Parking can now be charged using credit/debit cards, cell phones as other pre-paid options. This allows for employers to
Stabilization of roadsides after construction is critical to protecting water quality, public safety and the longevity of the project. Unfortunately, current erosion control seed mixes include invasive exotic species. The
The transportation industry is experiencing a paradigm shift to more livability centric goals, as evidenced by new policy directions at the federal level and the strong interest in livability-enhancing projects
The extraordinary number of people and automobiles in metropolitan Los Angeles presents unique opportunities to assess anthropogenic contaminant loadings to the near-shore. Platinum group elements (PGEs: platinum, palladium, and rhodium)
TERI Administrator Note (May 2011): Similar research under SHRP C09 project has addressed this issue. (http://144.171.11.40/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=2348) Problem Numerous organizations at the federal, state, and local level have a stake in
Problem Statement More than 100 automated people-movers (APMs) of various kinds and sizes now operate around the world. Urban planners, engineers, and architects often consider using APMs to link activity
Problem Statement The specific noise issue in the vicinity of at-grade rail crossings is locomotive warning horn and crossing bell sounds, which cause significant noise impacts. The acoustic signatures of
Problem Currently, transportation goods and services are marketed, promoted, and sold with very little information related to their carbon footprint or other possible impacts to the climate. For example, the
Problem Different agencies will continue to develop policies related to climate change and to transportation infrastructure protection. While these two topics, and thus their related policies, often affect each other, policies
Problem Among both the public and many elected leaders there is an insufficient understanding of climate change as well as a lack of understanding of the relationship between climate change
Problem The regulation of greenhouse gases is in its infancy in the United States, with piecemeal programs promulgated by the states and nascent regulations proposed and finalized by the United
Problem Current climate change legislation before the US Congress includes provisions for a cap and trade program, where the government guarantees emissions reductions by setting a mandatory cap on aggregate
Highway stormwater runoff is a source of copper to receiving streams. Trace levels of copper have been shown to have detrimental effects on threatened and endangered salmonid species. However, little is known
Generalizations have been made as to (re) using shingles in HMA and WMA pavements. The engineering opimization of RAS has only been touched upon as to setting limits of RAS replacement. Grade
Background There are several completed and ongoing research efforts that have analyzed the potential of various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. Some have
Transportation professionals, including planners and engineers, desire to avoid conflicts and reduce mitigation costs, thereby increasing the reliability and predictability of transportation design processes. Further, SAFETEA-LU requires involvement of participating agencies
The objective of this research is to develop approaches for evaluating long-term regional strategies for the use of alternative vehicle power sources. The vision is that the approaches developed may
Urban catchments in rainy climates commonly are exposed to flood threats. Urban flooding may cause material losses in the form of public and private property damage. Furthermore, street flooding may
We propose to test existing live cell and whole organisms using physiological techniques, in particular fluorescent tags combined with confocal microscopy to image changes in physiology, growth and development caused
The threats to human safety posed by high rates of large mammal road-kill are well reported in the literature, as well as the adverse effects of road-kill on mammal populations;
An overall assessment of fish passage conditions from headwaters to estuaries requires the analysis of the entire channel network connecting those habitats. Such an analysis should not be performed in
Water is a precious finite resource in the United States and throughout the world. Water resource limitations are currently and expected to be one of the main environmental challenges facing
This project proposes to screen, develop and apply Coral live cell imaging techniques to evaluate the effects of road runoff, increased water temperature, and storm water management practices on Coral
The United States Forest Service (USFS) has recognized the snowshoe hare is an indicator species for habitat management. Occupying the southern tip of its range, the snowshoe hare is located in
Oregon Department of Transportation has been developing (in cooperation with other state and local agencies) a comprehensive GIS data management system. This system includes environmental, safety and asset resource information, but
Scope: This project will enhance current methods and modeling tools to quantify the benefits of a diversified transportation fuel mix. Benefits to be evaluated include the value of reduced fluctuation in
Scope: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) promotes expedited implementation of advanced zero and low emission transportation technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards. In case of high
Scope: Zero and near-zero emission transportation technologies such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles are critical element in California’s strategy in achieving energy security and in reducing emissions of greenhouse
Scope: Background: Efforts to develop and deploy clean energy, and transportation technologies that use clean energy (e.g., electric power), are impacted by fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Incentives to deploy clean energy that
Scope: (1) The objective would be to develop potential regulatory and incentive mechanisms to accelerate deployment of IMO Tier 3 marine vessels to U.S. ports. (2) Key tasks would be
Scope: Background concentrations representative of a project area are the most critical information needed for transportation projects subject to the new guidance for quantitative hot-spot analyses of particulate matter (PM). The
Scope: Transitioning to use of cleaner energy in transportation has the potential to address multiple needs including energy security, energy cost certainty, local air quality, and climate. Many of these benefits
Scope: The State of North Carolina is seriously considering allowing natural gas exploration and development. Potential gas resources are of the kind that will be exploited using hydraulic fracturing drilling methods
PROBLEM STATEMENT It is well established that structures associated with road crossings may have negative impacts on stream fish assemblages. The two primary mechanisms through which road crossings may impact
Scope: To maintain the safe and efficient mobility of an aging population, this research proposal seeks to improve the understanding of urban and rural transportation needs that would inform and
Scope: With continual technological advances in tools like GIS, remote sensing, and computer software, the transportation industry has at its disposal increasingly more capable tools to perform transportation planning and
The proposed research need is a decision tool for rail transit executives to use when considering rail transit safety enhancements. This would most likely require a cost/benefit and risk analysis which
Scope: A regional transit parking plan is needed in the Puget Sound region to better integrate current and planned parking facilities to the regional transit system. A survey of best
This research would take steps toward the ultimate goal of developing a nationally accepted manual on transportation demand management (TDM) effectiveness in line with the Highway Capacity Manual. This could
Bridges built in previous decades often incorporated expansion joints that provided optimal roosting habitat for bats. This is due to the combination of favorable gap size, open canopy in road
Section 106 Historic Property identifications in advance of federally funded transportation projects are typically very costly and time consuming. This process is less effective and efficient than it should be.
Scope: Many states are currently investigating the feasibility of hyraulic fracturing. IN addition to the untold environmental impacts, states are experiencing major road damage due to the size, weight and
With the advent of the Marine Protection Act, new construction methods are necessary to reduce the underwater noise impacts to mammals. This research would examine alternative construction practices to reduce noise.
Road salt runoff is a seasonal phenomenon, largely confined to the late-winter to spring months. For most northern biota, this is a lag period of growth when they are least
The objective would be to identify new BMP that would adjust water quality of acid precipitation conveyed along dirt and gravel roads for use by transprotation practioners.
The objective of this research is to develop a PDA that obtains the matrices identified for structures, habitats and species so that field personnel will have a tool for assessing
The objective of the proposed project would be to evaluate the required attributes of highways rest areas for renewable energy generation, storage and utilization.
This project will develop innovative anti-icing/deicing formulations for snow and ice control on highways, using beet sugar refining by-products and other additives for freezing-point suppression, performance enhancement, and corrosion inhibition.
Most countries collect various transportation-related data, such as roadway facility supply, vehicle ownership and use, transit service, traffic crashes, fuel consumption, and pollution emissions, but there is a lack of
Efficient and effective water-quality monitoring is key to understanding and setting water-quality objectives and meeting local, state, and federal stormwater regulations. Inaccurate representation of contaminants in urban runoff can lead
As a major source of non-point source pollution, highway runoff has adverse effects on the adjacent aquatic resources if no measures are taken to remove the excessive contaminants accumulated from
The proposed research provides an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to cost-effective management of storm water. DOTs needs effective tools to meet recently enacted federal (EPA) regulations for reducing the amount of
This project will develop, install and field test the effectiveness of new structural BMPs specifically designed to manage runoff near one or two highway bridge decks, e.g., filters and biofiltration
Assess management efforts to prevent or slow the spread of exotic plants into and away from roadsides. Research should stratify sites based upon ecosystem, soil fertility and time of disturbance.
The proposed research will identify potential highway safety, environmental and operation and maintenance (O&M) impacts of emerging solar and wind energy production and storage installations along highway Right-of-Way (ROW), with
The objective of the proposed international scan would be to collect lessons learned and success stories from the earliest adopters of the novel approach to power generation.
Background: Many Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are being required to retrofit existing highways to comply with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to improve the quality of runoff discharged from highways.
As evidenced by the recent January 2013 EPA Webinar entitled “Road Salt Pollution Prevention” in which over 1000 people participated, the concern for road salt, or rock salt, and water
Background: DOTs routinely complete BMP effectiveness studies as a part of their research to improve their stormwater program. Many of the effectiveness studies duplicate research in other parts of the
Background: Many NPDES Permits require DOTs to identify constituents of concern from highway and support facilities. Constituent of concern are known or emerging potential pollutants that are generated within the
Washington State has been replacing culverts with new larger culverts, or bridges, using an algorythm called “Stream simulation” for over a decade. These larger passages provide dry banks under highways during
Effective December 20, 2012, a new era in air quality analyses for transportation projects began as federal transportation conformity rule requirements and associated guidance issued by the US EPA for
Michigan DOT is currently running a pilot testing LiDAR as an efficient way to add data on engineered structures to the state’s asset management system. Meanwhile, the Missouri Resource Assessment
The research regarding the reduction of the adverse environmental impact through highway design is still in its infancy. Furthermore, highway design manuals/guidebooks do not provide any information on environmentally-friendly designs.
This project will preliminarily develop a Snow and Ice Control Asset Management System (SICAMS) for cold-climate DOTs, in order to promote sustainability in winter maintenance operations. While a phased approach
The proposed study would develop a practical guide for (or compendium of) mitigation measures for air quality for typical highway and transit projects that, ultimately, may serve as the basis
Successful research efforts require identifying all of the conditions and unknowns surrounding the area of interest and then defining them. This requires developing a plan for conducting research which identifies
Utilizing the results of NCHRP 25-25, Task 23 – Guidelines for Environmental Performance Measurements Final Report, investigate using positive performance measures to obtain reductions in criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas
Highway agencies place Winter Weight Premiums (WWP) and Spring Load Restrictions (SLR) during the winter and spring seasons when the performance of pavement structure changes due to winter freeze and
Snow avalanches can have catastrophic effects on highway travel by blocking roadways entirely as well as the potential for both property damage and loss-of-life consequences. There are also severe economic
Park-and-ride programs have been expanding for several years. For example, in Virginia they continue to gain popularity among commuters in both major metropolitan areas and even in rural areas.
TRB Special Report 235 was published in 1991 to evaluate the potential for widespread use of non-chloride deicers. The focus was on Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) due to its recent
Reducing runoff volumes using infiltration of stormwater has drawn increasing interest in recent years, given its ability to reduce stormwater volume, increase groundwater recharge, reduce peak flows, and lessen the
A study of past road projects that had added capacity and an analysis of induced growth caused by these projects. Determining which projects that added capacity actually induced growth and
In NEPA analysis that goes on for numerous years for transportation projects, the traffic data is updated with analytical consequences periodically throughout the process. But how often do these expensive
The development of standard reference cases for modeling various project types and pollutants would benefit state DOTs that are transitioning to the new federal models and guidance for project-level air
DOTs and other agencies working on transportation-related air quality issues are under increasing financial and environmental constraints. Several of these agencies put forward research ideas and fund research projects in
Currently field offices in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) use a variety of methods to determine if species suitable habitat is in a project area. Recently the New
South Carolina DOT would like to research how its Traffic Noise Abatement Policy compares to other states in the southeast, as well as the nation. Comparison of such items as:
Research is necessary to investigate the effects of roads and passages on threatened Mojave desert tortoise genetics, demography, and population connectivity. It will also be helpful to conduct additional research
Templates for modeling of various typical transportation project types would be developed in this proposed study. The modeling would be conducted using the latest updates to US EPA models and
Background: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are being named as Designated Management Agencies in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) management plans. This designation often brings with it the obligation for
Background: Many NPDES Permits require DOTs to monitor receiving waters to characterize runoff from DOT facilities, assess the effectiveness of BMPs, and for compliance with TMDLs. Monitoring programs require considerable
The benefits of bats to humans and the environment are well known. Some are principal pollinators and others consume large quantities of insects detrimental to agricultural crops and human health.
Even in remote areas of California, roads are challenging for wildlife-they lead to car strikes, changes in microhabitat characteristics along road boundaries, and large-scale habitat fragmentation. We all suspect that
Within the Colorado desert area of southern California, the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) spans 1.1 million acres across the Coachella Valley. Bordered by Joshua Tree National
Migratory birds establish nests on bridge structures and within roadway r-o-w’s. Restricted activity periods due to nesting restrict construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and bridges leading to increased costs.
Very little information is available on the Northern Long Eared bat’s likely use of vegetation flanking highway corridors. The objective of this research is to review existing data on the
Traditionally, state and local governments install the smallest structure necessary to pass a certain measurable flow as required by local, state and federal rules. Structures that are sized to bankfull-width
Transportation agencies worldwide are increasingly seeking ways to cost-effectively improve the sustainability of their various activities, particularly by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The PVNB is one technology that highway
The study would determine if Monarchs are attracted to vegetation within highway rights-of-way, if this attraction is due to milkweed species being present, and would estimate roadside mortality. Tasks required
Roads inhibit the movement of many terrestrial species, including mammals and reptiles, by increasing mortality or through avoidance by wildlife (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). In many cases, evidence for use
Federal and state objectives for streamlining project development may be supported in general by the development and implementation of programmatic agreements (PAs) and, where federal requirements for transportation conformity apply,
There are many air pollution emission components associated with motor vehicles, which historically have been subjected to stricter and stricter environmental controls, including running exhaust, crankcase running exhaust, cold start,
Runoff associated with highways and roads has been identified as a major source of fine sediment entering water bodies. Sediment removal methods include sediment traps, hydrodynamic and filtration devices, sediment
The NCHRP 25-25 Task 78 study (2015) successfully developed templates for programmatic agreement (PA) and associated technical documentation that are designed to be implemented by state DOTs to streamline project-level
Most recently, NCHRP 25-25 Task 78, developed templates for a PA for CO hot-spot analysis and identified needed research areas to develop PAs for PM hot spot analyses and MSAT
In 2007, the National Research Council (NRC) issued the landmark report “Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making” (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11972/models-in-environmental-regulatory-decision-making). It assessed EPA’s use of computer models in developing regulations and recommended
Wherever there is the motion there is the possibility of producing kinetic energy. The heavier and more consistent the motion – the more energy is produced. This concept can be
Transportation projects are often constructed and maintained in the presence of soil and ground water contaminated with petroleum, solvents, and other toxic and hazardous substances. Subsurface utilities and drainage structures
This research will provide information on the sensitivity of ambient air quality to project-level traffic and other key inputs in the traffic, emission and dispersion modeling chain including meteorological inputs.
Develop plant list and the associated pollinator (insects) and general timing of bloom of plant materials. general habitat of the insects and migration patterns.
Bat populations that hibernate in colonies in caves and mines are in steep decline across the U.S. due to white nose syndrome. Loss of summer roosting habitat can exacerbate the
The transportation sector is often identified as a major source of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) to receiving waters. Stormwater runoff from highways and roadways carries many pollutants such as sediment,
Research Idea Scope: Background: Petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants are present in stormwater runoff at most transportation facilities, and reducing their levels is a common requirement in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have garnered a great deal of interest in the transportation community. This proposed research will examine the use of UAS for environmental risk assessment and environmental
Gather and summarize existing information on crossing structures and methods for monitoring use by small terrestrial mammals, reptiles and amphibians to develop a summary of available reports, plans and design
Every year more than 22 million tons of salt (primarily NaCl) and other de-icing agents are applied to U.S. roads to maintain safe driving conditions in inclement weather. These chemicals
Bridge maintenance along with traffic, weather, and other related activities are continuous sources of pollution for the water bodies under the bridge. In Virginia, where are more than 10,000 bridges,
Noise Barrier Maintenance Costs: the scope of the project consists of surveying state DOTs to determine the annual (or periodic) maintenance costs of noise barriers (by material type). The results
Background: New vehicle technologies, publically sponsored programs, and public-private partnerships designed for various reasons but applicable to reduce vehicle-generated emissions have been emerging for a decade or more. These include
Background: There are several types of models used in analyzing highway emission impacts to air quality for both regional analysis and project or hotspot analysis and for both for NEPA
Rehabilitation of historic metal truss bridges often involves the replacement of rivets in the original bridge. Insofar as the rivets are considered part of the historic fabric of the bridge,
Develop a consistent methodology for analyzing noise impacts on different terrestrial species. Develop standard metrics and procedures for the DOTs to conduct noise analyses of our highway projects on wildlife,
This study presents thermal snow melting methods utilizing electric heating cable, geothermal, tunnel water heat, and solar that can be applicable for various locations on modern road networks. Compared with
This research will develop the design for a prototype robotic sweeper sweep/collect trash along mainline highway segments. The research should produce the following: 1. Design of a self driving sweeper
This project aims to model the environmental effect of a new form of car sharing system with free-floating vehicles. The free-floating vehicle system, unlike traditional car-sharing systems, is based on
The objective of this project is to develop guidance on how to apply microscopic traffic simulation models to project level emissions analysis, focusing specifically on vehicle trajectory information. This project
To comply with the transportation conformity requirements, state and local transportation agencies use various transportation strategies designed to reduce air pollutant emissions in nonattainment and maintenance areas by improving traffic
For project level analysis using MOVES model, detailed link level activity (volume, speed, source type mix, etc.) information are used to estimate link level emission rates or total emissions. Studies
Animal-vehicle conflicts (AVCs), and particularly the ever increasing deer-vehicle collisions, cause major transportation safety issues on U.S. roadways due to habitat fragmentation sustained by transportation developments. Therefore, the ability to
The optimal slope of approaches to highway overpasses for wildlife does not appear to be well documented. Understanding slope constraints could inform the design of overpass structures along the nation’s
Transportation agencies generate and then pay to dispose of large quantities of lightly contaminated materials such as street sweepings, gravel shoulder cuttings, and other roadway materials. These lightly contaminated materials
With rising concerns over climate change impacts and the resilience of urban infrastructures, cities are increasingly held accountable for their total carbon footprint and for their ability to identify and
Invasive plant species can create nuisance maintenance issues and even dangerous conditions for the traveling public by affecting lines-of-sight, efficiency of roadside drainage, etc. The NCHRP Synthesis Report 341 on
This research would analyze the new California Truck Survey data to develop MOVES model inputs and compare inputs developed from this survey with other sources. It would also provide suggestions
AIR QUALITY IS TYPICALLY MEASURED BY RESOURCE AGENCIES USING VERY EXPENSIVE STATIONARY MONITORING EQUIPMENT. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE BEST LOW COST AIR QUALITY SENSORS FOR DOT AIR QUALITY SPECIALISTS IS
Climate change in terms of severe weather events is impacting severely the road infrastructure throughout the world. To design, construct and operate all weather roads in cost effective manner is
I would like to see a study review the current relevance of Section 4(f) in terms of preservation of historic properties. Has it outlived its purpose, and now acts more as
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of smartphone sensors for automatically assessing the roughness of pavement and then efficiently managing the pavement network. By developing appropriate
DOTs are not currently creating renewable energy via existing or new noise wall construction. Noise wall posts are currently only used to hold noise wall panels in place. Research is
The objective is to develop a reliable methodology for determining and relaying the secondary and cumulative effects related to the implementation of connected and automated vehicles in environmental documentation. Develop
New technologies have made it possible to collect and characterize large amounts of data through remote sensing and other techniques. Sensors, drones, and powerful data analytics have the potential to
Highway projects often impact historic buildings and archeological sites, that when funded with Federal-aid funds, triggers Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). But those projects develop within
Summary of current practices by DOTs to use emerging data collection methods to address ecological concerns for transportation projects. These methods include (1) environmental DNA (eDNA) collection and analysis methods
The objective of this research is development of a Practitioners Handbook for the Noise Analysis Process for Design Build Projects. The completed handbook will provide state highway agency staff and
The objective of this research is development of a Practitioners Handbook for Noise Wall Inspection Procedures During and Post Construction. The completed handbook will provide state highway agency staff and
The streamlining value of statewide program-level Section 106 programmatic agreements (PAs) is well established and studied at the national level. What is less known is the value of project-level Section
Federal regulation makes a distinction between undertakings that adversely affect historic properties and those that do not (i.e., no-effect and no-adverse-effect findings). The basis for this distinction is whether a
Background For purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, Federal agencies have initiated efforts on how to assess the impacts of potential GHG emissions from proposed Federal actions
On-road mobile sources are still considered a major pollution source, especially in high-density urban areas. Regulatory measures have significantly decreased the emissions from tailpipes but other uncontrolled emissions from brake-wear,
Wildlife-vehicle conflicts (WVC) are a major safety, mobility, and sustainability concern for transportation infrastructure. Cross-referencing WVC data across states with right-of-way (ROW) vegetation management may yield ROW maintenance recommendations that
Fish passage barriers are a significant threat to the recovery of threatened and endangered fish and other aquatic species. There are often limitations to transportation funding that require the prioritization
Culvert and bridge design involve safely passing floods and debris while minimizing instability and maintenance requirements. Culverts and bridges also have the potential to reduce wildlife-vehicle conflicts (WVC) by facilitating
When a transportation project is undertaken, an air quality analysis may be required to meet federal and/or state requirements related to U.S. EPA transportation conformity regulations, NEPA, associated FHWA guidance,
The objective of this project is to develop guidance on how to apply microscopic traffic simulation models to project level emissions analysis, focusing specifically on vehicle trajectory information. This project
Background On January 18, 2017, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the final performance measure rule (PM3) under MAP-21. This rule, which took effect on May 20, 2017, established CMAQ
Many bridges that have been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places possess concrete components in need of repair. The Secretary of Interior Standards for concrete repair cannot
NCHRP 25-25 Task 104 recently completed updates to templates for a programmatic agreement (PA) for project-level air quality analyses for carbon monoxide (CO). The templates were designed to be customized
The scope of this project would be aimed toward gathering data on Desert Tortoise populations in the southern portion of the Owens Valley in California. As the Owens Valley represents
Recent advances in highway acoustic noise measurement technology have shown most vehicle noise generators are either at the tire/pavement interface or are positioned within 3.3 feet above the roadway surface.
Blasting, bridge pier construction, and other construction activities can temporarily increase noise and vibration levels, but to what extent does this occur inside caves? Collect and analyze noise and vibration
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