Home » Under $99k
Key databases, including RIP and TRID, used by transportation professionals to track up to date, open-sourced materials from state DOTs, local municipalities and federal sources are woefully out of date.
The objective for this study would be to compile information on the state of the practice among state DOTs for using microscopic traffic simulation in support of project-level air quality
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s preferred air dispersion model for refined transportation project analyses, AERMOD is used to model roadway “link” source using AREA, VOLUME, LINE, RLINE, or
.1 To minimize the capital costs of an open caste mine by direct method of project appraisal techniques against the target levels of production (MT/annum) and Manpower (000’s). For e.g.,
Regulatory requirements for conducting quantitative project-level analyses for particulate matter (PM) were introduced by EPA with the release of the MOVES model in 2010. This proposed study would prepare a
A nationwide survey of how transportation agencies from all levels are successfully defining Areas of Potential Effect (APEs) for projects across the country. APEs are defined as part of the
A nationwide survey of how transportation agencies from all levels are successfully communicating with both internal and external project partners throughout the Section 106 process. The survey would focus on
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. The research should be conducted in two phases. The first will identify innovative approaches for
Many users of EPA’s MOBILE model are developing regional or local fleet characterization data to more accurately predict mobile source emissions. Vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder software is often used
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – Energy Information Administration, Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2006 (Part II – User and Fuel Data); May 2008; Contains detailed data on the use
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 39, “Improving Project Environmental Cost Estimates.” Project completion date: October 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1657 Improvement of cost estimating practices and the
This research project will build on research grounded in environmental science to identify and evaluate approaches for improving water quality and watershed performance and to reduce habitat fragmentation and its
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 38, “Guide to Use of Tier I Environmental Impact Statements for Transportation Projects.” Completion date October 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1656 The
Project development depends on good communication among the public, planners, and project development teams. Technical design drawings and maps have limited value when a project requries communication with non-engineers and
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Subcommittee on Cultural Resources. Phase 1 Share successful efforts by public agencies to inform the public of the results
Develop decision-making guidance on preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic bridges.
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. This project will facilitate state DOT peer exchanges using the current volume of The Compendium
A succinct definition of context needs to be developed within the community in terms of its aesthetic character, visual quality, cultural diversity, and how these elements translate into the existing
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 43, “Guidance on legal sufficiency criteria for adequate cumulative and secondary impacts analysis in EIS documents.” Report submitted September
Document the current regulatory and policy environment on this topic and its implications for state DOTs. Review states’ experiences in mitigating for cumulative impacts. Identify best practices and lessons learned.
TERI Administrator Note: Based on a February 2008 review by Center staff, the write up for this idea needs additional review, clarification, or rewriting. Throughout the country, many departments and
TERI Administrator Note (2/18/08): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (55) “Design, Organize and Implement a Training Program for Mainstreaming Environmental Stewardship and Enhancement Activities into Planning and Project Development“ Design
Identify an assessment method to determine regional cumulative impacts. Identify what are cumulative impacts in both spatial (region) and timeframe (horizon- year) terms. Develop sample matrix or other tools to
Identify and describe effective approaches for outreach to non-traditional groups. TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 62 for 2009, “Improving the Effectiveness of
Background In February 2010 the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released draft guidance for NEPA Mitigation and Monitoring. The memorandum proposes: “To provide guidance for departments and agencies of the
Roadsides in the United States cover an area equal to 100,000 football fields for every state (TRB 1997) and are often refuges for rare native plants. These areas represent an
TERI Administrator Note (Jan 2009) – Completed. See http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/case_studies/ Develop and disseminate case studies that demonstrate how transportation projects have been planned, designed, and constructed to: be neighborhood friendly; avoid,
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 42 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1660. TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Task reported completed Nov. 2008. The US EPA emission factor document called
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Idea selected for implementation with NCHRP 25-25 (Task 58) funding in 2009; completed August 2010 Background: Greenhouse gas emissions and the related subject of
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 45 (http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1663) “Transportation Program Responses to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Initiatives and Energy Reduction Programs” Background: The prospect of
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 40. Completed January 2008. http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1658 Background: The cost and total quantity of noise barriers as an environmental abatement
Issue Environmental agencies in the Pacific Northwest are concerned about dissolved copper in stormwater. Extremely low concentrations of dissolved copper (1 to 5 parts per billion) have been shown to
Background/Need for this Research: "Green" or "Low Impact Development" design features and management practices, such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, and permeable paving systems, can be important elements of
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 36 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1654 Completed October 2009. Completed study can be found at: http://www.trb.org/NotesDocs/25-25(36)_FR.pdf Survey the state transportation agencies and FHWA
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 41 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1659 Project completion date: November 2008 Using the 2002/2003 FHWA domestic scan on environmental commitments and AASHTO’s subsequent
TERI Administrator Note (May 2013): Completed Sept 2010 as NCHRP 25-25/Task 60 Increased Use of Environmentally Preferable, Non-Toxic Products to Reduce Costs, Liabilities, and Pollution at DOT Offices, Maintenance Facilities
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits work on bridges and CBCs when active swallow nests are present. Controls to prevent nesting swallows on bridges and concrete box culverts not only
TERI Adminstrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 61 for 2009. Many state transportation agencies have successfully integrated GIS into their cultural resource work, using
There is a need prepare a white paper to identify practical strategies and methods for stopping/reversing the extension of invasive weeds along roadsides.
The research would solicit, compile, analyze, screen, sort, present, and then distribute effective figures, tables, graphics, visual simulations, video, and other visualization examples for nationwide use and adaptation by practitioners.
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (53). Background: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has recently been issued a number of Water Quality Certifications by the NH
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (52). Background: Under the Clean Water Act, the Corps is delegated the authority to permit the discharge of dredged or
In the near future, transit will have to play a key role in solutions to metropolitan traffic congestion and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. To fulfill
Review FHWA’s current activities in both programs, and identify opportunities to harmonize efforts.
TERI Database Administrator Notes: – Related research: Using LiDAR to detect cultural resources in a forested environment: an example from Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA; Julie M. Gallagher 1,
Background: In July 2003, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Environment prepared a synthesis report on Construction Vibration and Historic Buildings. The URL for accessing this report
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. A similar project was advanced through NCHRP 25-25, but was dropped because the issue is no longer of
Use Laser ablation/mass spectrometry (LA/MS) to detect historic metal and PAH pollution incorporated in calcareous skeleton of Coral & Mollusks with a precision of days to months. Coral samples from
Background: State DOTs are implementing actions and programs that were developed to provide mobility, cost savings or other benefits. By their nature, many of the actions and programs have greenhouse
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25 (46) “Compendium of Best Practices for Environmental Compliance and Stewardship at Transportation Maintenance Facilities” Background: All transportation agencies are involved with
TERI Database Administrator Notes:: Funded under NCHRP 25-25 (47) “Compendium of Best Practices for Incorporating Environmental Commitments into Transportation Project Construction Contract Documents” Background: During the planning and design phases
Organisms pick up some heavy metals in proportion to their exposure in aquatic systems, they then deposit these elements along with calcium into their calcareous shells or skeleton. Many of
Copper toxicity to salmonids is currently referenced to a series of Laboratory tests that were conducted using well water and copper that was deliberately kept ionic, uncomplexed. Toxicity in these
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Storm water BMP’s are alternatives options to the traditional gutter/culvert approach to treat runoff water. BMP’s
Install Compost berms, Compost Wattles in several traffic corridors and test their filtering capacities. At the end of six month intervals, analyze the compost filters/berms for concentrations of heavy metals.
One of the procedures used to reduce the disposal of asphalt and concrete pavement is to perform small pavement cuts and utilize the excavated pavement sections during the restoration process.
Using data from one state, conduct a statistical analysis to show the degree to which vehicle miles traveled and 1) accident rates and 2) cost of accidents correlate. Auto insurance
With the growing interest in mitigating climate change impacts from transportation facilities and other projects, a need exists to more fully examine potential impacts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Background Throughout the US, state DOTs are striving to develop more comprehensive transportation programs that provide infrastructure and services with less impact on the surrounding environment. Great efforts have been
Problem Statement: The National Park System includes 391 sites covering more than 84 million acres. These sites receive some 300 million annual visitors. Transportation has always been an integral part
Research problem statement – The extent to which state DOTs consider and implement maintenance programs to reduce pesticide and herbicide applications, and cause disturbance of roadside vegetation, as well as
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Note recommended at present time by 2009 Environmental Process Subcommittee. Problem Statement Several high-speed rail projects in the U.S. were proposed, analyzed, assessed, but were not built,
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is engaged in an innovative, collaborative effort with the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) to understand and lessen the effects of existing and
Research problem statement – Cured in place (CIP) pipe replacement can have severe environmental effects on workers as well as aquatic resources because of the use of the toxic styrene.
Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMW) would partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Sierra Club to carry out this study. NEMW, in a recent study funded by the Abell
While archaeological sites are relatively prevelent in Oregon, they are an important and non-renewable resource vital to our knowledge of the past. Destructive impacts to archaeological sites can occur from
Establish a Travelers Information Stations (TIS) at up to nine existing Highway Advisory Radios (HAR) along US101 in Oregon (Figure 1). A typical TIS utilizes ODOT’s HAR to provide the
Historic Right-of-Way (ROW) maps provide invaluable information on buildings, structures, and other features that were within or along ODOT ROW. Today, some of these features may have been destroyed for
TERI Database Administrator Notes. Not recommended at present time by 2009 Natural Systems Subcommittee. Transportation corridors are a potential vector for the spread of invasive plant species throughout New Hampshire.
Perform a rapid and targeted global online communication technology assessment focused on emerging tools and “gadgets” that could be adapted, combined or customized to meet specific public involvement and participatory
Wildlife / vehicle collision reduction is a primary goal for providing a safe transportation infrastructure on America’s highways. At the same time, the landscape level impacts on wildlife habitats adjacent
Background In the United States, the majority of the highway system is already built. The ways in which transportation agencies maintain the current system have a major impact on environmental
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) typically have project selection criteria that prioritize MPO spending of federal transportation funds. These criteria differ greatly among MPOs. It would be helpful to have a
Subsurface gravel wetlands(SGW) have proven successful as a nitrogen control strategies however costly to construct. SGW have been shown to remove >95% of NO3-N and >55% removal of TP and
Biochar would be specifically produced as an amendment to soil in an attempt to manage carbon concentrations in the atmosphere and create better soil conditions. Specifically, we will assess the
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will cooperate with the Georgia Department of Transportation to evaluate and trial eight regionally significant native species that will be incorporated into wildflower seed
Heavy on-road vehicle freight transportation is a significant contributor of green house gas and other pollutant emissions. Much work has been done to reduce emissions through mandated changes in vehicle
While many agencies use indicators to track performance in areas such as natural environment mitigation, congestion management, or safety, there is a critical and timely need for indicators that support
Background There are several web sites, reports, studies, and guidance on the tribal consultation process associated with historic preservation compliance and transportation project delivery. The following is a sample
Porous pavement usage and design has improved dramatically since 2002 (Kandhal and Mallick, 2002) with published guidelines on mix designs (NAPA 2003) with continued refinements (UNHSC 2009) and others. The
Problem Hydrogen has been proposed as a feasible alternative fuel for vehicles. However, the ramifications of such an approach to transportation have not been fully assessed. These include: the emissions due to
Problem Statement Transfer mobility measurements are used to help predict vibration and ground-borne noise impacts from transit and rail systems and also to evaluate the effectiveness of vibration mitigation techniques.
Problem Statement On a national scale, increased emphasis is being placed on expansion and refurbishment of fixed-guideway transit systems, especially steel rail-steel wheel formats. This has exacerbated the need for
Problem Induced demand – also referred to as latent demand – is the phenomenon that after supply increases, more of a good is consumed. In economic terms, the demand for
Problem Current surface transportation systems depend on century-old internal-combustion technology that produces millions of tons of GHG’s and other emissions annually. Highway vehicles produce emissions while idling in traffic and in
Problem An increase in allowable freight tonnage on U.S. highways has been proposed. Such an increase in truck weight could affect greenhouse gases (GHG’s) and other emissions, and the mix of
We propose to perform comprehensive investigation of wind resources generated from vehicle wakes onUS highways via physical collection of vehicle-generated wind data using state of the art wind measuring instrumentation,
Tolling has been identified as having a potentially disproportionate impact on low income populations. This research would consist of a state of the issue literature search on how different NEPA, or
In light of the requirement for state DOT’s to update their noise poicies, it would be beneficial to compare the policies for regional and nationwide trends.
There are several examples of metropolitan areas choosing not to build major transportation infrastructure for single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) – Vancouver, B.C.; San Francisco, CA etc. This study would be a comparative
Currently, to implement Eco-Logical, it is critical to either implement or adopt a Regional Ecosystem Framework (REF) or a Watershed Plan for the transportation/conservation planning area. Currently there are many
Problem Statement: Climate change, energy security and air quality concerns are at the forefront of contemporary challenges in the transportation sector. High quality travel behavior data provides an important input
Background There is a wealth of research on climate change and transportation that has been completed or is currently underway. In order to properly identify research gaps and needs, there
Background As the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to federal actions in all 50 states, most state DOT’s have partnered with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop and
The focus of the project is laying out a vision for sustainable energy for passenger vehicles. The project will: Identify the role of government policies on energy transitions in addressing
Research and report on the intersection of sustainability and historic preservation, focusing on identifying the benefits of reinvesting in older, historic transportation infrastructure and in maintaining existing facilities in America’s
TERI Administrator Note (May 2011): AASHTO/CEE Programmatic Library covers this research idea. Compile case studies of transportation projects for which Programmatic Agreements are used for compliance with Section 106 of
With the use of electronic media becoming prevalent in communication how effective are virtual NEPA public meetings. Some states have done research in public meeting options but at this point
Perform a sustainability evaluation of 3 to 5 recent NPDES stormwater permits in the State of California Develop metrics and a simple method to rank permits from a sutainability
In concert with UC Davis, take samples from the calcareous skeletons/shells of invertebrates, cross section them through annual growth rings, burn samples from within the growth ring, analyze the vaporized
Scope: Research Objectives: The Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Forest Management Act require that stream-road crossings are designed such that viable populations of native aquatic species are
The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of sustainable transportation efforts in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with particular reference to performance measures. The workshop will
The goal of the proposal is the development of a raster-based GIS model of the potential for the presence of prehistoric archaeological sites in the state of Indiana. The model
The way one drives has an impact on the instantaneous and total emissions produced for a given trip. Driving style has an impact on microscopic (second by second) vehicle activities
Introduction – The medium and heavy duty trucking industry sector could be responsible for 300-400 million metric tons of CO2 by 2030 (World Resource Institute). The same sector currently accounts for
With the rapid development of new energy passenger vehicles and high speed rail, heavy duty trucks will likely become the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emission contributor in transportation sector. In
The recent concurrent introduction of models (MOVES2010, CAL3QHCR and AERMOD) and associated guidance new to federally-required project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with responsibilities in project implementation.
Scope: 1. Objective General observations indicate a significant disparity in bicycle usage between the City of Cambridge and the neighborhood of Mattapan/Dorchester section of Boston where bicycle lanes were recently installed. The
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ( 16 USC 470(f)) requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for
Federal law requires state departments of transportation (DOTs) to make available for donation to non-DOT parties any historic bridge that is programmed for demolition or replacement (23 USC 144(o)(4)). This
The objective is to idenity opportunities for energy development at properties currently used for Rest Areas. A guidance document on basic requirement would allow for sites to be assessed for future
The object is to characterize the health impacts from decisions on transportation–from planning to projects. This relationship is thought to influence public health issues and transportation agencies need more information about
The objective of this research is to develop a common framework for reporing the cultural resources that are suspected or confirmed during project development/construction.
Testing of a noise reduction panel that has a .95 NRC (noise reduction coifficient) for a lower decibel rating. Mounting panels on existing walls and taking decible readings from different locations.
Develop a method to use less water when curing concrete cylinders in a moisture room and develop a procedure to recylce water from the moisture room. Several times Metro-Atlanta has experienced
Objective- To show that in most cases that the IPAC system is greatly flawed and the most states have far more accurate data in their own GIS Systems.The best available
Problem Statement: Large animal-vehicle collisions are a growing problem nationwide and results in fatalities, personal injuries, and property damage. While “road-kill” data is collected, the nation needs to quantify the extent
Scope: The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice May 2012 draft report “Establishing and Coordinating Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets State-of-the-Practice” recommended an NCHRP study to: “advance the state-of-the-practice for establishing
The objective of the project would be to develop example contracting parameters for state DOTs seeking to work with third-party renewable energy developers and/or utilities to construct and manage renewable
The FWS’s Landscape Energy Action Plan in Wyoming piloted a landscape level approach to assessment of impacts to multiple species to assist wind and transmission corridor development, an approach applicable
Identify and test technologies promising “dust-free” environments. Suggested technologies include water-blasting and abrasive blasting with sponge/grit.
Key tasks: *Literature review *Interview states with similar initiatives (e.g., NJ, Maine) *Recommend best practices This idea came to mind today during National Trails Training Partnership discussion of publication:
Some years, pine siskins, red crossbills, evening grosbeaks, American goldfinches and other finches are attracted to roads treated with salt. Observers often report lethargy and a lack of wariness as
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Asset Management, a Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) can “act as a focal point for information” about state DOT assets, their
Climate change is making it more difficult to maintain some infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas subject to sea level rise. In some areas, DOTs are already foreseeing that the department
Automated on-site data collection, GPS/AVL on maintenance vehicles to collect time and material information on maintaining individual BMPs, and national higher resolution datasets coming online are all trends that may
Over the past decade, carsharing has evolved from an early-adopter stage to become a new mode of transportation in urban areas across the country. While significant work has been done
State DOTs have measurably increased their participation in the climate change, transportation asset, and environmental planning linkage. There is currently a national policy movement to address these linkages and how
DOTs are not able to afford to make all desirable changes to adapt to impending climate change, but at least they can provide good basic guidance to local governments on
Background (Problem): Climate change is altering the physical environment that we are living in. Future changes in climate will bring with it rising temperatures, increased precipitation events, rising sea levels,
Given the tight budget times, DOTs are often not in a position to make further investments in environmental areas, but some environmental practices generate other efficiencies for DOTs. These co-benefits
More and more DOTs are developing pilot “showcase” projects on LEED certification of rest areas and oather facilities. Illinois DOT invested in research on the most efficient, cost-effective ways to
FHWA and legal advisors have often insisted on the prominent display of disclaimers in conjunction with social media, which practitioners fear discourages public involvement. Such disclaimers often indicate that limited
Background: Sea-level rise, increased precipitation events, and increased storm severity resulting from a changing climate will increase the vulnerability of transportation assets to flooding and other physical stressors. Recent extreme
Section 1113 of MAP-21 addresses the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and provides for “optional programmatic eligibility” as follows: (1) IN GENERAL.—At the discretion of a metropolitan
Current US DOT guidance specifies 140 to 150 thousand in average daily traffic (ADT) volume as the effective threshold, applicable across the nation, for conducting quantitative assessments of mobile source
In 2012, a template for NEPA/conformity documentation for project-level air quality analyses was completed as NCHRP 25-25 (Task 71), (See “Templates for Project Level Analysis Using MOVES, CAL3QHC/R and AERMOD”,
The use of porous asphalt pavement (PAP) can purify stormwater runoff and recharge the groundwater. PAP is one of the acceptable structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a federally listed endangered species and the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a species proposed for Federal listing under the Endangered Species Act
In 1998, the Peninsular bighorn sheep (PBS) was federally listed as endangered throughout its distribution in the Peninsular Ranges of California. As identified by the PBS Recovery Plan (USFWS 2000),
Survey of DOTs, MPOs, LPAs and NGOs regarding bat management strategies, mitigation on and off structures, effectiveness, and general cost benefit analysis including maintenance implications and costs.
Survey of DOTs, MPOs, LPAs and NGOs regarding designs for promoting sensitive reptile and amphibian crossings of roadway corridors, effectiveness, and general cost benefit analysis including maintenance implications and costs.
Survey and compilation of information on erosion control products that are safe for sensitive reptiles and amphibians (netting-free) and erosion control treatments (alternatives to rip rap) that do not block
Survey of DOTs on use of on-line species databases and available GIS data. Which databases are most useful and what are the characteristics that make them useful (resolution and accuracy
A survey of DOTs, FHWA offices, USFWS and federal land managing agencies for practices adopted to manage project review given the uncertainty associated with increasing listing of new species under
The recently completed NCHRP 08-83 study (see excerpt below) on “Analytical Travel Forecasting Approaches for Project-Level Planning and Design” addressed project-level transportation modeling in detail but only addressed air quality
The use of mobile source emissions models is inescapable for many regulatory, planning, and research applications in the air quality and transportation field. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 USC §306108) requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for listing
Synthesize publicly-available data to create a computer model that calculates carbon footprint for DOT-centric development. Inputs are needed for embodied carbon, carbon burned during construction and maintenance, and carbon sequestered
The problems of food deserts, access to healthy foods, and food system sustainability are usually framed as land use, economic development, environmental, and/or food policy problems, not as transportation problems.
State transportation agencies face an increasing number of federally listed species that need to be incorporated into planning processes, while needing to do so within a constrained budget. Each transportation
Development of a “manual” of standard practice for restoring historic bridges would be of great help to the practicing engineer. Civil Engineering curriculum typically doesn’t teach in detail regarding wrought
The designation and classification of areas as nonattainment areas has significant impact on that area. It requires developing both policy and technical approaches to bring the area back into attainment.
Every year a tremendous amount of work goes into public involvement for complex or controversial transportation projects. Creative and effective public involvement strategies have been developed for Section 106 consulting
Under 23 USC 144, any State that proposes to demolish a historic bridge for a replacement project…shall first make the historic bridge available for donation. Truss bridges are logical choices
BACKGROUND: Public-private partnerships (P3s) are contractual agreements formed between a public agency and a private sector entity that allow for greater private sector participation in the delivery and financing of
BACKGROUND: Beginning in in the early 1990s, some State Department of Transportations (State DOTs) began to fund additional staff positions at resource agencies to expedite project delivery. After the passage
Description: It is generally recognized that not all historic truss bridges can be rehabilitated in place or relocated because of structural condition, financial costs, or public interest in preservation in-place.
The rehabilitation of historic bridges often must accommodate upgrading certain components to modern engineering and safety standards. Railing systems are among the most visually prominent of such components, either through
Road features have both positive and negative effects on their surroundings. While roads provide transportation for people and goods, there are a significant number of negative ecological impacts that can
With increasing numbers of species being considered and listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for protection under the Endangered Species Act, the need to integrate protection of species
Objective of research would be to provide verifiable data demonstrating effects of elevated structures in various ecosystems to help accurately identify impacts for permitting and NEPA studies. Impacts to freshwater
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 USC §306108) requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for listing
BACKGROUND: Recent research has challenged the effectiveness of roadway abrasives in certain settings, but states throughout the nation still use roadway abrasives as part of their winter maintenance programs. The
Roadside trees can create hazards in different ways beyond the crash risk with a fixed object. Additional hazards that create transportation risk are dropping limbs or entire trees falling into
One of the greatest challenges to state transportation agencies is maintenance of roadsides along urban freeway corridors. In many cases plantings in such corridors are designed to be more ornamental
Survey of DOTs, wildlife scientists and landscape architects to summarize species that are valuable for roadside revegetation, pollinators and/or stormwater applications but are not likely to attract wildlife to the
This study would be a follow-up to the 2008 NCHRP study on post-World War II housing and specifically focus on identifying strategies employed by state DOTs to manage the exponential
The Congestion Management and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) has existed since 1991 providing benefits by reducing air pollution. This program has evolved over the years and will be entering
Traditionally, the main priority of winter road maintenance has been assigned to level of service, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure corrosion rather than other less well-characterized effects such as impacts to water
In most states, commitment to put a context-sensitive bridge in as a replacement for a historic bridge in a historic district is made without reference to known examples, design and
The US interstate highway system is essentially complete, and was constructed in large part without the benefit of stormwater quality features to improve highway runoff water quality or measures to
Monitoring of stormwater runoff from highways is a required element of most DOT NPDES permits, and some DOTs are required to monitor receiving waters as well. Monitoring and sampling activities
The US interstate highway system is essentially complete, and was constructed in large part without the benefit of stormwater quality features to improve highway runoff water quality or measures to
Overview of low effect HCPs, tips for preparation and case studies from transportation agencies that are currently using low effect HCPs to address endangered species affected by non-federal projects and
Create a predictive model tool that uses bridge inventory data to rate the likelihood of migratory bird use on structures. A simple tool could be created using a few common
Customarily archaeologists have been in control of identification of stone features. These have been readily recognized on the Northern Plains and the Southwest, but less so in the NE and
Wildlife crossings and enhancements are often integrated into transportation projects and are becoming a larger aspect with long-term mitigation planning for many state DOTs and transportation agencies. There are unknowns
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), published two “program alternatives” (viz. 36 CFR 800.14) that significantly streamlined transportation project development. These
Regional advanced mitigation planning (RAMP) has been promoted by DOT/FHWA and others and several projects have been conducted. However, for a RAMP supporting an LRTP to be successful, it must
Conflicts between vehicles and animals on roadways result in 200 human deaths and more than $4B in damages every year nationwide. VDOT spends $4M per year dealing with the challenging
By spanning physical objects such as water features and valleys, bridges connect places of importance. These structures also provide a secondary benefit to wildlife as a means to navigate facilities
Much of the nation’s transportation system needs updating or replacing and some of this infrastructure is in-and-around environmentally sensitive marine environments. Removing underwater concrete bridge piers and rock outcroppings can
As required by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, when work such as the discharge of dredged or fill material occurs in Waters of the United States, including jurisdictional
This study will consist of a survey of DOTs to establish highway-specific requirements for bioretention implementation and assist in standardizing the terminology of the DOT sector. The ultimate product of
This study would develop recommendations for future research topics for air quality, climate change and energy, i.e., a research roadmap. Recommendations would be developed to cover all available NCHRP funding
Air pollution across the nation has improved significantly over the past 20 years. Nonetheless, in highly populated area, sensitive populations living adjacent to high volume roadways are exposed to air
While 23 CFR 772 outlines how state DOT’s will implement noise analysis and abatement procedures for highway improvement projects, many of the important policy decisions are left to the states
Your one stop source of environmental information for transportation professionals.